MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Thyrotoxic storm

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Thyrotoxic storm

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms	Exams and Tests Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional References

Illustrations

Thyroid gland

Alternative Names Return to top

Thyroid storm

Definition Return to top

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

Causes Return to top

Thyrotoxic storm results from untreated hyperthyroidism. It is usually brought on by an acute stress such as trauma or infection.

Symptoms Return to top

Symptoms are severe and may include:

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

Exams and Tests Return to top

Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) show increased heart rate. The top number in a blood pressure reading may be high.

Blood tests are done to evaluate thyroid function.

Possible Complications Return to top

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

This is an emergency condition. Call 911 or other emergency number if you have hyperthyroidism and experience these symptoms.

References Return to top

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) 459.

Update Date: 10/24/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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