[Indication and contraindication of radioiodine therapy for Graves' disease].

All patients with Graves' disease are potential candidates for radioiodine therapy with I-131 except during pregnancy and breast feeding. In addition, for those who wish to have babies, at least 6 months of contraception should be observed after administration of I-131 in a therapeutic dose. On top of its famous role as the last resort after severe adverse reaction to antithyroid drugs or at relapse after surgery, this method is also very suitable for subjects who prefer a safe and sure way of cure from hyperthyroidism rather than a prolonged and sometimes unpredictable drug regimen, and for those who wish to reduce their goiter size. Moreover, under exceptional circumstances, children can be treated with radioiodine. Patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy should be followed up closely after I-131 therapy to rule out aggravation of their eye disease.