Thyroid storm precipitated by trauma

J Emerg Med. 1996 Nov-Dec;14(6):697-701. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(96)00178-3.

Abstract

A 21-year-old woman presented to the emergency department complaining of head, neck, and abdominal pain after being assaulted. She denied a previous history or significant symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The physical examination was remarkable for lethargy, low-grade fever, tachycardia, facial abrasions, swelling of the anterior neck, and a tremor. A diagnosis of thyroid storm was made. An extensive work up excluded other causes of the patient's tachycardia, altered mental status, and neck swelling. A review of the clinical features and management of thyroid storm is presented. Relatively minor trauma can be a precipitating event for thyroid storm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / complications*
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Humans
  • Neck Injuries
  • Potassium Iodide / administration & dosage
  • Propylthiouracil / administration & dosage
  • Thyroid Crisis / complications*
  • Thyroid Crisis / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Crisis / drug therapy
  • Violence*

Substances

  • Potassium Iodide
  • Propylthiouracil
  • Dexamethasone