Pre-operative embolization of thyroid arteries in a case of refractory amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Amiodarone has become one of the main anti-arrhythmic drugs. However, it may cause a wide variety of adverse effects, sometimes severe. Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is one of the best known problems, resulting in either thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism. Case presentation: A patient who, after 2 years of using amiodarone for the control of atrial fibrillation, developed thyrotoxicosis, refractory to conventional medical treatment. To optimize the patient's clinical condition before total thyroidectomy, embolization of thyroid arteries was performed. Conclusion: Embolization of the thyroid arteries as bridge therapy to thyroidectomy is an uncommon alternative in patients with amiodarone-induced hyperthiroidism. However, this treatment was useful to improve our patient's symptoms and to optimize the anesthetic/surgical procedure.