Salivary gland dysfunction after radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy in patients following total thyroidectomy: emphasis on radioactive iodine therapy dose

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate symptoms, images of salivary gland dysfunction, and related clinical factors in thyroid cancer patients with total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine therapy (RIT).MethodsWe included 164 patients who underwent thyroid ultrasonography or contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography more than 6 months later after RIT. Correlation between subjective symptoms and various RIT doses was also evaluated.ResultsSwelling and decreased salivary volume were the most common symptoms and images. RIT dose was the only factor with a positive correlation (P< .001).ConclusionThe dose of RIT should be carefully determined to minimize gland dysfunction.