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

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

[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.

[Hidden in reply to Silver_Fairy]

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

[Silver_Fairy in reply to Hidden]

They did it without.

[Hidden in reply to Silver_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 in reply to Silver_Fairy]

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

[Silver_Fairy in reply to selina1234]

Its an autoimmune hyperthyroid condition.

[Hidden in reply to Silver_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]

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

[Hidden in reply to Silver_Fairy]

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

[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.

[Hidden in reply to nightingale-56]

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

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to nightingale-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]

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

[Hidden]

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

[soppysokes]

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

[Hidden]

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

[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.

[Hidden]

Thank you Clarissa, good to know this

[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

[Hidden]

Thanks Karen

[Hidden]

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.