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HERO ID
9572762
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Thyrotoxicosis induced by amiodarone, a new efficient antiarrhythmic drug with high iodine content
Author(s)
Dickstein, G; Amikam, S; Riss, E; Barzilai, D
Year
1984
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
American Journal of the Medical Sciences
ISSN:
0002-9629
EISSN:
1538-2990
Volume
288
Issue
1
Page Numbers
14-17
Language
English
PMID
6465185
DOI
10.1097/00000441-198407000-00002
Abstract
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic agent with high iodine content. Ten patients treated with amiodarone developed thyrotoxicosis. I131 uptakes were negligible, and TT3 levels low in relation to TT4 levels, and sometimes even normal. Cessation of amiodarone caused thyroid functions to return to normal in one to five months, unrelated to propylthiouracil treatment. Eight of the patients had normal thyroid glands on radioscan or palpation. All patients tested had normal TRH tests. Thyrotoxicosis is a relatively common complication of amiodarone treatment, probably caused by its high iodine content. It is possible in apparently normal thyroid glands, suggesting failure of the homeostatic mechanisms controlling thyroid synthesis and release in these patients. Amiodarone is very efficient in controlling tachyarrhythmias and angina pectoris, situations in which thyrotoxicosis is dangerous. Thyroid function tests should therefore be drawn periodically, and the complication considered whenever tachyarrhythmias worsen on treatment with amiodarone.
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