[Postradiation hypothyroidism in patients with lymphogranulomatosis]

A total of 93 patients with Hodgkin's disease were investigated at different times after radiation therapy. The hypothyroid status was found in 21.7% of the patients. The influence of the patients' age at the time of irradiation, administration of iodine-containing contrast drugs, polychemotherapy, and a summary focal dose of thyroid irradiation on the frequency of development of postradiation hypothyrosis was discussed. Criteria for substitution therapy with thyroid hormones were defined.