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Case Report: Amiodarone-induced multi-organ toxicity
Jingrui Yan1, Yuanyuan Xu2, Qiang Zhu1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|August 1, 2024
Summary
Amiodarone effectively treats arrhythmias but can cause serious side effects like liver and thyroid issues. Early detection and management are crucial for patient safety during amiodarone therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic medication frequently prescribed for ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.
- Its established efficacy in managing cardiac rhythm disorders and improving survival rates, particularly in ventricular fibrillation, is well-documented.
Observation:
- A case study details a 73-year-old female patient experiencing gastrointestinal distress and dizziness while on amiodarone therapy.
- Despite prior normal health screenings, the patient developed abnormal liver and thyroid function tests, with imaging revealing lung and liver abnormalities indicative of amiodarone toxicity.
Findings:
- Switching the patient from amiodarone to sotalol resulted in symptom resolution and normalization of thyroid and liver function tests.
- Radiological evidence showed recovery from interstitial lung fibrosis and decreased liver density, supporting the diagnosis of amiodarone-induced toxicity.
Implications:
- Long-term amiodarone use necessitates vigilant monitoring for adverse effects, including thyroid dysfunction, hepatotoxicity, and pulmonary toxicity.
- Prompt recognition and management, potentially involving therapeutic adjustments, are vital for mitigating amiodarone-related risks and ensuring patient well-being.
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