Methimazole-Induced Agranulocytosis in a Mother and her Young Daughter; the Possible Role of Genetic Factors in the Development of MethimazoleInduced Agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis is a rare but life- athreatening side effect of thionamides. some data indicate that the susceptibilityto thionamide-associated agranulocytosis in patients with graves' disease has a genetic basis. the case histories of a mother andher daughter with graves' disease who developed agranulocytosis with methimazole are presented here. it seems reasonable to avoid the useof thionamide derivates in hyperthyroid relatives of patients who have had thionamideinduced agranulocytosis.