For patients with central hypothyroidism and a clear etiology (such as recent head irradiation), do you recommend brain imaging prior to starting thyroid hormone replacement therapy?
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2 Answers
Mednet Member
Endocrinology · Johns Hopkins Endocrinology and Pituitary Center
Levothyroxine does not cause tumor growth, and therefore you do not need to image before starting therapy. However, in general, it takes a long time for central hypothyroidism to develop after radiation, therefore in the presence of an early reduction in FT4 you must consider the possibility of the ...