Thyroid storm and lymphocytic myocarditis.
Cardiac failure is the leading cause of mortality in patients with thyroid storm. But the underlying cardiac pathology is unclear. Here, we report a 46-year-old woman who presented with hyperpyrexia and sinus tachycardia subsequent to accidental neck contusion. Her hyperthyroidism was verified by abnormal biochemical changes. Despite vigorous antithyroid treatment including a beta-blocker, glucocorticoid and potassium iodide, the patient eventually succumbed to refractory congestive heart failure in 4 days. Autopsy revealed lymphocytic myocarditis. We propose that lymphocytic myocarditis played a prominent role in her demise.
Department of Internal Medicine, Tzu-Chi Buddhist Medical Center, Haulien, Taiwan. Kateytc@gmail.com
Yi-Ting
YT
Chen
Gee-Gwo
GG
Yang
Yung-Hsiang
YH
Hsu
D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
D013956:Antithyroid Agents