A complication occurring after thyroidectomy, or before or during other surgical procedures where even mild hyperthyroidism is present. It is characterized by tachycardia, a high temperature, nervousness, and occasionally delirium.
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition that develops in cases of untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism).
Alternative NamesThyrotoxic storm; Hyperthyroid storm; Accelerated hyperthyroidism
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThyroid storm results from untreated hyperthyroidism. It is usually brought on by a stress such as trauma or infection.
SymptomsSymptoms are severe and may include:
Blood tests are done to evaluate thyroid function.
ComplicationsCongestive heart failure and pulmonary edema can develop rapidly and lead to death.
Calling your health care providerThis is an emergency condition. Call 911 or another emergency number if you have hyperthyroidism and experience symptoms of thyroid storm.
ReferencesAACE 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 storm is a life-threatening condition that develops in cases of untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism).
Alternative NamesThyrotoxic storm; Hyperthyroid storm; Accelerated hyperthyroidism
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThyroid storm results from untreated hyperthyroidism. It is usually brought on by a stress such as trauma or infection.
SymptomsSymptoms are severe and may include:
Blood tests are done to evaluate thyroid function.
ComplicationsCongestive heart failure and pulmonary edema can develop rapidly and lead to death.
Calling your health care providerThis is an emergency condition. Call 911 or another emergency number if you have hyperthyroidism and experience symptoms of thyroid storm.
ReferencesAACE 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.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/10/2010
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.
thyrotoxic crisis
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