Does anybody know if having many CT Scans with contrast can "mess up a thyroid" ... and, if so,

would it be permanent damage or temporary?  I ask on behalf of a MedHelp member who awaits further, comprehenisve medical treatment by her team of doctors .. this comment came up by one of her docs on the team and will be further addressed by the other members.

Wouldn't it have to be mega CT's to "mess up a thryoid" and back to back to back would be my assumption???

C~

[ChitChatNine]

898 .. you around .. would like your take on this .... ?

[utahmomma]

IV contrast contains a HUGE amount of iodine so it would be like giving massive amounts of iodine to anyone with a thyroid condition.  Other than you have to wait 4-6 months after CT IV contrast to have RAI, heres some other info:


http://www.mdct.net/mdct/eng/infoProtocols/cmSafety/otherReact/hyperthyroid.html

Other reactions to IV contrast administration
Hyperthyroid Episode ("Thyroid Storm")
-  Iodine in contrast agents can stimulate an acute overproduction of thyroid hormone in patients with an occult or overt hyperthyroid condition
Hyperthyroid conditions include
Grave’s disease
Hyperactive nodule
Toxic multinodular goiter (Plummer’s disease)
Premedicate hyperthyroid patients


http://www.thyroid-cancer.net/topics/intravenous+contrast+be+avoided

[spastic]

I asked my PCP about this today.  I was told that more than likely it would be permanent damage.  Now this should raise concern in anyone having CT's with contrast.  I have to wonder now how many people have had the CT's only to wind up with a thyroid problem later?  hmmm, now I am very curious about this.

[ChitChatNine]

Thank you for your update.  I am sorry of the answer for you, but am hopeful that you will get to the bottom of this and feel better soon,

Cheryl