A case of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis : a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

Abstract EN

Amiodarone is an iodine rich agent widely used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and flutter.

However 14-18 % of patients treated with amiodarone develop overt thyroid dysfunction in the form of either amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) or amiodaroneinduced hypothyroidism (AIH).

Two different types of AIT have been recognised and designated as Type 1 and Type 2.

Distinguishing between the two is often difficult, but necessary for instituting appropriate treatment.

We report a case of a 56 year-old male patient who was started on amiodarone for atrial fibrillation and then developed AIT.

The challenges in the diagnosis and management of these patients are discussed.