Thyroid storm
Definition
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition that develops in cases of untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid).
Alternative Names
Thyrotoxic storm; Hyperthyroid storm; Accelerated hyperthyroidism
Causes
Thyroid storm results from untreated hyperthyroidism. It is usually brought on by a stress such as trauma or infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms are severe and may include:
- Agitation
- Change in alertness (consciousness)
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Pounding heart (tachycardia)
- Restlessness
- Shaking
- Sweating
Exams and Tests
- The top number in a blood pressure reading may be high
- Heart rate is increased
Blood tests are done to evaluate thyroid function.
- TSH is usually too low to detect.
- Thyroid hormone levels such as free T4 and total T3 are high.
Possible Complications
Congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema can develop rapidly and lead to death.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
This is an emergency condition. Call 911 or another emergency number if you have hyperthyroidism and experience symptoms of thyroid storm.
References
AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6):457-469.
Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 244.
Davies TF, Larsen PR. Thyrotoxicosis. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 11.
Reviewed By: Shehzad Topiwala, MD, Chief Consultant Endocrinologist, Premier Medical Associates, The Villages, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
