Toxic Nodular Goiter Follow-up

Updated: Oct 25, 2021
  • Author: Philip R Orlander, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: George T Griffing, MD  more...
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Follow-up

Further Outpatient Care

After starting PTU or methimazole in patients with toxic nodular goiter (TNG), repeat free T4 or free T4 index measurements at 4-6 weeks. TSH levels rise slower because of suppression by elevated thyroid hormone levels and may take several months to normalize.

Radioiodine ablation may take 10 weeks to achieve clinical response. Patients may require treatment with antithyroid drugs and beta blockers in the interim period. Check biochemical evaluation of thyroid function approximately 4 weeks after initial treatment.

Patients who undergo total thyroidectomy should be started on levothyroxine at the time of discharge, unless they are clinically hyperthyroid. Evaluate thyroid function 4-6 weeks after surgery. In the case of subtotal thyroidectomy, thyroid hormone replacement is not required; evaluate thyroid function approximately 1 month after surgery.

Monitor patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism on initial biochemical evaluation every 6 months for the development of overt hyperthyroidism.