Drug-induced liver injury due to potassium iodide during thyroid storm
Abstract
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition causing multiorgan failure, including liver dysfunction. Potassium iodide (KI) is one of the key drugs used to control thyroid hormone levels. While thionamides sometimes cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), KI has not been reported to cause DILI. Herein, we report a case of likely KI-induced DILI during treatment for thyroid storm due to Graves disease. A 30-year-old man presented with thyrotoxicosis due to Graves disease, with hyperbilirubinemia and elevated liver transaminases. The patient was diagnosed with thyroid storm, and treatment was initiated with methimazole, KI, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers. Although the thyroid hormone levels improved during the treatment, total bilirubin levels increased to 32.4 mg/dL (SI: 553 µmol/L) (reference range,
Fields of Study & Subjects
Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection
Thyroid Disorders and Treatments
Potassium and Related Disorders
Publication details
- Journal / source
- JCEM Case Reports
- Publisher
- The Endocrine Society
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- luag053–luag053
- Publication date
- 19 February 2026
- Language
- EN