Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis in a Patient With Post-Ablative Hypothyroidism Controlled for 50 Years Presenting as Psychosis

Abstract

Thyroid gland abnormalities and atrial fibrillation are common medical conditions that occur in the geriatric patient. We present a case of an 85-year-old female with a remote history of radioiodine ablation of the thyroid, on levothyroxine therapy who developed amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. Patient was initiated on amiodarone for history of chronic atrial fibrillation 5 months prior to admission. She presented with acute psychosis in the form of visual hallucinations due to thyrotoxicity. The goal of this article is to review the effects of amiodarone on the thyroid gland and emphasize presentation of hyperthyroidism in an elderly patient.




J Med Cases. 2015;6(11):488-490
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2317w