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Farooqi S, Raj S, Koyfman A, Long B. High risk and low prevalence diseases: Thyroid storm. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 69:127-135. [PMID: 37104908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thyroid storm is a rare but serious condition that carries a high rate of morbidity and even mortality. OBJECTIVE This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of thyroid storm, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence. DISCUSSION Thyroid storm is a challenging condition to diagnose and manage in the ED. It is characterized by exaggerated signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis and evidence of multiorgan decompensation, usually occurring in the presence of an inciting trigger. Clinical features of thyroid storm may include fever, tachycardia, signs of congestive heart failure, vomiting/diarrhea, hepatic dysfunction, and central nervous system disturbance. There are several mimics including sympathomimetic overdose, substance use disorders, alcohol withdrawal, acute pulmonary edema, aortic dissection, heat stroke, serotonin syndrome, and sepsis/septic shock. Ultimately, the key to diagnosis is considering the disease. While laboratory assessment can assist, there is no single laboratory value that will establish a diagnosis of thyroid storm. Clinical criteria include the Burch-Wartofsky point scale and Japan Thyroid Association diagnostic criteria. ED treatment focuses on diagnosing and managing the trigger; resuscitation; administration of steroids, thionamides, iodine, and cholestyramine; and treatment of hyperthermia and agitation. Beta blockers should be administered in the absence of severe heart failure. The emergency clinician should be prepared for rapid clinical deterioration and employ a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that involves critical care and endocrinology specialists. CONCLUSIONS An understanding of thyroid storm can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Farooqi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sonika Raj
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Alex Koyfman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Brit Long
- SAUSHEC, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Endocrine disorders are the result of insufficient or excessive hormonal production. The clinical course is long, and the manifestations are nonspecific due to the systemic effect of hormones across many organs and systems including the nervous system. This is a narrative review of the recent evidence of the diagnosis and treatment approach of these medical and neurological emergencies. RECENT FINDINGS With the possible exception of diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and hypoglycemia, endocrinological emergencies are complex, uncommon yet life-threatening conditions with protean and often nonspecific early clinical signs. They frequently are the first manifestation of the endocrine derangement. The systemic effects of hormones extend to the nervous system and as such, these conditions can present with neurological complications manifested, in most cases, by a diffuse dysfunction of the brain in the form of encephalopathy, delirium, seizures, and coma; or specific and peculiar syndromes such as hemichorea, hemiballism, and epilepsia partialis continua. The severity of these conditions often necessitates management in the intensive care unit requiring substantial supportive care in addition to specific targeted therapy to correct the hormonal metabolic abnormalities while at the same time blocking hormonal activity, in cases of excessive function, or supplementing hormonal deficiencies. Endocrine emergencies and their neurological complications are infrequent. The major challenge for most is early recognition. Their morbidity and mortality are high and their diagnosis requires high index of suspicion. The neurological complication most often improves with the correction of the metabolic derangement and their acuity and severity require admission to the intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Cruz-Flores
- Department of Neurology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
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Ali A, Mostafa W, Fernandez C, Ahmad H, Htwe N. Apathetic Thyroid Storm with Cardiorespiratory Failure, Pulmonary Embolism, and Coagulopathy in a Young Male with Graves' Disease and Myopathy. Case Rep Endocrinol 2020; 2020:8896777. [PMID: 33029436 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8896777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 38-year-old gentleman presented with thyroid storm with multiorgan involvement in the form of heart failure (thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy), respiratory failure (respiratory muscle fatigue), hepatic dysfunction, fast atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). His Graves' disease (GD) remained undiagnosed for nearly 8 months because apart from weight loss, he has not had any other symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. The presentation of thyroid storm was atypical (apathetic thyroid storm) with features of depression and extreme lethargy without any fever, anxiety, agitation, or seizure. There were no identifiable triggers for the thyroid storm. Apart from mechanical ventilation and continuous veno-venous renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit, he received propylthiouracil (PTU), esmolol, and corticosteroids, which were later switched to carbimazole and propranolol with steroids being tapered down. He was diagnosed with thyrotoxic myopathy which, like GD, remained undiagnosed for long (fatigability). A high index of suspicion and a multidisciplinary care are essential for good outcome in these patients.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article provides an overview of endocrine emergencies with potentially devastating neurologic manifestations that may be fatal if left untreated. Pituitary apoplexy, adrenal crisis, myxedema coma, thyroid storm, acute hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia, hyperglycemic emergencies (diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state), and acute hypoglycemia are discussed, with an emphasis on identifying the signs and symptoms as well as diagnosing and managing these clinical entities. RECENT FINDINGS To identify the optimal management of endocrine emergencies, using formal clinical diagnostic criteria and grading scales such as those recently proposed for pituitary apoplexy will be beneficial in future prospective studies. A 2015 prospective study in patients with adrenal insufficiency found a significant number of adrenal crisis-related deaths despite all study patients receiving standard care and being educated on crisis prevention strategies, highlighting that current prevention strategies and medical management remain suboptimal. SUMMARY Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of endocrine emergencies are essential but remain challenging because of a lack of objective diagnostic tools. The optimal management is also unclear as prospective and randomized studies are lacking. Additional research is needed for these clinical syndromes that can be fatal despite intensive medical intervention.
