Report of a rare case of trauma-induced thyroid storm.
Thyroid storm is a potentially life-threatening endocrinologic emergency characterized by an exacerbation of a hyperthyroid state. Several inciting factors can instigate the conversion of thyrotoxicosis to thyroid storm; trauma is one such trigger, but it is rare. Patients with thyroid storm can manifest fever, nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal or hepatic dysfunction (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or jaundice), and arrhythmia and other cardiovascular abnormalities. Treatment of thyroid storm is multimodal and is best managed by the endocrinologist and medical intensivist. Initial medical and supportive therapies are directed at stabilizing the patient, correcting the hyperthyroid state, managing the systemic decompensation, and treating the underlying cause. Once this has been achieved, definitive treatment in the form of radioactive ablation or surgery should be undertaken. We describe a case of thyroid storm in a young man that was precipitated by a motor vehicle accident.
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PO Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Neil M
NM
Vora
Fred
F
Fedok
Brendan C
BC
Stack
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013958:Thyroid Crisis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis
D013956:Antithyroid Agents