Help with Graves in remission and CT scan with ... - Thyroid UK

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Help with Graves in remission and CT scan with iodinated contrast dye for breast cancer treatment. Can I take Carbimazole to prevent Graves.

21 Replies

Hi everyone.

I have Graves’ disease since July 2014 but now in full antibody remission since November following treatment with Carbimazole, selenium, Vit D and gut health diet.

I have now been diagnosed with DCIS on a large Area 10x3cm and it is high grade/aggressive.

I have been told I need a mastectomy and sentinel lymph nodes removed this is planned soon.

I have also been told I need a CT scan with contrast with a high load of Iodine.

I absolutely don’t want to battle Graves again while battling breast cancer and I know that the contrast could well kick start Graves again.

There is a piece of research which suggests that taking 20mg of carbimazole for 2 weeks from the ct scan can reduce the uptake of iodine into the thyroid and prevent Graves reoccurring.

I asked my Endo and he said it wouldn’t be recommended. But then I was also told I’d never reach remission and that I should have RAI (despite TED symptoms).

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Has anyone got any ideas or had a similar experience with CT scan and contrast dye?

Many thanks

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21 Replies
Silver_Fairy profile image
Silver_Fairy

So sorry to hear you are going through all this.

When I had my heart problems they wanted to use contrast dye (cardiologist) but when I went for the scan asked if I could have a scan without as I was in remission with Graves. He told me that the dye is contra indicated if you have active Graves but I didnt want to take the risk, so I can understand how you feel.

Is there any way they can do it differently? Im out of my depth here, but Im sure someone will comment more knowledgeably.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

in reply toSilver_Fairy

Thank you for replying. Did they use a different dye for you? Or did they do it without dye?

Silver_Fairy profile image
Silver_Fairy in reply to

They did it without.

in reply toSilver_Fairy

This is good news. I hope they can do for me. I know it sounds silly but I’m terrified to ask. I’ve got my head in the sand.

selina1234 profile image
selina1234 in reply toSilver_Fairy

Whatexactly is Graves ??heard of it but no idea what it s???

Silver_Fairy profile image
Silver_Fairy in reply toselina1234

Its an autoimmune hyperthyroid condition.

in reply toSilver_Fairy

Yes, it’s not great, particularly with a cancer diagnosis as until stabilised it causes rapid cell turnover. It’s autoimmune so basically auto antibodies attack the thyroid, skin, eyes and actually just about every cell in the body is affected by it.

Silver_Fairy profile image
Silver_Fairy

It may be better to talk to your oncologist, he will be able to tell you if using the dye has any advantage.

in reply toSilver_Fairy

Yes they want to use it to have a good look at blood vessels.

nightingale-56 profile image
nightingale-56

I thought there was a post a few weeks ago that said Contrast Dyes were no longer to be used. Could have been in the Press though. Sorry to not be more precise and hope all goes well.

in reply tonightingale-56

Thank you. I will have a search aback through the posts.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply tonightingale-56

There was a report about using gadolinium as contrast for MRI scans - due to questions over the effects of that substance. Completely different to iodinated contrast.

Greybeard profile image
Greybeard

I think the dye increases contrast, that is it makes problem areas standout better.

Yes, I think so. Just wondered if I can protect myself with anti thyroid meds.

soppysokes profile image
soppysokes

Would they be prepared to do an MRI with contrast or pet instead?

I will need to ask, the6 seemed pretty sure it had to be ct.

Clarrisa profile image
Clarrisa

I thought when the ultrasound technician pressed a button for color on this machine the circulation patterns in my breasts showed up great - but what do I know about all this.

Thank you Clarissa, good to know this

Karen321 profile image
Karen321

There are contrast media available that do not contain iodine. I have Graves and refuse all iodine containing contrast media. They can do it without contrast media

Thanks Karen

The fantastic Dr Duddy, consultant radiographer managed to do it with ultra sound today. I’m so totally relieved. What a brilliant man. Thank you all for your help.

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