[Amiodarone and hyperthyroidism. Several guidemarks for the practitioner].

The prevention and diagnosis of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism are largely based on clinical signs: a personal or family history of thyroid disorders, or an abnormality detected on palpation of the thyroid gland, are contraindications for amiodarone treatment. At that stage it is useless to determine hormone levels, since they do not permit screening of any cell metabolism abnormality. Weight loss accompanied by tachycardia is suggestive of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism. Amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism will regress in 2 to 6 months after treatment discontinuation.