Acute Polymyositis and Hyperthyroidism in a Patient on Long-Term Amiodarone Therapy

Abstract

A 52-year-old male received continuous oral amiodarone therapy for 3 years for the management of ventricular tachycardia nonresponsive to other antiarrhythmics, after he sustained a Q wave anterior myocardial infarction. He developed pain and weakness in both thigh and shoulder muscles in addition to weight loss and profuse sweating. His investigations confirmed the diagnosis of acute polymyositis and hyperthyroidism. His symptoms disappeared and the abnormal biochemical tests returned to normal after the withdrawal of amiodarone. We have not been able to find any other such report and believe that these were adverse side-effects of this drug.