Cardiovascular manifestations of iatrogenic hyperthyroidism in two dogs

Author information

Fine D.M., Tobias A.H., Bonagura J.D. Cardiovascular manifestations of iatrogenic hyperthyroidism in two dogs / J Vet Cardiol. 2010 Aug;12(2):141-6.

Abstract

Two dogs were diagnosed with iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis (1 definitive, 1 presumptive). Both showed physical examination findings of agitation, tachypnea, and tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia with supraventricular ectopy was diagnosed in one case, and syncope and atrial flutter was present in the other. Both dogs had concurrent cardiac disease that might have contributed to the severity of their clinical signs. Excessive thyroid hormone supplementation in humans causes supraventricular arrhythmias including sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter. Clinical signs and rhythm abnormalities resolved in both dogs with resolution of the thyrotoxicosis.

Case 1

A 9-year-old, 32 kg intact male golden retriever was presented to the University of Missouri, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a 10-day history of frequent episodes of laying in lateral recumbency and panting heavily. His owner reported that she could palpate a "pounding and rapid heart rate” over his precordium during these episodes, which had also occurred intermittently for the preceding 4 months. The dog was also reported to be polyphagic. He had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism an uncertain number of years prior to admission, and was receiving levothyrox- ine 0.04 mg/kg q 12 h chronically.

On physical examination the dog was hyperthermic (104.2 °F, reference range 100—103 °F), very anxious, and panted continuously. On auscultation there was a 4/6 left apical and 2/6 right-sided systolic murmur. Heart rate was 130—150 bpm and predominantly regular with short paroxysms of tachycardia. Femoral arterial pulses were hyperkinetic when the rate was 130—150 bpm, but weaker in quality during the bouts of tachycardia. The precordial impulse was hyperdynamic, and mucous membranes were hyperemic. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a sinus tachycardia with frequent isolated supraventricular premature complexes. Although no sustained episodes of tachycardia were captured, it was presumed that the tachyarrhythmia heard on auscultation was most likely paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The only other abnormality was an increase in the R-wave amplitude (3.8 mV; reference range < 3.0 mV). A serum biochemistry panel was normal.

Echocardiography demonstrated moderate mitral and mild tricuspid regurgitation, due to valvular changes consistent with chronic myxomatous degeneration. On M-mode there was moderate enlargement of the left atrium ([LA] 3.8 cm, reference range 2.2—2.8) with a left atrial to aorta ratio (LA:Ao) of 1.8. The left ventricle (LV) in diastole was also increased (5.9 cm, reference range 4.3—5.1). Systolic function was hyperdynamic with a fractional shortening of 48%. Serum for total T4 concentration ([TT4]) was collected approximately 6 h after the morning levothyroxine dose was administered. Results were not available until 4 days after sampling; however, the dog was suspected of having iatrogenic hyperthyroidism based on clinical signs and a dose that was twice the high-end of the recommended range (0.02 mg/kg q 12—24 h).1 The owner was advised to discontinue levothyroxine for 48 h, and then restart at 0.02 mg/kg q 12 h. Propranolol (0.3 mg/kg q 8 h PO) was initiated for control of the tachyarrhythmias. Results of the thyroid hormone assay confirmed the diagnosis of iatrogenic hyperthyroidism; [TT4] was 11.4 mg/dl (reference range, 1.0—4.0 mg/dl).e The dog was rechecked 3 weeks later, and the owner reported that the episodes of recumbency, panting and tachycardia had resolved. The dog’s appetite and water consumption had decreased, but the owner felt the dog was mildly lethargic at home. On physical examination the patient was panting and excited. Heart rate was 120 bpm with occasional extrasystoles. There was no change in the previously noted heart murmurs. Weight had increased by 1.3 kg. An ECG showed a normal sinus rhythm (NSR) with occasional isolated monomorphic ventricular premature complexes (VPC) and rare couplets. Thoracic radiographs showed a mildly enlarged cardiac silhouette, but no evidence of heart failure. A 4 h post-pill [TT4] was 4.01 mg/dl. Propranolol was changed to atenolol 0.4 mg/kg q 12 h to permit twice daily dosing of a beta-blocker.

