The role of amiodarone in post-operative hypothyroidism patient with factitious thyrotoxicosis and atrial fibrillation: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Factitious thyrotoxicosis includes all causes of thyrotoxicosis from the short or long-term ingestion of thyroid hormone, of which one of the complications is atrial fibrillation. CASE PRESENTATION: A woman, 71 years old, complained of chest palpitations. She had a medical history of thyroidectomy, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. In addition, she took Levothyroxine, amlodipine and simvastatin regularly. On physical examination, the general status was weak, with vital signs showing blood pressure (BP) of 170/100 mmHg, heart rate (HR) of 130–150 bpm, irregular rhythm, respiratory rate (RR) of 20×/min, axillary temperature of 36.8 °C, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) 98 % with room air. The abnormal laboratory found were significant increase in total T4, total T3, FT4, and low levels of TSH. The first electrocardiogram (ECG) showed AF and Burch Watorfsky's score was 45. The AF was treated with a loading dose of amiodarone 150 mg in 10 min and decreased gradually. She had received a high-calorie, protein and low-salt diet of 2100 kcal/day, termination Levothyroxine usage, propranolol of 10 mg/8 h, amlodipine of 5 mg/day, and lisinopril of 5 mg/day. Treatment for AF was continued with a maintenance dose of amiodarone IV 300 mg in 6 h, then 600 mg in 18 h, warfarin tablet 2 mg/day (according to treatment from a cardiologist), and atorvastatin 20 mg/day at night. After 6 days of treatment, the patient experienced improvement and continued discharge. The patient improved on an outpatient basis and was monitored periodically. DISCUSSION: Monitored treatment of thyrotoxicosis and AF management with 3 principles can minimize complication severity. CONCLUSION: Early, effective and monitored treatment of thyrotoxicosis is vital to manage AF in achieving a better outcome.