Exposure to iodinated contrast media during imaging procedures is associated with changes in thyroid function and an increased risk of hyperthyroidism, according to a report in the Jan. 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. An accompanying commentary argued that the study is a good example of why patients who may be particularly vulnerable to thyroid dysfunction should be monitored after iodine exposure.

Healthcare quality is improving, but access is still uneven and disparities exist, especially for minority and low-income groups, according to the 2010 National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).