Effect of Thiouracil on Human Tissues

Abstract

OPPORTUNITY to observe the effect of thiouracil on human tissues was offered recently by the sudden death from cerebellar hemorrhage of a patient suffering from thyrotoxicosis which had been successfully controlled over a period of 381 days by the continuous administration of thiouracil. CASE REPORT A white, unmarried woman, aged 74, consulted the writer on May 5, 1944 because of shortness of breath, palpitation, nervousness, sweating and weight loss of 15.9 kg. (35 lbs.) during the preceding year. She had had a goiter for many years, but it had never been found to be hyperactive. Elevated blood pressure values had been obtained for at least 15 years; they were discovered when she had a stroke, causing a left sided paralysis from which she had made satisfactory recovery. She had been taking iodine for four weeks prior to her first visit. In appearance she was lethargic in movement, doddering and emaciated, but had an unusually bright eye, and an alert mentality.