Iodine contrast and thyroid storms

[jpbaley]

I am hypothyroid - I recently had a procedure involving a large dose of iodine based contrast. Then 3 days later due to extreme pain, I had an abdominal CTscan with iodine contrast. Approx. 1 week later, I began suffering from severe episodes of anxiety, hot flushes and high spikes in blood pressure, which landed me in the ER three times in 2 weeks. Cardiac tests were OK but now my TSH level is running low. I do not have Graves Disease. Has anyone heard of iodine contrast causing thyroid storms?

[tgr183]

sluggish before iodine contrast ct scan and hyper after is that normal or does that tell me something??

[jpbaley]

Thanks for the comment. It is driving me nuts that the Drs can't seem to find a cause for my episodes of high blood pressure. The Intervention Radiologist who did the procedure had just called me and suggested thyroid issues. He indicated that the iodine sensitivity mainly occured in people with Graves Disease. I am classic hypothyroid though after my procedure they ran a TSH and found it low inidcating my thryroid was more stimulated than normal. The Dr. indicated that it takes about 2 months for iodine to get out your system. I really hope this is the cause because the drugs they're giving me to relieve the symptoms just make me so tired!

[stella5349]

A few weeks ago someone posted the same thing. I did write back saying I am sensitive when I have iodine contrast done too.

The Hashi sytoms of tightness develop in my neck and I feel very jittery and hyper ( I did have graves prior to RAI )

I know try to stay completely away from that iodine if at all possible.

I also found certain nova -caines (sp) from the dentist does the same thing .