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Does Intake Of Iodine During Scan Affect The Thyroid Glands?
I have just recently had a CT scan on my neck (1 wk ago). I have had been diagnosed with Hashimotos for about 8 years and my doctor ran a CT when I complained about a lot of pressure in my neck and feeling weird when I drink. Since the scan my throat has been real sore and my voice is strained and always having to clear it. I was wondering because of the iodine that they give you for the CT test if it somehow affected my thyroid. I did also found out that my scan shows suspicious lymph nodes which has me worried. Have a appointment to see the dr but that is in a few days. So I have 2 questions . Does a CT's iodine affect the thyroid and would Hashimotos show suspicious lymph nodes on a CT?
Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Hello,
Thank you for asking!
Yes, The iodine content in the contrast agent used during the CT scan can affect the function of the thyroid gland. There are many studies available and some of them shows that it most of the cases it causes hyperthyroidism but others show that it may block the gland and cause hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto thyroiditis often is associated with inflammatory cervical lymph nodes, if you have no nodules in the thyroid than there is nothing to worry about.
Hope i have answered your query.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Thank you for asking!
Yes, The iodine content in the contrast agent used during the CT scan can affect the function of the thyroid gland. There are many studies available and some of them shows that it most of the cases it causes hyperthyroidism but others show that it may block the gland and cause hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto thyroiditis often is associated with inflammatory cervical lymph nodes, if you have no nodules in the thyroid than there is nothing to worry about.
Hope i have answered your query.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
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