Contrast dye: Hi, I've been offered an MRI for my... - Thyroid UK

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Contrast dye

Thenightowl profile image
10 Replies

Hi, I've been offered an MRI for my pituitary and brain (my 4th). I've been told that it's essential to have contrast dye for this but due to many health issues, am really worried about this. Last time I was mostly in bed for over a year with bad dysautonomia/palpitations etc, but that may be unrelated as I was poorly before.

My blood proteins were high, and creatinine low in 2019 so I'm thinking of asking for new liver and kidney function first. Has anyone refused contrast dye, is there an alternative?

I'm seriously thinking of refusing it, although my brother had a rare giant prolactinoma (I won't have that), uncle died of an astrocytoma brain tumor and I have a lot of brain lesions with increasing cognitive issues so they probably ought to have a look in there.

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Thenightowl
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Lotika profile image
Lotika

I had the contrast dye for a pituitary scan and no adverse reaction. If you don’t much like scans or are at all nervous about confined spaces, I’d advise diazepam if you do decide to go ahead. You have your head pinned down as it is a brain scan and are scannned and then you get injected with dye whilst still pinned down... if you are not expecting that, then it isn’t entirely pleasant. And if you are - and have diazepam- it’s fine!

I’m afraid I can’t answer your question about alternatives, though. In my case, they found a non-functioning pituitary macro adenoma, which we continue to wave at on scans on a regular basis as it is close to my optic nerve. It hasn’t grown in years and in fact, I’d recommend getting yourself diagnosed a well-behaved adenoma if you have thyroid problems - it comes with an annual appointment with an NHS endocrinologist. A waste of time for a well-behaved adenoma, but it was finally useful in landing me a T3 prescription. And they actually diagnosed the hypo on one of these subsequent trips (TSH 28!) having missed it on at least two appointments previously, so as I say, the adenoma itself is a total bore (thankfully) but it has had its uses!

Thenightowl profile image
Thenightowl in reply to Lotika

Wow, my TSH was .29 in the autumn... With low/normal ft4 which indicated central hypothyroidism but it's gone up recently for some reason. Glad you're getting treated, I love the idea of a boring tumor!

I've had several MRI's with contrast on my pituitary with no ill effects & I do have known allergies. The pituitary is tiny, just the size of a pea which is why they need to use contrast but even then it can't always be seen.

galathea profile image
galathea

I have one or 2 scans every year with contrast dye. ( iodine based) for my aneurism. When they inject it, you feel as though you have wet yourself, its horrible the first tine it happens. I found i am a bit tired afterwards but it doesnt stop me driving 150 miles home. I make sure to drink plenty afterwards, at least a pint every hour, .....

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to galathea

The contrast for MRIs is usually based on gadolinium rather than iodine. :-)

Thenightowl profile image
Thenightowl in reply to helvella

Yes the gadolinium is my concern, it'll be the 4th time I've had it... And repeated chemical poisoning so I'm worried about adding more as it can store and accumulate in bone tissue.

galathea profile image
galathea in reply to helvella

Ah, i asked if it was iodine based and the nurse looked at me blankly then nodded. Off to look it up. Ta!

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to galathea

Likely it would be iodine for a Computerised Tomography scan (CT).

Cat013 profile image
Cat013

Hi Thenightowl. My daughter had the same scan last week and she didn’t have the dye. They did say they would use it if needs be but then they never did and said it was fine. So perhaps they could try without first. Unless they’ve already done that previously. x

Thenightowl profile image
Thenightowl in reply to Cat013

That's great to know, although she said it couldn't be done without it. We shall see.

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