title: Hepatotoxicity induced by methimazole in a previously healthy patient.
abstract: We report a case of hepatotoxicity induced by methimazole treatment in a patient affected by hyperthyroidism. A 54-year-old man, presented to our observation for palpitations, excessive sweating, weakness, heat intolerance and weight loss. On physical examination, his blood pressure was 140/90 mmHg and heart beat was 100/min regular. He had mild tremors and left exophthalmos. Laboratory test revealed a significant increase in serum thyroid hormone levels with a decrease in thyroid stimulating hormone levels. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made and he began treatment with methimazole (30 mg/day). Fourteen days later, he returned for the development of scleral icterus, followed by dark urine, and abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory examinations and liver biopsy performed a diagnosis of cholestatic hepatitis, secondary to methimazole usage. Methimazole was promptly withdrawn and cholestyramine, ursodeoxycholic acid, and chlorpheniramine were given. After five days, abdominal pain resolved and laboratory parameters returned to normal. Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable relationship between hepatotoxicity and methimazole therapy. In conclusion physicians should be aware the risk of hepatotoxicity related with methimazole.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Mater Domini University Hospital, Via T. Campanella 115, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy. luca_gallelli@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallelli
authors.forename: Orietta
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Staltari
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Palleria
authors.forename: Giovambattista
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Sarro
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferraro
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008713:Methimazole / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D008713:Methimazole