A Refractory Case of Amiodarone Thyrotoxicosis

Abstract

Amiodarone is frequently used to control cardiac arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation. Despite its benefits, it has many adverse effects, particularly on the thyroid gland. We describe the case of a patient treated with amiodarone for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, admitted to the emergency room with atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. Type II thyrotoxicosis was identified as the cause of the refractory arrhythmia. Since its refractoriness to both pharmacological and electrical therapy, there was a need to proceed with plasmapheresis and total thyroidectomy for hormonal and cardiac rhythm control. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the toxicity of amiodarone, a drug that can have both beneficial and devastating effects.