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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1999; 107(7): 468-472
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1212140
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Thyroidectomy in iodine induced thyrotoxic storm

C. Weber1 , G. H. Scholz1 , P. Lamesch2 , R. Paschke1
  • 1Department of Medicine III, University of Leipzig, Germany
  • 2Department of Surgery II, University of Leipzig, Germany
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Publication Date:
14 July 2009 (online)

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Summary

Between January 1996 and September 1997 we treated 4 patients with iodine-induced thyrotoxic storm (2 females, 2 men; age 54—77 years). Iodine contamination was due to iodine-containing contrast media in 3 patients and iodine-containing disinfectant in 1 patient.

Thyroid storm with tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, tremor, weight loss and coma occured 3 — 10 weeks after iodine contamination. These symptoms were accompanied by raised fT4- and fT3-values. All 4 patients were initially treated with antithyroid drugs for 7 days, whereas 2 patients with coronary artery disease, demonstrated by coronary angio-graphy, were treated with antithyroid drugs for 2 weeks. Because of unsuccessful antithyroid drug treatment, all 4 patients underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. There were no perioperative complications.

We conclude that early thyroidectomy is the appropriate treatment for iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis even in patients with severe accompanying diseases.

Key words

Thyrotoxic storm - iodine-induced - early thyroidectomy