A Holter monitor was placed 2 weeks later to evaluate the frequency and severity of the ventricular ectopy. Results showed that the predominant rhythm was NSR, with occasional isolated VPC. Most VPC occurred shortly after placing the Holter, and, therefore, were most likely catecholamine-induced. The patient was weaned off atenolol and rechecked 3 months later. At that time the dog’s lethargy had resolved, and no episodes of panting or recumbency were reported. Heart rate was 120 bpm and regular, and there was no change in the murmurs. The [TT4] was 5.43 mg/dl (reference range, 3.0—5.0 mg/dl)f 4 h post-pill. Periodic rechecks of the patient showed progression of the degenerative atrioventricular valve (AV) disease. Approximately 15 months after the initial presentation, the dog developed congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. A splenic mass was found during the same hospitalization, and considered most likely hemangio- sarcoma. The patient died suddenly 3 weeks later.

Case 2

A 6-year-old, 41.3 kg castrated male Great Pyrenees cross was presented to Washington State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of collapse. The first episode had occurred 2 days prior, and the second and third episodes occurred the day of presentation. The episodes lasted approximately 30—60 s, during which time the dog lost consciousness. He returned to normal behavior within 2 min of the episode.

The dog had been diagnosed as hypothyroid 1.5- years previously based on a low [TT4] (4 nmol/L; reference range, 15—50 nmol/L)g and decreased free T4 concentration ([FT4], 10pmol/L; reference range, 12—33 pmol/L). All other thyroid panel results, which included total triiodothyronine (T3), free T3, thyroxine autoantibody, T3 autoantibody, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were within reference limits. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism was made 2 weeks after the dog had completed a course of corticosteroids for a pruritic skin condition. Therapy with levothyr- oxine was initiated at 0.025 mg/kg q 12 h.

On physical examination the dog was agitated and panted continuously. On auscultation his heart rate was 250 bpm and regular, a 3/6 left apical systolic murmur was heard. Femoral pulse rate was approximately 100 bpm, hypokinetic, and irregular. All other physical examination findings were within normal limits.

Thoracic radiographs demonstrated mild to moderate left atrial enlargement. There was a mild diffuse interstitial infiltrate consistent with age-related change. The pulmonary vasculature was normal. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis was normal.

An ECG revealed a sustained regular supraventricular tachycardia with a ventricular depolarization rate of 250 bpm. A precordial thump induced a transient 4:1 AV nodal block during which atrial flutter (AF) waves were seen (Fig. 1). The cycle length of the AF waves was ~ 120 ms, indicating a flutter rate of 500 cycles per minute (CPM), and providing a rhythm diagnosis of AF with 2:1 AV nodal conduction. An abbreviated echocardiogram showed decreased LV M-mode measurements in systole (2.5 cm; reference range, 3.0—4.3) and diastole (3.6 cm; reference range, 4.8—6.0 cm). These changes were ascribed to decreased filling time secondary to the tachyarrhythmia. A subsequent echocardiogram (see below) documented LA enlargement.

Levothyroxine was discontinued as the initial diagnosis of hypothyroidism was not definitive, particularly with the history of corticosteroid administration prior to thyroid function testing. Corticosteroids are known to decrease serum T4 concentrations.1 Further, hyperthyroidism is a cause of AF in humans.2,3 Treatment with diltiazem (1.5 mg/kg PO q 8 h) was initiated for rate control. Twenty-four hours after presentation the AF cycle length was unchanged, but the AV nodal conduction ratio had decreased to 4:1, or occasionally 8:1. The ventricular response rate was 100—130 bpm when the dog was calm, but reverted to 250 bpm with 2:1 conduction during excitement. Digoxin (0.005 mg/kg PO q 12 h) was added for additional rate control.

