Radioiodine treatment in unsuspected pregnancy.
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.


METHODS
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.
Evans
P M
PM
Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Webster
J
J
Evans
W D
WD
Bevan
J S
JS
Scanlon
M F
MF
D000328:Adult; D000075202:Contraindications; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012306:Risk
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes