Long lasting effect of intramuscular iodine injection in the treatment of goiter in an intestinal failure patient with complete entero-colectomy.

Abstract

Individuals with intestinal failure are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including iodine, an essential trace element critical for thyroid hormone production. In patients entirely dependent on parenteral nutrition, options for replenishing and maintaining iodine levels are severely restricted as oral forms have limited absorption, and intravenous alternatives are unavailable. Ethiodized oil (Lipiodol-TM) is an iodinated contrast agent with an unusually long half-life that can be given orally or injected into a target organ. We report the successful use of intramuscular injection of ethiodized oil in treating goiter in a patient with total entero-colectomy and in sustaining long lasting thyroid function for over 5 years.