Hyponatremia and Cerebral Edema Associated with Radioiodine Therapy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Authors

  • Monica Therese C. Cabral Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital
  • Brian Michael I. Cabral Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital
  • Iris Thiele C. Isip-Tan Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital

Abstract

Among the serious complications associated with radioiodine therapy (RAI) for thyroid cancer, cerebral edema is uncommon and has been reported previously in cases of swelling of brain metastases.  This case is of a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma who complained of nausea and vomiting after RAI and was then found unconscious the next day.  Laboratory results showed electrolyte imbalances including hyponatremia and cranial imaging only revealed cerebral edema, and she regained consciousness after sodium correction.  The etiology of the cerebral edema here is likely multifactorial - due to hyponatremia from hypothyroidism, aggravated by vomiting, copious water intake and a low sodium diet.

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Published

2014-05-22

How to Cite

Cabral, M. T. C., Cabral, B. M. I., & Isip-Tan, I. T. C. (2014). Hyponatremia and Cerebral Edema Associated with Radioiodine Therapy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies, 27(1), 96. Retrieved from https://asean-endocrinejournal.org/index.php/JAFES/article/view/21

Issue

Section

Case Reports