Thyroid storm

Alternative Names: Thyrotoxic storm; Hyperthyroid storm; Accelerated hyperthyroidism

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition that develops in cases of untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism).

Causes of Thyroid storm

Thyroid storm results from untreated hyperthyroidism. It is usually brought on by a stress such as trauma or infection.

Thyroid storm Symptoms

Symptoms are severe and may include:

• Agitation
• Change in alertness (consciousness)
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Pounding heart (tachycardia)
• Restlessness
• Shaking
• Sweating

Tests and Exams

• The top number in a blood pressure reading may be high
• Increased heart rate

Blood tests are done to evaluate thyroid function.

Potential Complications

Congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema can develop rapidly and lead to death.

When to Contact a Health Professional

This is an emergency condition. Call 911 or another emergency number if you have hyperthyroidism and experience symptoms of thyroid storm.

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.

Thyroid gland

Review Date: 5/10/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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