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. 2008 Oct;21(4):382-5.
doi: 10.1080/08998280.2008.11928432.

Total thyroidectomy for medically refractory amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis

Ankit N Mehta  1 , Raphaelle D Vallera, Chad R Tate, Rebecca A Sager, Brian J Welch
Affiliations

Total thyroidectomy for medically refractory amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis

Ankit N Mehta et al. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2008 Oct.

Abstract

Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic drug widely used for both ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. Due to its high iodine content and structural similarity to thyroxine, abnormalities in thyroid function are common in patients taking amiodarone, especially with long-term use. Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism have been associated with amiodarone, with the former far more common in the United States. We present a patient with medically refractory amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis after a 2-year history of amiodarone use, resulting in cardiac arrest and encephalopathy. The patient ultimately required total thyroidectomy for symptomatic control.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Total T3 and free T4 values during hospitalization.
Figure 2
Figure 2
High-power view (40⊠) of the thyroid specimen. The follicular epithelium is degenerated and partially denuded. Foamy histiocytes within the follicles represent the characteristic histologic finding of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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