Thyroid storm

Also known as: Thyrotoxic storm, Hyperthyroid storm or Accelerated hyperthyroidism

Definition

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

Signs and tests

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

Blood tests are done to evaluate thyroid function.

Complications

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

Calling your health care provider

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.

See also:

• Disease

  Hyperthyroidism

  

  Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. The condition is often referred to as an “overactive thyroid.”

• Symptoms

  Agitation

  

  Agitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal (stirred up or excited), increased , and irritability.

• Symptoms

  Fever

  

  Fever is the temporary increase in the body’s temperature in response to some disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels: 100.4 °F (38 °C) measured in the bottom (rectally) 99.5 °F(37.5 °C) measured in the mouth (orally) 99 °F (37.2 °C) ...

• Disease

  Pulmonary edema

  

  Pulmonary edema is an abnormal build up of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, which leads to shortness of breath

• Symptoms

  Pulse - bounding

  A bounding is a strong and forceful pulse. See also:

• Symptoms

  Sweating

  

  Sweating is the release of a salty liquid from the body’s sweat glands. This process is also called perspiration. Sweating is an essential function that helps your body stay cool. Sweat is commonly found under the arms, on the feet, and on the palms of the hands.

• Disease

  Heart failure

  

  Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

Review date:

May 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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