Thyroid dimensions and potassium iodide (SSKI)

[leimay]

Hello,

My doctor noticed that my thyroid was large and sent me to get an ultrasound.  The results were as following: right - 47x19.5x22.4 and left - 43x16.3x12, isthmus thickness 5.1, no presence of nodules or cysts. It is diagnosed as a diffuse goiter.  I understand that the right side is quite outside of the normal range.  However, I have had no symptoms and no other doctor has ever noticed that I have a large thyroid.  I got blood tests for possible thyroid problems about 5 years ago (because I am always cold), but those came back absolutely normal.

I am wondering about the following issue: I have been taking potassium iodide drops (15 drops, twice a day) for about 2 months, and am wondering if this by any chance could've caused the abnormal size of my thyroid.    In that case, can I wait a few months after I'm off of the medication to do a second ultrasound if necessary?  Getting blood tests for me is a huge ordeal (I tend to faint), so I'm wondering if I can wait a bit until I'm off of the meds and see if it's really necessary...

Thanks!  It

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

would repeat ultrasound in3-4 months.
still would test for autoimmune thyroid disease with next labs.

[leimay]

Mark,

Thank you for the information.  I was taking the potassium iodide for a skin problem I was having (possibly panniculitis).  In your opinion, could the potassium iodide have caused this small enlargement?  If it was caused by the medication, how long after I stop taking the meds should the thyroid go back to normal size (if, in fact, it was caused by the medication).

Thank you for your help.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

There is likely no benefit from potassium iodide - in fact too much iodine can be a problem for the thyroid.  Would stop this.  The right lobe is only slightly enlarged - would complete the work-up with TPO and Tg antibodies next time you are due for a blood draw.