CT Scan

[dubers4]

Hi, can anyone offer me any advise please. I'm having a CT scan on Monday and I'm really worried about a couple of things. Firstly will it affect my thyroid, my most recent results were: TSH 2.37 (0.27-4.2), FT 19.1 (12-22), T3 1.5 (1.3-3.1). My results 4-5 weeks earlier were a bit higher with TSH at 2.69 and FT at 21. I'm concerned that I'm at that level because of previous scans, im not on any medication. Secondly I'm concerned about a reaction to the contrast, I seem to be allergic or intolerant to a lot of things now. Any input would.be very much appreciated, thanks.

[Karenk13]

Hi Dubers4 if the contrast dye for the CT scan contains Iodine that can definitely have an affect on your thyroid function. I've attached a link to a study conducted of the risk to Thyroid function from Iondine containing contrast dye.

thyroid.org/patient-thyroid...

[dubers4 in reply to Karenk13]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I've read similar articles, hence my concern. I know my levels are all within "normal" range but I'm concerned. However the reason for the scan is to determine if there's another reason why I've lost so much weight in the last few months, so I know it is important to have the scan but I'm anxious about it.

[Karenk13 in reply to dubers4]

To be Honest I think it's worth the risk even though you are worried if it gets to the bottom of what is wrong with you I hope you get some answers

[dubers4 in reply to Karenk13]

Thank you

[Framboise]

dubbers4 I needed a CT scan last year and was similarly worried, but decided the risk was worth it due to what they were looking for. But, when I needed a follow up scan this year I queried the need for another iodine injection and asked the nurse to check with the radiologist if it was really necessary. I'm glad I did because she came back and said now that the radiologist knew exactly what he was looking at, and where, I didn't need the contrast injection - but she would have given me one if I hadn't queried it! So I hope that's a useful tip for you for any future scans. Good luck!

[dubers4 in reply to Framboise]

Thank you for your response and advice Framboise, much appreciated.

[Karen321]

You can ask for contrast media that doesn’t contain iodine. Before I was graves savvy I had a CT with iodine contrast and was very poorly for 3 weeks. I’m not saying it will affect you in the same way but I definitely would never have iodine containing contrast media again. Good luck

[dubers4 in reply to Karen321]

Thanks for your advice much appreciated.

[Gcart]

I had CT scan and was poorly with urinary retention . I advise u to inquire if its absolutely necessary .

Some people do react to the iodine dye

[dubers4 in reply to Gcart]

Ok thanks

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK]

I've been asked to send you the following links in case you want to read them:

researchgate.net/publicatio...

endocrinediseases.org/thyro...

jamanetwork.com/journals/ja...

jamanetwork.com/journals/ja...

[dubers4 in reply to lynmynott]

Many thanks, I'll have a read through