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Contrast in MRI/CT scans and hyperthyroidism

Posted , 5 users are following.

rosemary57996
rosemary57996

I am sure I have read that the contrast used in MRI/CT scans can give some people  thyroid problems.  Over the past four years I have had several CT/MRI scans after a cancer diagnosis and it was during this time that my hyperthyroidism was diagnosed. My endocrinologist says contrast cannot/will not affect the thyroid but I am not so sure.  I am getting all the usual symptoms of Graves plus aching muscles, joint pain, sensitive skin, and my double vision has got markedly worse after the latest scan.

Anyone else experienced this?  

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • linda187
    linda187 rosemary57996

    Posted

    Have you had thyroid tests done after you experienced these symptoms?  If not, then it would be a good idea to ask your doc to do these.  Stress was what triggered my Graves disease and what you have gone through in the past four years certainly sounds stressful.

     

  • sophieannejune
    sophieannejune rosemary57996

    Posted

    Hi Rosemary,

    I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism not long after having 3 CT scans with contrast over a period of month. After a thyroid scan I was told the hyperthyroidism was caused by toxic nodules. I asked my Endocrinologist if the CT scans could have caused the problem and she said very likely.  There is no way to  know for 100% but she said definately could've contributed.  I hope that you're getting all the help you need to feel better. I'm sorry you've been going through so much at the same time.

    • rosemary57996
      rosemary57996 sophieannejune

      Posted

      Hi Sophie

      Thank you for your reply.  

      Fortunately I haven't had three CT scans over the space of a month, only six monthly across four years plus an additional scan on my thyroid.  According to the endocrinologist I haven't got nodules on my thyroid which is a blessing so who knows he may well be right!

      Rosie

  • rosemary57996
    rosemary57996

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    A bit of background - I have been having CT/MRI scans since May 2014 although only six monthly.  My hyperthyroidism was identified in February 2017 when I developed palpitations and swollen feet etc but unfortunately I wasn't informed of the diagnosis until June 2017 when a further test was done and my T4 had reached 49. 

    So yes, I'm now having blood tests mostly every month since that date and I swing from being hyper to hypo to such an extent that I have now been put on block and replace. The Graves was picked up in November 2017 by the eye clinic after swollen red gritty eyes even though the Graves test came back negative and the double vision started in January 2018.

    Bliss - I now have prisms fitted to my glasses and I can see!

    Rosie

     

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