Synopsis Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic medication, is an extremely iodine-rich compound with a structural resemblance to thyroxine (T4). Studies have reported two types of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT). Type 1 AIT results from accelerated thyroid hormone synthesis secondary to iodine overload in a gland harboring autonomous nodules.
Type 2 AIT is caused due to destructive thyroiditis, resulting in excess release of preformed T4 and triiodothyronine (T3) into the circulation. Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) [methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU)] are the first choice of therapy in patients with type 1 AIT. However, serious adverse effects are associated with its use, including agranulocytosis which occurs in almost 0.2–0.5% of patients treated with ATDs This week’s “ MED FACT ” discusses a retrospective cohort study from Thyroid, “ Increased Risk of Antithyroid Drug…
