Retrospective Data Support Surgery for Amiodarone-Induced Hyperthyroidism

In a single-center cohort, thyroidectomy was safe and improved left ventricular ejection fractions, suggesting that fear of surgery may not be justified.

Amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism can be life-threatening and is usually difficult to treat effectively. In a single-center, retrospective analysis, investigators evaluated outcomes of surgical thyroidectomy in patients with amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism in whom initial medical treatment had failed. Nine patients with type 1 disease (iodine-induced hyperthyroidism similar to nodular or Graves disease) and 15 with type 2 disease (amiodarone-induced destructive thyroiditis) underwent total thyroidectomy.

There was no surgical mortality. A significant improvement in mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was seen at 2 months in the 14 patients with an LVEF of ≤50% before surgery. During long-term follow-up (mean, 67 months), only …

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate