Amiodarone and the thyroid gland. A review.

The author presents his experience with the thyroid complications of amiodarone therapy: exceptional but sometimes serious conditions. Both, hypo- and hyperthyroidism can occur, probably as a result of the iodine overload on a preexisting thyroid disorder. Amiodarone has an effect on the peripheral conversion of thyroxin which leads to misleading thyroid tests results. Its beta- and alpha-blocking actions affect the clinical features, so that overdiagnosis as well as underdiagnosis are frequent. It is suggested that past or present thyroid disorder, as well as presence of antithyroid antibodies are contraindications for amiodarone therapy.