The dog was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for observation and telemetric ECG monitoring. A syncopal episode was observed 3 days after presentation. The ECG showed AF with a ventricular response rate of 130 bpm immediately prior to the episode, followed by 8.8 s of ventricular asystole. One minute after the episode of collapse the ventricular response rate was 150 bpm (Fig. 2A—C). Atrial flutter at a rate of 500 CPM persisted throughout this episode. During the 5 days following this syncopal episode, the ventricular depolarization rate varied from 80 to 120 bpm during periods of calm, up to 240 bpm when the dog was excited. Frequent periods of ventricular asystole lasting 3—5 s were noted and it appeared that either electrical cardioversion to sinus rhythm or implantation of a pacemaker might be necessary to prevent future episodes of collapse.

The dog spontaneously converted to a NSR in the ICU 8 days after presentation, and a complete echocardiogram was obtained. There was mild LA enlargement on M-mode (3.3 cm; reference range, 2.2—2.9) with a LA:Ao of 1.4. On Doppler, moderate mitral regurgitation, mild tricuspid and aortic regurgitation; moderate sub-aortic stenosis (left ventricular outflow tract velocity of 4.0 m/s; reference range, <1.85 m/s)4; and mild to moderate mitral valve stenosis, E-wave velocity 1.7 m/s (reference range, 0.5—1.0 m/s), and A- wave velocity was 1.4 m/s, (reference range, 0.1— 0.8 m/s) 5 with a reduced EF slope and prolonged E-wave deceleration time were seen.

Fig. 1 Lead II ECG from case 2 showing transient increased atrioventricular (AV) node block in response to a precordial thump (large arrow)

Atrial flutter waves (small arrows) are seen, providing a rhythm diagnosis of atrial flutter with varying degrees of AV nodal conduction. (Paper speed = 25 mm/s; 1cm = 1 mV).

Fig. 2 Lead II ECG recorded during episode of syncope in dog from case 2

(A) Atrial flutter at a rate of 500 cycles per minute (CPM) with a ventricular depolarization rate of 130 bpm immediately prior to collapse. (B) Atrial flutter at a rate of 500 CPM with an 8.8 s period of ventricular asystole recorded during the collapse. (C) Immediately following collapse, atrial flutter rate of 500 CPM with a ventricular rate of 150 bpm. (Paper speed = 25 mm/s; 1cm = 1 mV).

Measurement of [TT4] was performed 24 h after discontinuation of levothyroxine. The result was markedly elevated for the sampling interval (75 nmol/L; reference range, 15—50nmol/L for a 4—8 h post-pill sample).g The owner was questioned regarding the possibility that the dog could have received additional doses of levothyroxine. The dog had been left in the care of friends during the 3-week period preceding the first syncopal episode. It was determined that because of treatments by multiple individuals the dog had frequently received double doses.

The dog was discharged on diltiazem and digoxin at the previously prescribed doses in case he reverted to AF. He returned for a recheck 6 weeks later and was reported to have been clinically normal. Physical examination and echocar- diographic findings were essentially unchanged from the previous examination. An ECG showed a sinus arrhythmia with a rate of 90—130 bpm. A thyroid hormone panel performed 6 h post-levo- thyroxine dose showed marginally low [TT4] (8 nmol/L). All other results were within reference limits. Digoxin and diltiazem therapy was discontinued at this time.

Seven months later the dog was rechecked by his referring veterinarian. The dog had been clinically normal during that interval. Total and free [T3] and [T4] were within reference limits, and an ECG showed a NSR.

