Life-threatening thyrotoxicosis.

For most critically ill hyperthyroid patients with suspected thyroid storm, treatment should begin before laboratory confirmation is received. A combination of therapies directed at the thyroid gland (thionamides, iodides) and at limiting cellular response (beta-blockers, corticosteroids) are usually successfully employed. The goal of emergency therapy remains one of stabilization. Management of thyroid crisis is not complete until ablative therapy (radioactive iodine or surgery) is performed to prevent a recurrence.