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Abstract
Thyrotoxic storm is a syndrome of exaggerated thyrotoxicosis with systemic decompensation seen in 1-2% of hospital admissions for thyrotoxicosis. The diagnosis is based on recognition of typical cardinal manifestations, but even when diagnosed and treated, mortality rates are high. Results of thyroid function tests may be no more abnormal than those seen in uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis. Often, there is a history of partially treated thyrotoxicosis, and/or decompensation related to a precipitating event such as infection, stroke, pulmonary embolism, or radioiodine therapy. Treatment must be aggressive and includes volume repletion with i.v. glucose and saline, and pressor agents may be needed. Patients belong in an intensive care unit, with a cooling blanket for hyperpyrexia. Appropriate cardiac medications are employed to control ventricular rate in those with atrial fibrillation. The thyroid is blocked by large doses of antithyroid agent. In patients unable to swallow, tablets can be crushed and given by nasogastric tube or per rectum. After antithyroid drugs are started, stable iodine as Lugol's solution is given to block further hormone release from the gland. Sodium ipodate can be used instead of iodine and has the advantage of inhibiting conversion of T4 to T3. In severe cases, thyroid hormone may be removed from the circulation by peritoneal dialysis or plasmapheresis, and cholestyramine resin may be used to bind T4 and T3 within the gastrointestinal tract. β-adrenergic antagonists such as propranolol are given, or the very short-acting β-adrenergic blocker, esmolol, has also been used with success. A Swan-Ganz catheter is used to monitor central hemodynamics, especially in patients receiving high-dose propranolol, pressors, digoxin, diuretics, and fluids. Large doses of dexamethasone have been given based on presumed increased glucocorticoid requirements in thyrotoxicosis and because adrenal reserve may be reduced. Therapy must be continued until a normal metabolic state is achieved, at which time iodine is progressively withdrawn and plans made for definitive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Cone
- Pharmacy Practice and Administrative SciencesUniversity of New Mexico College of PharmacyAlbuquerque,
| | - Bruce Horowitz
- University of New Mexico School of MedicineAlbuquerque, NM
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Abstract
Thyroid storm, an endocrine emergency first described in 1926, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. No laboratory abnormalities are specific to thyroid storm, and the available scoring system is based on the clinical criteria. The exact mechanisms underlying the development of thyroid storm from uncomplicated hyperthyroidism are not well understood. A heightened response to thyroid hormone is often incriminated along with increased or abrupt availability of free hormones. Patients exhibit exaggerated signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and varying degrees of organ decompensation. Treatment should be initiated promptly targeting all steps of thyroid hormone formation, release, and action. Patients who fail medical therapy should be treated with therapeutic plasma exchange or thyroidectomy. The mortality of thyroid storm is currently reported at 10%. Patients who have survived thyroid storm should receive definite therapy for their underlying hyperthyroidism to avoid any recurrence of this potentially fatal condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maguy Chiha
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Shanika Samarasinghe
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Adam S. Kabaker
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
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Abstract
This review presents current knowledge about the thyroid emergencies known as myxedema coma and thyrotoxic storm. Understanding the pathogenesis of these conditions, appropriate recognition of the clinical signs and symptoms, and their prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial in optimizing survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010-2910, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to determine the frequency at which spurious diagnoses and unnecessary treatment occurs prior to the diagnosis of Graves disease (GD) and to evaluate the economic consequences of these events. METHODS Retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with GD. RESULTS A total of 76 children (61 girls) aged 11.9 ± 3.8 years were identified. In all, 17 (22.4%) were referred to other subspecialists prior to diagnosis of GD. Six were hospitalized, and 2 visited emergency rooms. A total of 15 (19.7%) underwent nonthyroid-related studies. Estimated cost of testing and procedures ranged from $49 to $14,000. Twelve (15.8%) were diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 16 (21.1%) were started on medications for other conditions prior to diagnosis of GD. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation and treatment for presumed other disorders are common in children with GD. A high index of suspicion for hyperthyroidism by primary care providers may help to avoid clinical detours that may be costly and delay diagnosis.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Apathetic thyrotoxicosis is distinctly unusual in thyroid storm and features of meningoencephalitis are very rare. Here we present such a patient. PATIENT FINDINGS The patient was a 67-year-old Chinese woman who presented with acute generalized weakness, decreased mentation, fever, and rapid deterioration to coma, accompanied by meningism, initially mimicking meningoencephalitis. Further investigations excluded intracranial lesions. Laboratory findings were consistent with Graves' thyrotoxicosis. She was treated for thyroid storm with antithyroid drugs, Lugol's iodine solution, and other supportive management. Subsequently, her level of consciousness returned to normal and neurological signs resolved. SUMMARY We report a patient with thyroid storm with an apathetic presentation, manifesting as coma with meningism, that mimicked meningoencephalitis. These resolved after treatment for thyroid storm was instituted. CONCLUSIONS Apathetic thyrotoxicosis is a rare presentation of thyroid storm. Early recognition and treatment is essential for reducing its morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha P L Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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Abstract
