Hui Wen Chong1, Kay Choong See, Jason Phua. 1. Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thyroid storm is a rare and potentially fatal condition. Various unusual presentations in patients with thyroid storm have been described but multiorgan dysfunction is uncommonly seen. SUMMARY: We describe a 35-year-old patient with a history of Graves' disease who was diagnosed with thyroid storm at 2 weeks postpartum. This was complicated by acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, severe lactic acidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and heart failure with acute pulmonary edema. The multiorgan dysfunction was reversed by prompt institution of antithyroid drugs and supportive management in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: Thyroid storm is a medical emergency. One of the challenges lies in recognizing its varied presentations. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important to prevent the catastrophic outcomes associated with this condition.
BACKGROUND: Thyroid storm is a rare and potentially fatal condition. Various unusual presentations in patients with thyroid storm have been described but multiorgan dysfunction is uncommonly seen. SUMMARY: We describe a 35-year-old patient with a history of Graves' disease who was diagnosed with thyroid storm at 2 weeks postpartum. This was complicated by acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, severe lactic acidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and heart failure with acute pulmonary edema. The multiorgan dysfunction was reversed by prompt institution of antithyroid drugs and supportive management in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: Thyroid storm is a medical emergency. One of the challenges lies in recognizing its varied presentations. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important to prevent the catastrophic outcomes associated with this condition.