Iodide-Induced Thyrotoxicosis in Boston

Abstract

Abstract The syndrome of iodide-induced hyperthyroidism (Jodbasedow) is not common and has been reported to occur in patients with iodine-deficient goiter after iodide replenishment. As part of a larger study to assess the effects of iodide administration on thyroid hormone synthesis in normal subjects and in patients with various underlying disorders of the thyroid, iodides (5 drops of a saturated solution of potassium iodide) were administered to eight patients with nontoxic goiter residing in Boston, an area of iodine sufficiency. Hyperthyroidism developed during and after iodide administration in four of the eight — an unexpectedly high frequency. This finding suggests that the homeostatic mechanism controlling thyroid hormone synthesis and release in these patients is not functioning normally. We recommend that large doses of iodides not be administered to patients with nontoxic goiter.