A quantitative analysis of the effects of supersaturated potassium iodide (SSKI) on the vascularity of the thyroid gland in Graves’ Disease.

Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disease that most commonly affects the thyroid gland causing the gland to enlarge, become overactive, and cause potentially life threatening hyperthyroidism symptoms such as an increased heartbeat, muscle weakness, disturbed sleep, and irritability. It affects women more than men, and affects up to 2% of the female population. One of the hallmarks of the disease is the increased diffuse vascularity of the thyroid gland due to its overactivity. High doses of potassium iodide decreases the vascularity of the thyroid gland, a phenomenon known as the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, and has been used in the preoperative management of Graves’ Disease. This study aims to quantify the decrease in the vascularity of the thyroid gland with the use of SSKI in the preoperative management of Graves’ Disease.

Specialty Area(s)

Thyroid
Endocrine

Trial Location

United States