This manuscript describes a 28-year-old patient with a history of Graves' disease who was transferred to Tulane University Hospital with fulminant hepatic failure. He reported associated nausea, vomiting, anorexia, as well as jaundice and abdominal discomfort for a period of 3 weeks prior to his admission. His thyroid function tests on admission were TSH, 0.013 μU/mL; T3, 94.9 μU/mL; T4, 9.37 μU/mL; Free T4, >6 μU/mL. His liver function tests were characteristic of hepatic failure. The patient underwent an emergent liver transplant. His surgery was complicated by heart failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Given the patients clinical presentation and laboratory results, a diagnosis of thyroid storm was made and a decision was made to proceed with an emergent thyroidectomy. The posttransplant multiorgan dysfunction was rapidly reversed by prompt thyroidectomy and decisive management. The patient was discharged from the hospital with normal thyroid and liver function tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Kandil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrinology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid storm is a rare and potentially fatal condition. Various unusual presentations in patients with thyroid storm have been described but multiorgan dysfunction is uncommonly seen. SUMMARY We describe a 35-year-old patient with a history of Graves' disease who was diagnosed with thyroid storm at 2 weeks postpartum. This was complicated by acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, severe lactic acidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and heart failure with acute pulmonary edema. The multiorgan dysfunction was reversed by prompt institution of antithyroid drugs and supportive management in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION Thyroid storm is a medical emergency. One of the challenges lies in recognizing its varied presentations. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important to prevent the catastrophic outcomes associated with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen Chong
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Abstract
Elderly individuals represent the fastest-growing segment of the US population. Seizures are common among elderly persons, and the etiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of seizure disorders can often differ between elderly patients and younger individuals. However, published information regarding the diagnosis and management of epilepsy in elderly patients is scarce. Because a number of conditions that are common in elderly patients may resemble epilepsy, diagnosis can be challenging. Cardiovascular conditions, migraines, drug effects, infections, metabolic disturbances, sleep disorders, and psychiatric disorders are all associated with signs and symptoms that may often mimic epilepsy. New paradigms must be put into practice to establish an accurate diagnosis in the elderly patient; besides an initial evaluation, the patient history and an electroencephalogram should be obtained. Proper diagnosis is essential for proper treatment in the elderly patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Eugene Ramsay
- International Center for Epilepsy, Department of Neurology University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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Pimentel L, Hansen KN. Thyroid disease in the emergency department: A clinical and laboratory review. J Emerg Med 2005; 28:201-9. [PMID: 15707817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2004.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2004] [Revised: 07/23/2004] [Accepted: 08/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Emergency physicians regularly treat patients with thyroid disorders. Until the 1950s, clinical evaluation was the only available diagnostic tool. Since then, increasingly sophisticated laboratory assays have been developed to confirm thyroid pathology. Thyroid physiology, fundamental to interpreting thyroid function tests, is based on a classic negative feedback mechanism involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Primary hypothyroidism in developed countries is most commonly caused by Hashimoto's disease. Secondary and tertiary etiologies are uncommon and the result of hypothalamic and pituitary pathology. Clinical presentations range from subclinical disease to myxedema coma. Thyrotoxicosis has many etiologies. A hyperadrenergic state precipitates characteristic signs and symptoms. Thyroid storm and thyrotoxic periodic paralysis are emergent complications. Third generation assays have made thyroid function testing practical for emergency physicians. An ultrasensitive thyroid stimulating hormone level is the most useful. A free thyroxine level is the preferred study for confirming a thyroid disorder. Confounding factors may affect thyroid function interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pimentel
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
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Al-Anazi KA, Inam S, Jeha MT, Judzewitch R. Thyrotoxic crisis induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 2004; 13:196-8. [PMID: 15459765 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-004-0713-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2004] [Accepted: 09/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid storm is a rare and life-threatening medical emergency. We report a young lady with Graves' disease and acute myeloid leukaemia who developed thyrotoxic crisis following an induction course of chemotherapy given for the treatment of acute leukaemia. After successful management of her leukaemia and thyroid disease, she received an autologous bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Al-Anazi
- Section of Adult Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Department of Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 3354, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract
Thyroid storm is a rare disorder characterized by hypertension, hyperthermia, and multiple systems involvement. Early recognition and treatment of thyroid storm are essential in reducing morbidity and mortality from this disorder. We present the case of a patient with an atypical (normothermic, normotensive) presentation of thyroid storm, accompanied by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, including lactic acidosis and liver dysfunction, both of which are very rare complications. This case highlights both the multiple organ systems that can be involved in thyroid storm and the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of thyroid storm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Z Jiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA.
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