Salivary gland dysfunction and nasolacrimal duct obstruction: stenotic changes following I-131 therapy

Abstract

Radioactive iodine has long been used in the treatment of cancers of the thyroid. While salivary complications secondary to I-131 therapy in association with xerophthalmia are well documented, there is little in the literature addressing simultaneous nasolacrimal duct obstruction with salivary gland dysfunction. The authors present 2 patients with epiphora from bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction and concurrent sialadenitis following I-131 ablation therapy for papillary thyroid carcinoma. These cases highlight the lacrimal and salivary duct complications resulting from I-131 therapy, introduce the possibility of a shared mechanism of damage, and demonstrate the availability of effective treatments for both conditions. Ophthalmologists see patients with epiphora from I-131 therapy and should be aware of the possible concurrent symptoms caused by salivary duct stenosis to make timely and appropriate referrals.