"White Thyroid" on Unenhanced Computed Tomography in Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis Type 2.

Abstract

Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is a common complication of long-term amiodarone treatment. In a patient with amiodarone-induced lung toxicity and amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis type 2 (AIT2), a "white thyroid" was incidentally observed on an unenhanced chest computed tomography (CT) scan. This "white thyroid" resembled a thyroid image on a contrast-enhanced CT scan. Therefore, the thyroid density was prospectively evaluated on unenhanced CT scans in cases of AIT2, in euthyroid patients on amiodarone (AEuth), and in unexposed controls. The aim was to test the hypothesis of a higher thyroid density in AIT2 compared to AEuth. The thyroid density, as measured in Hounsfield Units on unenhanced CT scans, is higher in AIT2 compared to AEuth and much higher than in controls. The causality of this association and its potential diagnostic use require further study.

• Authors: Annick Van den Bruel, Joost Delanote, Arnaud Braeckman, Carine De Vroe, Lotte Pyfferoen, Johan Ghekiere, Mattias Duytschaever, Rene Tavernier
• Journal: Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association (Thyroid) Vol. 28 Issue 6 Pg. 769-772 (06 2018) ISSN: 1557-9077 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 29631498 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media
• Amiodarone

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Amiodarone (adverse effects)
• Contrast Media (chemistry)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiography, Thoracic
• Radionuclide Imaging
• Reproducibility of Results
• Thyroid Gland (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Thyrotoxicosis (chemically induced)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed