Radioiodine treatment in unsuspected pregnancy
Evans, P.M.; Webster, J.; Evans, W.D.; Bevan, J.S.; Scanlon, M.F.
Clinical Endocrinology 48(3): 281-283
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-0664 PMID: 9578816 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1998.00423.xDocument Number: 533090
OBJECTIVE: Radioiodine is being used increasingly as first line therapy for hyperthyroidism. Our aim is to highlight some of the difficulties which can occur following the use of 131I to treat hyperthyroidism in fertile women. PATIENTS: We present 3 cases of young women to whom radioiodine was given, only to find some weeks later that they had been pregnant at the time of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These cases serve as a reminder of the importance of obtaining an accurate and full menstrual and contraceptive history. Guidelines advocate the application of the ten day rule with the further recommendation that pregnancy testing may be undertaken as an alternative.