TREATMENT OF THYROTOXICOSIS WITH 1-METHYL-2-MERCAPTOIMIDAZOLE

Abstract

THIS report deals with the use of 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. Figure 1 shows its structural formula, and, with it, that of 6-n-propylthiouracil. There were 32 selected thyrotoxic patients in our series. Fifteen had been previously treated with iodine or a thiouracil; all except two, however, had completely relapsed on cessation of previous therapy. In both exceptions partial remission had been induced with methylthiouracil treatment. None represented examples of recurrent postoperative thyrotoxicosis. CLINICAL MATERIAL Our patients fall into two groups. In 17 treatment was begun with the hope of inducing a prolonged or permanent remission without operation. In 15 treatment was preoperative. Data on these groups are shown in the Table. In the first group the patients' ages ranged from 5 to 54 years. Three were children, aged 5, 5, and 8 years. Fourteen were females, and three males. Sixteen had diffuse goiters and one no palpable goiter.