Chronological patterns of lacrimal drainage obstruction following radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer

Radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer is associated with a risk of delayed complications affecting radiosensitive organs. One such complication is secondary obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system caused by accumulation of I-131 in the wall of the nasolacrimal duct, leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the precise chronological pattern of this pathology's onset remains undefined. PURPOSE: This study investigated the chronological patterns of lacrimal drainage obstruction following radioactive iodine therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: <0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS: =0.018). The administered activity of I-131 had no statistically significant impact. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal drainage obstruction is a delayed complication of radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer, with a peak incidence at 25-36 months after treatment. The critical screening period is 6-51 months post-therapy. Early diagnosis and timely referral to an ophthalmologist improve the effectiveness of minimally invasive interventions.