The water-soluble iodinated contrast medium used for hysterosalpingography might increase the probability of development of subclinical thyroid diseases

Objective: Sudden exposure to high iodide levels may cause thyroid dysfunction. Although the iodinated contrast medium used for computed tomography and coronary angiography is known to alter thyroid function, the water-soluble iodinated contrast medium (ICM) used for hysterosalpingography (HSG) has not been investigated comprehensively. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the water-soluble iodinated contrast medium used for HSG on thyroid functional tests in euthyroid infertile women. Materials and methods: A total of 87 euthyroid infertile women with normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronin (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels were included in the study. Serum TSH, fT4, and fT3 levels were measured before the study and one week, one month, and three months after HSG. Patients underwent a thyroid ultrasonography to reveal the occurrence of any change. Results: Mean TSH levels did not change significantly until the 3rd month (P=0.03). Mean fT4 levels were significantly lower (P<0.001) from baseline in each of the measurements performed after HSG. None of the patients had clinical hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism during follow-up. Conclusion: The iodinated contrast medium used for HSG may be associated with the development of subclinical hyper- or hypothyroidism in euthyroid infertile women. Further study is warranted to confirm the effects of ICM on thyroid function.