Abstract: Autonomously functioning thyroid nodule (AFTN) is a disease that can cause thyrotoxicosis. Nodules can be solitary or multiple, with 99% of them being benign and occurring mostly in the two lateral lobes of the thyroid gland. The isthmus is rare. The treatment methods for AFTN include surgery, ¹³¹I therapy, antithyroid drug, and radiofrequency ablation. ¹³¹I therapy is an effective treatment for AFTN. Based on domestic and foreign literature reports, the authors review the pathogenesis and diagnosis of AFTN, as well as the principle, clinical application and efficacy of ¹³¹I therapy, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of AFTN.