Amiodarone-Induced Thyroid Dysfunction: A Clinical Update

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2018 Jun;126(6):333-341. doi: 10.1055/a-0577-7574. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Abstract

Amiodarone is one of the most commonly prescribed antiarrhythmic agents in clinical practice owing to its efficacy, even with high toxicity profile. The high iodine content and the prolonged biological half-life of the drug can result in thyroid dysfunction in a high proportion of patients treated with amiodarone even after cessation of amiodarone. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common side effects that mandate regular monitoring of patients with thyroid function tests. Amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH) is diagnosed and managed in the same way as a usual case of hypothyroidism. However, differential diagnosis and clinical management of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) subtypes can be challenging. With the aid of a case snippet, we update the current evidence for the diagnostic work up and management of patients with amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in this article.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amiodarone / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects*
  • Chest Pain / drug therapy
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Chest Pain / surgery
  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thyroid Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyrotoxicosis / chemically induced
  • Thyrotoxicosis / diagnosis
  • Thyrotoxicosis / physiopathology

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Amiodarone