Thyroid Storm - Clinical Diagnosis

8/06/01 (Franco)

RE: A 58 year old African American female presenting with shortness of breath and left-sided chest pain. 

Question: How is thyroid storm clinically diagnosed?

<1>

Unique Identifier: 91101485 / PubMed Identifier: 1987442

Authors: Gavin LA.

Institution: Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco.

Abstract: In the setting of characteristic features of thyrotoxicosis, the timely diagnosis and aggressive management of thyroid storm should result in a successful outcome. However, severe storm may lead to irreversible cardiovascular collapse, especially in the older patient who may have atypical features of thyrotoxicosis. The fundamental approach is prompt and optimal treatment in the emergency department once the presenting clinical features suggest its presence. Delay in the introduction of therapy while awaiting laboratory confirmation may result in further decompensation and death. The prevention of myxedema coma entails paying special attention to certain high-risk patient groups. These groups include older women with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or previous irradiation or thyroid surgery for hyperthyroidism. Inform such patients of the symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism, and perform annual thyroid function tests, such as a serum TSH, in order to provide early, adequate treatment once the test becomes positive. [References: 45]

<2>

Unique Identifier: 90032541 / PubMed Identifier: 2680469

Authors: Roth RN. McAuliffe MJ.

Institution: Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.

Abstract: Thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm are disease states that result from thyroid hormone-induced hypermetabolism. The excess thyroid hormone is released from the thyroid gland as a result of excess thyroid hormone production, or by processes that disrupt the follicular structure of the gland with subsequent release of stored hormone. True hyperthyroidism results from increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormone and can be distinguished from other causes of thyrotoxicosis by the thyroid 131I uptake. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and occurs most often in women aged 30 to 50 years. The classic features of a patient with fully developed Graves' disease are difficult to overlook, but the clinical features of thyrotoxicosis vary with the etiology of the disease and the sensitivity of the patient's peripheral tissues. Thyroid storm presents with an exaggeration of the features of uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis and, in addition, an alteration in mental status. Thyroid storm may lead to irreversible cardiovascular collapse and death if proper treatment is not initiated in the Emergency Department. Specific therapy of hyperthyroidism follows several strategies, including inhibition of hormone synthesis and release, inhibition of peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, and blocking of the systemic effects of excess thyroid hormone. Treatments directed at these ends may be initiated rapidly in the emergency setting. [References: 28]

<3>

Unique Identifier: 90010826 / PubMed Identifier: 2794886

Authors: Harper MB.

Institution: Department of Family Medicine and Comprehensive Care, Louisiana State University, School of Medicine, Shreveport.

Abstract: The prevalence of symptoms in thyrotoxicosis at the time of diagnosis has received little attention in studies of this condition. Vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain have not been included as common presenting symptoms for thyrotoxicosis in standard textbooks of medicine and endocrinology. Some reports in the medical literature, however, indicate that these abdominal symptoms may be important manifestations of this condition. A retrospective chart review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain in patients hospitalized for thyrotoxicosis at Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, from 1982 through 1986. Of 25 thyrotoxic patients who had thyrotoxicosis diagnosed during or immediately prior to admission, 44% reported vomiting, 28% reported nausea, and 20% complained of abdominal pain. One or more of these abdominal symptoms were included as a chief complaint in 36% of cases reviewed. Further study of the clinical presentation of thyrotoxicosis in the outpatient setting is needed to improve the timeliness and cost effectiveness of the clinical diagnosis of this condition.

<4>

Unique Identifier: 86039065 / PubMed Identifier: 2865414

Authors: Nicoloff JT.

Abstract: This article describes the clinical recognition of, and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of, thyroid storm and myxedema coma. Effective therapeutic management of these conditions depends on a clear understanding of the physiological adaptations occurring in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and of how precipitating events may produce these decompensated states.

<5>

Unique Identifier: 82129290 / PubMed Identifier: 7058358

Authors: Coe NP. Page DW. Friedmann P. Haag BL.

Abstract: Thyrotoxicosis may present with a hyperkinetic clinical picture typically associated with Graves' or Plummer's disease, or in an apathetic form characterized by lethargy, weakness, and withdrawal. Both the hyperkinetic and apathetic forms of thyrotoxicosis may be associated with or masked by predominantly extrathyroidal manifestations, occasionally referable primarily to the abdomen. We present two cases of apathetic thyrotoxicosis that suggested the need for urgent surgical intervention, and review the literature on apathetic thyrotoxicosis as an abdominal emergency, as well as laboratory studies and possible etiology.