[FL] ER doctors gave me IVP dye during a CT scan despite my thyroid issue. Can I sue?
I was hospitalized on July 30 with diverticulitis. I had a CAT scan using IVP dye. I have long-term thyroid issues, and several weeks later I started having symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. I went to the ER for heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath intermittently. The ER doctor checked my thyroid levels, showing I was very hyperthyroid, and proceeded to do another CAT scan with IVP dye. I continued to have these symptoms, even returning to the emergency room several days later. Both ER doctors would not address my thyroid medication, and my doctor was on vacation. From my research and what my primary care physician said, the IVP dye possibly should not have been given to me with thyroid issues. Is this something even worth pursuing?
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You’ve brought up some really important and complex questions about how IVP contrast dye, iodine, and your pre-existing thyroid condition might interact.
It’s completely understandable to worry that the CT scans with IVP dye could have triggered your thyrotoxicosis symptoms. Iodine is a major component in many contrast dyes, and too much iodine can indeed trigger or worsen hyperthyroidism, especially in people with Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s. This is a well-known medical fact.
Whether this could be considered medical malpractice is more complicated. To make a malpractice claim, you generally need to prove four things:
- The doctor had a duty to provide proper care.
- They breached that duty by not following accepted standards of care (§766.102).
- The breach caused your injury (the thyrotoxicosis).
- You suffered measurable harm — such as medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
The hardest element to prove is often the breach. You’d need to show that a reasonable ER doctor, knowing your thyroid history, should have recognized the risk and either avoided the contrast or taken precautions.
A key question is whether the ER doctors knew about your thyroid issues. If that was documented in your chart and ignored, your claim becomes stronger. But if they didn’t have that information, it may be seen as an unfortunate but not negligent medical decision.
Your primary care doctor listing the dye as an allergy is a smart step to protect you in the future, but that alone doesn’t prove negligence.
Whether pursuing this legally is worth it depends on your personal goals and the damages you’ve suffered. Medical malpractice cases are complex, expensive, and time-consuming. The best next step would be consulting a malpractice attorney who can review your medical records and get a medical expert’s opinion on whether there was a breach of care.
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I was hospitalized on July 30 with diverticulitis. I had a CAT scan using IVP dye. I have long-term thyroid issues, and several weeks later I started having symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. I went to the ER for heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath intermittently. The ER doctor checked my thyroid levels, showing I was very hyperthyroid, and proceeded to do another CAT scan with IVP dye. I continued to have these symptoms, even returning to the emergency room several days later. Both ER doctors would not address my thyroid medication, and my doctor was on vacation. From my research and what my primary care physician said, the IVP dye possibly should not have been given to me with thyroid issues. Is this something even worth pursuing?
Lexi, Chatbot
I’m sorry to hear about your health struggles; that sounds very challenging. Have you already consulted with a medical professional regarding the potential impact of the IVP dye on your thyroid condition?
Yes, my primary physician agrees and added that medication as an allergy. Although it’s not a true allergy, she believes it affected my thyroid. My question is, from my research — I’m a nurse — iodine can cause thyrotoxicosis, especially in people with Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s, which I have.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you kept records of your medical visits, treatments, and any communications with your healthcare providers related to this issue?
I currently am, but they still want me to see a cardiologist, and I see him on the 28th. My primary physician does not think it’s my heart. She said all my tests look fine but still wants me to follow up with him. She thinks it’s related to my thyroid — all of the symptoms I’ve been having.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your medical situation.
Yes.
Jon
Hello and thank you for reaching out to AskaLawyer! I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience, here to help. Legal matters can feel overwhelming, but you’re in good hands. I’ll make sure things are clear and guide you toward the best solution for your situation. What state did this medical procedure occur in?
Florida.
Jon
Are you looking to determine if there is a potential medical malpractice case based on the facts you’ve provided?
Yes. From my understanding, people with known thyroid problems possibly should not be receiving iodine or should be cautious about using iodine, which is in the IVP dye for CAT scans.
Jon
Understood! I believe I have all the information I need. Is there anything else you’d like to add before I start working on your answer? If not, I’ll get started right away.
No.
Jon
You’ve brought up some really important and complex questions about how IVP contrast dye, iodine, and your pre-existing thyroid condition might interact.
It’s completely understandable to worry that the CT scans with IVP dye could have triggered your thyrotoxicosis symptoms. Iodine is a major component in many contrast dyes, and too much iodine can indeed trigger or worsen hyperthyroidism, especially in people with Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s. This is a well-known medical fact.
Whether this could be considered medical malpractice is more complicated. To make a malpractice claim, you generally need to prove four things:
- The doctor had a duty to provide proper care.
- They breached that duty by not following accepted standards of care (§766.102).
- The breach caused your injury (the thyrotoxicosis).
- You suffered measurable harm — such as medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
The hardest element to prove is often the breach. You’d need to show that a reasonable ER doctor, knowing your thyroid history, should have recognized the risk and either avoided the contrast or taken precautions.
A key question is whether the ER doctors knew about your thyroid issues. If that was documented in your chart and ignored, your claim becomes stronger. But if they didn’t have that information, it may be seen as an unfortunate but not negligent medical decision.
Your primary care doctor listing the dye as an allergy is a smart step to protect you in the future, but that alone doesn’t prove negligence.
Whether pursuing this legally is worth it depends on your personal goals and the damages you’ve suffered. Medical malpractice cases are complex, expensive, and time-consuming. The best next step would be consulting a malpractice attorney who can review your medical records and get a medical expert’s opinion on whether there was a breach of care.
Ok, thank you.
Jon
Jon
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