[1] However, the prevalence of AIT varies based on geographical region, and is more common in areas with low dietary iodine intake, where it occurs in 10-12% of patients.

In some cases, the thyroid responds with an alternative "escape" mechanism from the Wolff-Chaikoff auto-regulatory effect called the Jod-Basedow phenomenon.

[8] AIT type 1 commonly occurs in iodine-deficient regions, and usually appears within weeks-months after patients start amiodarone.

AIT type 2 usually occurs in patients with a normal thyroid gland and could appear even several years after starting amiodarone.

Some cases can spontaneously improve, but AIT should generally be diagnosed and treated until normal levels of hormone have been reached, otherwise known as the euthyroid state.

Definitive treatment with radioiodine or thyroidectomy can be initiated after thyroid hormones levels are stabilized and returned to a euthyroid state.

The thyrotoxic phase in AIT type 2 is usually self-limited but treatment with glucocorticoids can reduce its length through their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect.

[7][8] Monitoring is highly recommended for patients taking amiodarone, and thyroid function should be regularly evaluated during treatment and for at least one year following drug cessation.