[Iodine-induced hypothyroidism (author's transl)].

Excessive administration of iodine over a long period may cause hypothyroidism in suitably disposed individuals and provoke the formation of a goiter. The underlying reason for this is the pathological lack of adaptation of the thyroid gland to high doses of iodine with persisting inhibition of hormone production through excess of intracellular iodine (Wolff-Chaikoff effect). Asthmatic patients--as in the case described - are usually affected, when they have taken iodine-containing expectorants over a long time. Provocation of an iodine-induced hypothyroidism by the recently required iodine prophylaxis of endemic goiter is not to be expected because the quantities of iodine lie within the physiological range.