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Gallium uptake in the thyroid gland in amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism
M C Ling1, M D Dake, M D Okerlund
1Section of Nuclear Medicine (Department of Radiology), University of California, San Francisco.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, can cause lung and thyroid issues. This case highlights abnormal gallium uptake in both organs, indicating an inflammatory response to amiodarone-induced thyroiditis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Amiodarone is a widely used antiarrhythmic medication for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
- It is an iodinated compound known to cause side effects, including pulmonary toxicity and thyroid dysfunction.
Observation:
- This report details a patient experiencing both amiodarone-induced pneumonitis and hyperthyroidism.
- The patient presented with abnormal gallium activity in the lungs.
- Notably, diffuse gallium uptake was observed in the thyroid gland, a finding not previously documented.
Findings:
- Gallium uptake in the lungs correlated with amiodarone-induced pneumonitis.
- Diffuse gallium uptake in the thyroid gland suggests an inflammatory process, potentially iodide-induced thyroiditis.
Implications:
- This case supports the concept of amiodarone's iodide component triggering an inflammatory response in the thyroid.
- Gallium scintigraphy may aid in diagnosing amiodarone-induced thyroiditis.
- Understanding these side effects is crucial for managing patients on long-term amiodarone therapy.