Is it safe to have a PET-scan with hypothyroidism (and diabetes type 1)?

[Jocelin]

Hi all,

I've been suffering from deforming PIP and lately also DIP joints in my fingers. It started about 7 years ago, first very slowly, but getting worse last two years very quickly. I also have hypothyroidism for which I take levo and liothyronine, and diabetes type 1 treated with an insulin pump. The reumatologist always diagnosed it as osteoarthritis. On x-rays and MRI's made in May 2018 it does not look like osteoarthritis at all. New x-rays were made last week and they look the same as those of 2018. I have been tested on systemic sclerosis because I have the corresponding antibodies, but am not diagnosed having that because the total picture of symptoms does not correspond. I have requested further examinations/tests to find out what causes my deformities, which cause limitations in using my hands and give me pain. He did not want to get into blood tests for f.e. hemochromatose, heavy metals, bacterial infections etc. His first step is to make new MRI's and depending on the result making a PET-scan. Because with a PET-scan I should take a radio-active (sugary?) drink, I would like to get very well informed on beforehand about the risks. I am afraid the PET-scan could deteriorate my thyroid further. Or do other harm to my body. But I do not know what else to do. Has anyone experience with thyroid problems and PET-scan? Or thrustworthy information, thyroid specific or PET-scan risks in general? Longterm complications after having a PET-scan? Any information is very welcome. Thanks!

Jocelin

[Hidden]

I had a serious, irreparable adverse reaction to contrast media some years ago.

It is extremely important, that the guidelines and warnings, provided by the manufacturers, are followed to the letter !!!

A wonderful Consultant Endocrinologist, prescribed 5mcg Cytomel, to be added to my NDT. The difference was most beneficial.

However, it was later stopped by the local CCG.

Hell will freeze over, before they change their minds.

I am unable to comment further, other than to say that, (in my opinion), NHS England’s CCGs, are not fit for purpose.

You may find the following info helpful------

1) Association Between Iodinated Contrast Media Exposure and Incident Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Connie M. Rhee, MD; Ishir Bhan, MD, MPH; Erik K. Alexander, MD; Steven M. Brunelli, MD, MSCE

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

2) The effect of iodine-containing contrast media on the thyroid

Professor Wilmar M.Wiersinga, MD, PhD

3) A Large Case–Control Study Confirms that Development of Abnormal Thyroid Function Is Associated with Iodinated Contrast Material

Rhee CM, Bhan I, Alexander, EK, Brunelli SM.Association between iodinated contrast media

exposure and incident hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Arch Intern Med.2012;172:153-9.

jamanetwork.com/journals/ja...

4) Iodinated Contrast Medium Exposure During Computed Tomography Increase the Risk of Subsequent Development of Thyroid Disorders in Patients Without Known Thyroid Disease

A Nationwide Population-Based, Propensity Score-Matched, Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

Ming-Shun Hsieh, MD, Chien-Shan Chiu, MD, Wen-Chi Chen, MD, PhD, Jen-Huai Chiang, MS,

Shih-Yi Lin, MD, PhD, Meng-Yu Lin, MS, Shih-Liang Chang, PhD, Meei-Ling Sheu, PhD, and Sung-Yuan Hu, MD

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/266...

5) Iodinated Contrast Media Increased the Risk of Thyroid Dysfunction: A 6-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Edy Kornelius, Jeng-Yuan Chiou, Yi-Sun Yang, Chiung-Huei Peng, Yung-Rung Lai,

and Chien-Ning Huang

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Escape from the Acute Wolff-Chaikoff Effect Is Associated with a Decrease in Thyroid Sodium/Iodide Symporter Messenger Ribonucleic Acid and Protein*

PETER H. K. ENG, GUEMALLI R. CARDONA, SHIH-LIEH FANG,

MICHAEL PREVITI, SHARON ALEX, NANCY CARRASCO, WILLIAM W. CHIN, AND

LEWIS E. BRAVERMAN

[Jocelin in reply to Hidden]

Hi primum,

Sorry to read that you had an irreversible adverse reaction to the contrast medium. I hope you did recover as much as possible. You have sent me lots of material on the subject. I go dive into it.

Thanks!

Jocelin

[Treepie]

I have Hashimotos and Type 2 diabetes .I have had two PET scans in the last 6months to diagnose stomach cancer and the second gave a clear scan. Yes it is radioactive glucose that is used to show up on the scan .Yes there are potential health problems as a result but in my case I felt it was a necessary investigation .

[Jocelin in reply to Treepie]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Treepie. I understand that you felt it was necessary to have the PET-scans. I'm not sure if by 'gave a clear scan' cancer was really seen/diagnosed or that the scan was of good clear quality. I hope you have no cancer and that you are doing OK and that there will be no later complications resulting from the scans. Best wishes!

[Treepie in reply to Jocelin]

Thanks Jocelin, the first scan showed the lymphoma ,the second did not , so hoping that it will not return. Very weak at present as had final scheduled chemo last week.

[Jocelin in reply to Treepie]

Sorry to hear that, Treepie. Must be exhausting to undergo this on top of your other conditions. Very hopeful that the second did not show the lymphoma. I hope the recent treatment was successful and you get better soon! And thanks once more for taking the effort to respond to my question, especially now knowing how you have to take extra care of yourself.