Hyperthyroidism Slideshow Pictures Take the Thyroid Disorder Quiz Thyroid Symptoms and Solutions Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE

Coauthor:

Sonia Ananthakrishnan, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Hyperthyroidism as a Result of Other Medical Treatments

Amiodarone therapy

• Amiodarone is a drug used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Amiodarone tablets (Cordarone, Pacerone) contain iodine, and up to 10% of people taking this medication develop abnormalities in thyroid function.
• Patients taking amiodarone should have baseline thyroid function tests before starting amiodarone therapy
• Type 1 amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism (Jod-Basedow phenomenon) causes an increased production of thyroid hormones due to the iodine portion of amiodarone
• Type 2 amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism resembles a destructive thyroiditis, where increased amounts of thyroid hormone are released

IV contrast agents for CT scans

• Excess iodine in the contrast material used for CT scans may cause an increased production of thyroid hormone.