Assessment of thyroid iodine accumulation following repeated iodinated contrast media administration using dual-energy computed tomography in a rabbit model

Repeated exposure to iodinated contrast media (ICM) may induce thyroid dysfunction but supporting radiological and histological evidence remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate whether repeated ICM administration induces iodine accumulation and related functional and histological changes in the thyroid. This prospective 8-week study involved 30 male New Zealand white rabbits (0.8–1.2 kg, 0.05). In conclusion, repeated intravenous administration of high-dose ICM in rabbits was associated with increased iodine accumulation in the thyroid gland, as quantified by DECT. However, a transient rise in serum thyroid hormone levels, as well as more frequent histopathological changes, did not reach statistical significance.