Jod-Basedow effect due to prolonged use of lugol solution-case report

Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2014 Oct-Dec;118(4):1013-7.

Abstract

Graves' disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, accounting for 60-80% of all cases of thyrotoxicosis. If left untreated, it may lead to severe thyrotoxicosis with cardiovascular, ocular, psychiatric complication, and in extreme cases thyrotoxic crisis with a high mortality rate. We present the case of a 50-years-old woman diagnosed in another service with Graves' disease and treated for many years with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), admitted to our service for a relapse due to treatment discontinuation. The surgical treatment was planned and the preoperative preparation with Lugol solution was initiated. Due to a misunderstanding, the administration of iodine solution was extended for a period of about 30 days, thus generating the so-called Jod-Basedow effect, with the exacerbation of the manifestations of thyrotoxicosis and risk of thyroid storm. The patient received treatment with high ATDs doses, glucocorticoids, and beta-blockers, resulting in the progressive improvement of symptoms. She was discharged from hospital and given the risk of thyrotoxic crisis the surgery was postponed. After a month, the patient underwent thyroidectomy without preoperative preparation with iodine solution. The operative and postoperative courses were uneventful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Iodides / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Preoperative Care
  • Syndrome
  • Thyroid Crisis / chemically induced*
  • Thyroid Crisis / drug therapy*
  • Thyroid Crisis / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Iodides
  • Lugol's solution