[Results of lithium treatment in severe hyperthyroidism]

Up to the present time lithium therapy is under discussion in patients with severe, particularly of contrast remedy induced hyperthyroidism. The aim of our presentation was to investigate if the short term combined methimazole-lithium therapy in the initial phase will be advantageous in contrast to the monotherapy of methimazole. The examination in our material showed a good effectiveness and tolerance of the combined therapy. At present the precise mechanism of action of lithium has not been elucidated. There is evidence that lithium inhibits the thyreoglobulin hydrolysis and the peripheral conversion of thyroxin to triiodothyronin. Other actions are under discussion. In our opinion only the combined methimazole-lithium therapy will be advantageous. Through this procedure an earlier drug effect could be expected and the increase of thyroid hormones after finishing lithium therapy will be suppressed. In the own material severe side effects are not demonstrable.