Iodine excretion during stimulation with rhTSH in differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Iodine excretion was higher in patients under rhTSH-stimulation than after hormone withdrawal. This may indicate an increased iodine pool in rhTSH-stimulated patients (deiodination of levothyroxine), thus limiting the sensitivity of radioiodine scanning to the level of endogenous stimulation despite significantly higher TSH levels during rhTSH-stimulation.