Evaluation of risk in autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.

Based on iodine deficiency in Germany autonomous functioning nodules develop and are loaded with the risk of hyperthyroidism. Even subclinical hyperthyroidism has health implications including general symptoms, diseases of the cardiovascular system (atrial fibrillation, risk of thrombembolism, stroke and other embolic events) and a reduction of axial bone mineral density. Fortunately functional nodules have a very low probability of being malignant. However, there exist a coexistence of thyroid carcinoma outside the hot nodule.