Favorable Response to Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Malignant Pleural Effusion
10.11106/ijt.2026.19.1.104
- Author:
Meihua JIN
1
;
Cha A KIM
;
Won Gu KIM
Author Information
1. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- Publication Type:CASE REPORTS
- From:International Journal of Thyroidology
2026;19(1):104-109
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a rare but severe complication of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). MPE typically occurs in advanced disease and is often refractory to radioiodine (RAI) therapy, resulting in poor survival outcomes. We report a rare case of a 52-year-old male with MPE present at the time of DTC diagnosis who demonstrated a favorable response to RAI therapy. The patient underwent three cycles of high-dose RAI (200 mCi each), resulting in sustained disease control. Despite the typical refractoriness of MPE in DTC, this case illustrates that when RAI avidity is preserved, combined treatment with RAI and supportive interventions such as thoracentesis and pleurodesis can lead to improved outcomes. This case highlights the importance of individualized treatment strategies and suggests that even advanced cases with MPE may benefit from aggressive RAI-based therapy when appropriately selected.
