Iodine contrast for a CT scan with Hashimoto's and reduced T3/T4 after ruptured ovarian cyst

[StellaTed]

Good afternoon!

This morning I attended a hospital appointment for a CT scan to investigate the cause of my tinnitus. I didn't realise until today that I would need to be given an iodine contrast, which was administered during the scan via a cannula. Since having this done I have started to become concerned about the impact this may have on my thyroid, and if there is anything I can do to reduce the negative impacts this may have. I was told that it was normal to feel hot all over and a bit weird for about 20 seconds after the iodine was administered, and it certainly made be feel quite strange. However, this hot sensation was mainly limited to my throat and my bladder, the former sensation of which has raised my concerns given the advice to avoid iodine if you are hypothyroid.

I have already in a bit of a flare up and have had to delay my next follow up assessment with my private thyroid specialist due to my thyroid levels being abnormal in the last test, which turned out to be most likely due to a ruptured ovarian cyst which may have led to my FT3 and FT4 dropping. My specialist advised me to wait a few weeks before re-testing to allow my hormones to settle so we can properly assess the impact of my most recent NDT dose increase up to 1 grain daily at the start of April (from 3/4 grain).

I've provided my most recent blood test results from the day before my ruptured ovarian cyst (7th June), as well as results from 30th March.

TSH (normal range 0.27-4.2mlU/L): March: 1.3 -- June: 1.05

FT4 (normal range 12-22pmol/L): March: 16.7 -- June: 13.5

FT3 (normal range 3.1-6.8pmol/L): March: 5.1 -- June: 4.2

TPOAb (normal range 0-34kIU/L): March: 17.6 -- June: 15.8

TgAB (normal range 0-115kU/L): March: 128 -- June: 141.3

CRP (normal range 0-3mg/L): March: 3.95 -- June: 3.95 (shot up to 65 during ruptured ovarian cyst)

Ferritin (normal range 15-150ug/L): March: 60 -- June: 67 (I've been taking iron citrate for almost a year as this was down at 21 last year)

Folate (normal range 8.83-45nmol/L): March: 41.1 -- June: 23.2

Vitamin D (normal range 50-200nmol/L): March: 131 (not tested in June - have been supplementing for a year with initial level being 20)

Vitamin B12 (normal range 37.5-150pmol/L): January: 150 (last tested)

I would love to hear any advice on how to support my thyroid and reduce impacts of the iodine, or any insights into why my T3 and T4 levels might have decreased so much after steadily increasing since December when I started NDT. I have already learned so much from reading other peoples' posts, and would be very grateful if anyone had some advice for me!

Thanks

[humanbean]

I was told that it was normal to feel hot all over and a bit weird for about 20 seconds after the iodine was administered, and it certainly made be feel quite strange.

This is exactly what happens to me with iodine contrast - bladder in particular gets hot and I feel hot all over - but it is very brief. I haven't kept count but I think I've had iodine contrast about three times, may be more. I've never had any long or short term after-effects that I can remember.

I've also had gadolinium contrast for MRIs too :

drugwatch.com/gadolinium/

I don't remember an issue from this either.

[StellaTed in reply to humanbean]

Thank you humanbean, it’s reassuring to know you’ve had the same contrast and haven’t had any short or long-term side effects from it

[greygoose]

I've had one iodine contrast, and my experience was the same as humanbean 's: hot all over for a brief period - very weird! lol - but not lasting effects.

When we warn people off iodine, we're really talking about daily supplements. A one-off shot in the arm really isn't going to do any damage.

[StellaTed in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose, it’s such a weird sensation isn’t it! I’m glad they warned me about it or I might have panicked a little haha. Glad to hear you also haven’t had any negative effects from it

[greygoose in reply to StellaTed]

You're welcome. yes, it's very weird!

[Litatamon]

Drink lots of water the day you get the CT. I have had many CTs & MRIs and ask many questions due to having one kidney.

But as everyone has noted, perfectly normal experience. And like others I have had no ill effects.

[Litatamon]

A bit off topic, but what wonderful results on your vitamin d!

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And what are they doing for your b12 deficiency, as tinnitus is a symptom of the b12 deficiency/Pernicious Anemia.

[StellaTed in reply to Litatamon]

Thanks! Yes supplementing vitamin D brought me right back up which I’m very thankful for.

I didn’t think I had a B12 deficiency, it always comes back at 150pmol/L which is the top of the normal range that Thriva provides?

[Litatamon in reply to StellaTed]

I am sorry, I thought it was serum b12, it is an active b12 test?

My apologies, I did not catch the range to see it must be active

[StellaTed in reply to Litatamon]

Ah I see! Yes it’s active B12

[rick2525]

Hi StellaTed. Like Litatamon I have only one kidney since 2018 and hypothyroidism since 2020. I have had CT scans every 6 months using contrast dye. They tell everyone to expect warm feeling in bladder as if you've peed yourself...this is normal sensation to expect. I was reassured by medical team that the contrast dye would have no ill effects. Just drink plenty of water to flush it out of your system afterwards!

[StellaTed in reply to rick2525]

Thanks rick2525 😊

[Digger0]

When I had CT and MRI scans I always tell them about my illnesses. My radiographer was fine and explained the "you feel like you are wetting yourself" down to a T I had radio active iodine to sort out my thyroid in 2013 and he checked I would be OK. I don't think 1 arm-full to quote Tony Hancock will do you much harm once, and it's more important to get the correct scans :0

[StellaTed in reply to Digger0]

Thanks Digger0 😊 they actually asked if I had a thyroid condition beforehand so they were aware. And you’re right, it was something that needed doing and sounds like it shouldn’t cause any problems thyroid-wise!