Thyroid storm

Abstract

Thyroid storm is a relatively rare but life-threatening exacerbation of the hyperthyroid state in which there is evidence of decompensation in one or more organs. Thyroid storm is most frequently seen in patients with thyrotoxicosis secondary to Graves´s disease, although it can occurs in patients with toxic adenoma or toxic multinodular goiter. Common clinical presentation includes fever (temperature usually > 38,5°C), tachycardia (out the proportion of the fever), gastrointestinal dysfunction (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases, jaundice), neurological abnormalities, varying from confusion to apathy and even coma and hypertension, followed by hypotension and shock. Despite its relative rarity, early diagnosis and vigorous therapy are required to avoid a fatal outcome; mortality rates of hospitalized patients range from 10% to 75%.