Severe hyponatremia in association with I(131) therapy in a patient with metastatic thyroid cancer

Intern Med. 2011;50(19):2169-74. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5740. Epub 2011 Oct 1.

Abstract

Hyponatremia is a common clinical problem that results from various causes. Hypothyroidism is known to be one of the causes of this disorder. We report a case of metastatic thyroid cancer presenting with severe hyponatremia in association with hypothyroidism induced by pretreatment of I(131) therapy, such as a low-iodine diet and withdrawal of thyroid hormone. Serum arginine vasopressin (AVP) was elevated and urine osmolality was higher than that of serum. Saline infusion and thyroid hormone replacement normalized serum sodium and AVP. Inappropriate secretion of AVP in hypothyroid state was thought to be one of the causes of this hyponatremia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arginine Vasopressin / blood
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / complications
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / etiology*
  • Hyponatremia / therapy
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Inappropriate ADH Syndrome / complications
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / adverse effects*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / radiotherapy
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / complications
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Arginine Vasopressin