Hyperparathyroidism after radioactive iodine therapy.

BACKGROUND

Radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment has been suggested to cause primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). We describe a series of patients with HPT and a history of RAI exposure.

METHODS

Patient demographic and clinical information was evaluated, including the latency time to the development of HPT after RAI exposure.

RESULTS

We treated 11 patients with HPT and a history of RAI exposure. RAI treatment was administered for benign thyroid disease in 9 (82%) cases. Thirty-six cases of HPT after RAI exposure in the English literature were compiled for further analysis. In this collective experience, the average latency time to the development of HPT after RAI treatment was 13.5 +/- 9.1 years and was found to be inversely correlated with age at RAI exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who undergo RAI treatment are at risk of developing HPT, and this risk appears to increase in elderly patients. Serum calcium surveillance is recommended for patients who have undergone RAI treatment.