Thyroid storm is a critical complication of hyperthyroidism, characterized by an extreme hypermetabolic state often triggered by stress, surgery, or infections. Symptoms include high fever, rapid heart rate, and agitation, while diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and lab tests indicating elevated thyroid hormone levels. Immediate hospitalization and treatment with antithyroid medications, beta-blockers, and corticosteroids are vital, as untreated cases can have a high mortality rate.

1. Thyroid Storm
A Medical Emergency

2. Overview
• • Thyroid storm is a life-threatening
complication of hyperthyroidism.
• • It is characterized by an extreme
hypermetabolic state.
• • Commonly precipitated by stress, surgery, or
infection.

3. Causes and Risk Factors
• • Untreated or poorly controlled
hyperthyroidism
• • Stress (e.g., trauma, surgery)
• • Infections
• • Pregnancy or childbirth
• • Excess iodine (e.g., contrast dyes,
medications)
• • Discontinuation of antithyroid medications

4. Signs and Symptoms
• • High fever (>101°F or 38.5°C)
• • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• • Agitation, confusion, or delirium
• • Sweating and heat intolerance
• • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• • Severe hypertension or hypotension

5. Diagnosis
• • Based on clinical presentation and history
• • Laboratory tests:
• - Elevated free T3 and T4 levels
• - Suppressed TSH levels
• • Assess for precipitating factors (e.g.,
infection, trauma)

6. Treatment
• • Immediate hospitalization and monitoring
• • Antithyroid medications (e.g.,
propylthiouracil, methimazole)
• • Beta-blockers to control heart rate
• • Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• • Cooling measures for hyperthermia
• • Address precipitating factors

7. Prognosis
• • High mortality rate if untreated (up to 30-
50%)
• • Early diagnosis and treatment improve
outcomes
• • Regular follow-up for patients with
hyperthyroidism is crucial

8. Prevention
• • Adequate control of hyperthyroidism
• • Regular follow-up with an endocrinologist
• • Avoidance of iodine-containing substances
without medical advice
• • Early management of infections and
stressors