Discussion

In the 2 cases presented here the dogs were diagnosed with iatrogenic hyperthyroidism. Both dogs were also affected by preexistent cardiac disease, but a compelling argument can be made that thyrotoxicosis contributed significantly to the clinical presentations. Case 1 was chronically receiving an inappropriately high dose of levo- thyroxine, while case 2 was accidentally overdosed due to miscommunication between caregivers. Case 2 was considered a presumptive case of iatrogenic hyperthyroidism since the thyroid hormone concentrations measured 24 h post-pill were only modestly elevated. However, in dogs the serum half-life of levothyroxine is 12—16 h.1 Based on the patient’s known value at 24 h, it was estimated that his [TT4] at 4—8 h would have been approximately 170—225 nmol/L.h Further, all arrhythmias and clinical signs resolved within days after thyroid hormone supplementation was discontinued.

Thyrotoxicosis due to excess ingestion of levothyroxine is well described in humans.6,7 Sinus tachycardia is the most common cardiovascular manifestation of toxicity. Atrial fibrillation occurs in about 10—15% of patients with naturally occurring thyrotoxicosis, while supraventricular tachycardia and AF are uncommon. Ventricular fibrillation and ventricular premature contractions are rare.8

Naturally occurring hyperthyroidism is uncommon in dogs, occurring in an estimated 10—31% of cases of thyroid neoplasia.9,10 The clinical signs of thyrotoxicosis in dogs are similar to those reported in cats and humans, and include agitation, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, tremors, diarrhea, and weight loss.11—13 The most commonly documented ECG abnormality in dogs with functional thyroid tumors is sinus tachycardia.13,14

Several studies have used normal dogs as experimental models of short and long-term thyrotoxicosis. The most common finding is increased heart rate after thyrotoxicosis is induced.11,14-16 Electrocardiographic findings include sinus tachycardia, and normal R-wave amplitudes with inverted T-waves.11,14 However, arrhythmias were not reported in any of these studies. It is likely that concurrent heart disease provided the substrate necessary for development of arrhythmias in the dogs of our report. In fact, case 1 continued to have occasional VPC, and eventually developed atrial fibrillation. Presumably this was from progressive AV valve degeneration, although a contribution from previous hyperthyroid-induced myocardial disease could not be excluded.

The cardiovascular effects of thyroid hormone and thyrotoxicosis are numerous and include enhanced systolic and diastolic ventricular function, increased left ventricular mass, altered beta- adrenergic signaling, changes in activities of cardiac ion pumps, and sodium retention with plasma volume expansion.17 A number of electrophysiologic effects also have been reported. Thyroid hormones enhance sinoatrial nodal firing rate, and decrease AV nodal conduction time and refractory period resulting in a faster ventricular response rate.11,18 They also decrease the refractory period of the atrial myocardium, allowing depolarized areas to repolarize fast enough to allow reentrant arrhythmias. Thyroid hormones indirectly increase heart rate by increasing tissue metabolism and oxygen demand, and by lowering systemic vascular resistance. Decreased systemic vascular resistance results in baroreflex-mediated elevations in heart rate and stroke volume.8

Similar to case 2, AF has been reported in humans with thyrotoxicosis.2,3,17 In some instances, ventricular asystole and syncope have been reported. Syncopal episodes sometimes occurred in patients receiving concurrent antiarrhythmic therapy,19,20 but in others, thyrotoxicosis was the only apparent cause.21,22

It has been reported that dogs are resistant to iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis due to their high rate of thyroid hormone metabolism, and that overt clinical signs are usually associated with doses well above the recommended therapeutic range.16,23 However, others report that some dogs are sensitive to even moderate levothyroxine over-dosage, and that clinical signs of toxicity may persist for weeks after the dose has been lowered or dis- continued.24,25 It is relatively common in the authors’ experience to measure total thyroxine concentrations above the "reference range” in dogs receiving thyroid supplementation, and this should be a consideration in any dog with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism that is undergoing cardiovascular assessment. It is important to educate veterinarians and clients that thyroid hormone supplementation is not always benign and that appropriate diagnostic studies, proper dosing, and regular post-treatment monitoring are essential to prevent adverse cardiovascular effects. Based on the 2 cases that we report here, this seems especially true for patients with preexisting cardiac disease.

Conflict of Interest

None of the authors have a conflict of interest.

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