Levothyroxine and potassium iodide are both effective in treating benign solitary solid cold nodules of the thyroid

Article Abstract:

Levothyroxine and potassium iodide appear to be effective in treating certain types of nonmalignant thyroid nodules. Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone, and potassium iodide have been used together and separately to treat certain types of goiter caused by iodine deficiency. Seventy patients with small, solid, cold thyroid nodules were randomly assigned to a one-year treatment with either levothyroxine or potassium iodide, or to no treatment. Patients were evaluated every four months. Average nodule volume decreased 40% among the 23 patients taking levothyroxine and 23% among the 25 patients taking potassium iodide. There was a slight increase in nodule volume among the 22 untreated patients. A reduction greater than or equal to 50% was found among nine patients taking levothyroxine and 5 patients taking potassium iodide. Only nodules less than 10 milliliters in volume shrank. No untreated patient experienced nodule shrinkage. Drug stoppage among treated patients resulted in an increase in average nodule volume within four months. Although levothyroxine proved more effective, it has been reported to cause reduction of bone mineral density with long-term use.

Drug therapy, Potassium iodide

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Why do clinicians continue to debate the use of levothyroxine in the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules?

Article Abstract:

The treatment of thyroid nodules poses a dilemma to the clinician. Therapies such as levothyroxine and potassium iodide do not always shrink the nodule, and they may have adverse effects such as osteoporosis. Though most nodules are benign, untreated nodules may also pose risks. Even a benign nodule may develop into a malignancy or grow large enough to obstruct the thoracic inlet and cause complications. Malignant nodules tend to grow slowly and do not often cause death. Factors such as the patient's medical condition or age also affect treatment. At the very least, the patient with thyroid nodules demands life-long observation.

Care and treatment, Editorial

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Ultrasonography in the management of thyroid nodules

Article Abstract:

Ultrasound imaging of the thyroid gland can detect many thyroid nodules, according to a study of 223 patients. Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid that may be benign or cancerous.

Evaluation, Ultrasound imaging, Diagnosis

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