Pharmaceutical agents affect thyroid function

Common pharmaceutical agents used in scans and imaging procedures have been found to affect thyroid function.

The use of iodinated contrast media (ICM) during imaging procedures changes thyroid function and increases the risk of developing hyperthyroidism, according to a study at Brigham and Women's Hospital Renal Division and Massachusetts General Hospital.

ICMs are commonly used for procedures such as cardiac catheterisation and computed tomography (CT scans).

Dr Connie M Rhee, leader of the study, explained: "Although certain complications of ICM (e.g., contrast-induced nephropathy) have been extensively studied, there has been little examination of the effect of ICM on thyroid function."

When analysing data from patients treated between January 1990 and June 2010 who did not have pre-existing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, it was found that iodinated contrast media exposure was associated with incident hyperthyroidism, but no significant association was found with incident hypothyroidism.

Analysis also revealed an association between ICM and incident overt hypothyrodism and incident overt hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyrodism has previously been associated with an increased risk of liver cancer in women.

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