Development of Abnormal Pigmentation of the Oral Mucosa Following Adjuvant Radioactive Iodine Treatment

ABSTRACT: Objective: We report the case of a 52-year-old black woman who developed discoloration of her tongue following radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. RAI is a common method of treatment for a number of thyroid disorders, including thyroid malignancies and hyperthyroidism. Common side effects o...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mia Williams, Betul Hatipoglu, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2016-01-01
Series:AACE Clinical Case Reports
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2376060520302893
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Summary:ABSTRACT: Objective: We report the case of a 52-year-old black woman who developed discoloration of her tongue following radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. RAI is a common method of treatment for a number of thyroid disorders, including thyroid malignancies and hyperthyroidism. Common side effects of this therapy include hypothyroidism, changes in taste, nausea, and sialadenitis.Methods: This is an Institutional Review Board–approved single-case chart review with a patient consent.Results: The patient presented with no changes in oral sensation and mild diffuse elongation of the filiform papillae with diffuse, symmetrical, black pigmentation in the distribution of the fungiform papillae 9 days following treatment with RAI. There were no new exposures known to cause a similar reaction, and she had not changed her diet or oral hygiene habits during the development of this symptom.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of pigmentation change to the tongue following treatment with RAI. While this is a novel documentation of an adverse event, we encourage providers to be observant for such presentation in their patients treated with RAI.Abbreviations: RAI = radioactive iodine
ISSN:2376-0605