Difficult treatment of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis: a case report
Pedro, T.; Martínez-Hervás, S.; Lorente, R.; Catalá, M.; Ortega, J.; Real, J.T.; Carmena, R.
Anales de Medicina Interna 24(11): 543-546
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-7199 PMID: 18275264 Document Number: 614927
Amiodarone causes changes in thyroid function tests in about 15-20% of patients, inducing either hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis. The iodine load and the destructive thyroiditis caused by amiodarone produce thyrotoxicosis. We report a case of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis diagnosed when investigating the reason for worsening of cardiac function. Prognosis and treatment of cardiac disorder were determined by thyrotoxicosis. The management needed a closed monitoring of thyroid function. Treatment was based on high doses of propylthiouracil and dexamethasone, but they couldn t control cardiac condition and surgery was warranted. When amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is refractory to medical treatment, we believe surgery should be considered earlier.