Diagnostic criteria and scoring systems for thyroid storm: An evaluation of their utility - comparative review.

A thyroid storm is a life-threatening endocrine emergency characterized by severe hyperthyroidism and many systemic manifestations. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential for patient survival. This study evaluates the utility of existing diagnostic criteria and scoring systems for thyroid storm. A comprehensive literature review encompassed articles published up to December 2023. Various diagnostic criteria and scoring systems, such as the Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale and the Japanese Thyroid Association criteria, were critically assessed based on their sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability. Our findings reveal that existing diagnostic criteria and scoring systems, although valuable tools, exhibit limitations. They may lack sensitivity in identifying milder cases of thyroid storm or fail to differentiate it from other critical conditions. Furthermore, some criteria rely heavily on subjective clinical Judgment, which can vary among healthcare providers. Future research should focus on refining existing criteria and developing more objective and universally applicable diagnostic tools to address these limitations. Incorporating advanced laboratory markers and modern imaging techniques may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, a standardized scoring system approach could improve clinical practice consistency. In conclusion, while current diagnostic criteria and scoring systems provide a foundation for identifying thyroid storm, their utility has shortcomings. Advancements in diagnostic methods and a collaborative effort to establish standardized criteria are imperative to enhance the accuracy and reliability of thyroid storm diagnosis, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Graves' Disease Exacerbation with Impending Thyroid Storm After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the development of autoimmune disorders, including of the thyroid. Graves' disease (GD) is a rare complication that can occur following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Reports have linked COVID-19 to new onset and exacerbation of GD. We present a case of a 42-year-old woman with a history of GD presenting with impending thyroid storm 3 weeks following a diagnosis of COVID-19. CASE REPORT A 42-year-old woman with a history of GD presented to the Emergency Department (ED) for an acute exacerbation of hyperthyroidism 3 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed on a home test. Symptoms included daily headaches, increased bilateral eye pressure, fatigue, muscle weakness, episodes of confusion and agitation, persistent heart palpitations, and goiter. Elevated free T4 of 5.57, free T3 of 15.68, total T3 of 4.43, and near-absent thyroid stimulating hormone were noted. The Burch-Wartofsky scale was 40, which was concerning for an impending thyroid storm; however, at the time of admission, she was not in a thyroid storm. Treatment included propylthiouracil, potassium iodide oral solution, and propranolol, with symptom improvement. Due to prior history of intolerance to antithyroid medications and recent exacerbation, a thyroidectomy was performed once she was in a euthyroid state. CONCLUSIONS Our case demonstrates the importance of recognizing COVID-19 as an etiology or a trigger for new onset or exacerbation of GD. Our case highlights that being vigilant to recognize the association between COVID-19 and thyroid abnormalities for early diagnosis and treatment is imperative.

Risk factors for cardiogenic shock in thyroid storm: a retrospective and case-series study.

Aim: Thyroid storm (TS) occurs in 10% of thyrotoxicosis patients and 1% of TS patients experience cardiogenic shock (CS), which is associated with poor prognosis. Methods: This is a single institution, retrospective study in which 56 patients with TS were evaluated. Results: BMI (p = 0.002), history of heart failure (OR 8.33 [1.91, 36.28]; p = 0.004), pro-BNP elevation (p = 0.04), chest x-ray showing interstitial edema (OR 3.33 [1.48, 7.52]; p = 0.01) and Burch-Wartofsky score (62.5 vs 40; p = 0.004) showed association with CS. CS patients had increased length of stay (16.5 vs 4 days; p = 0.01) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 24.5 [2.90, 207.29]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: These risk factors are useful to risk stratify TS patients on admission, institute therapy in a timely manner and decrease mortality.

Thyroid Storm-Induced Refractory Multiorgan Failure Managed by Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Case-Series.

BACKGROUND Severe hyperthyroidism, including thyroid storm, can be precipitated by acute events, such as surgery, trauma, infection, medications, parturition, and noncompliance or stoppage of antithyroid drugs. Thyroid storm is one of the serious endocrinal emergencies that prompts early diagnosis and treatment. Early occurrence of multiorgan failure is an ominous sign that requires aggressive treatment, including the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support as a bridge to stability and definitive surgical treatment. Most adverse events occur after failure of medical therapy. CASE REPORT We described 4 cases of fulminating thyroid storm that were complicated with multiple organ failure and cardiac arrest. The patients, 3 female and 1 male, were between 39 and 46 years old. All patients underwent ECMO support, with planned thyroidectomy. Three survived to discharge and 1 died after prolonged cardiac arrest and sepsis. All patients underwent peripheral, percutaneous, intensivist-led cannulation for VA-ECMO with no complications. CONCLUSIONS Early recognition of thyroid storm, identification of the cause, and proper treatment and support in the intensive care unit is essential. Patients with thyroid storm and cardiovascular collapse, who failed to improve with conventional supportive measures, had the worst prognosis, and ECMO support should be considered as a bridge until the effective therapy takes effect. Our case series showed that, in patients with life-threatening thyroid storm, VA-ECMO can be used as bridge to stabilization, definitive surgical intervention, and postoperative endocrine management. Interprofessional team management is essential, and early implantation of VA-ECMO is likely beneficial in patients with thyroid storm after failure of conventional management.

Anaesthetic management of thyroid storm in a patient with Friederich's ataxia. A case report.

A 26-year-old patient with Friederich's ataxia with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing total thyroidectomy due to persistent amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (despite high doses of antithyroid drugs and corticosteroids), presented an intraoperative episode suggestive of thyroid storm. Thyroid storm is an endocrine emergency that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment, which is of vital importance to improve survival, includes symptomatic treatment, treatment of cardiovascular, neurological, and/or hepatic manifestations and thyrotoxicosis, measures to suppress or avoid triggering stimuli, and definitive treatment.

Coexistence of Graves' disease with acute rheumatic fever treated as thyroid storm in young Thai patient.

OBJECTIVES: This report presents a case of acute onset of chorea, concurrent Graves' disease, and acute rheumatic fever in an 8-year-old female patient. CASE PRESENTATION: The child had intermittent involuntary movement of all extremities and both eyes for 4 days, with a previous history of increased appetite, weight lost, and heat intolerance over a period of two months. Physical examination revealed fever, tachycardia, exophthalmos, eyelid retraction, as well as diffused thyroid enlargement. Initial clinical features and thyroid function testing suggested a thyroid storm due to Graves' disease. Methimazole, propranolol, potassium iodide (SSKI), and dexamethasone were prescribed. Congestive heart failure developed after propranolol and cardiovascular re-evaluation and Revised Jones criteria suggested acute rheumatic fever. Chorea was successfully treated with pulse methylprednisolone. CONCLUSIONS: We reported Graves' disease patients with acute rheumatic fever simulating a thyroid storm. The underlying cardiac disease must be considered, especially where chorea and congestive heart failure are present.

High risk and low prevalence diseases: Thyroid storm.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid storm is a rare but serious condition that carries a high rate of morbidity and even mortality. OBJECTIVE: This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of thyroid storm, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence. DISCUSSION: Thyroid storm is a challenging condition to diagnose and manage in the ED. It is characterized by exaggerated signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis and evidence of multiorgan decompensation, usually occurring in the presence of an inciting trigger. Clinical features of thyroid storm may include fever, tachycardia, signs of congestive heart failure, vomiting/diarrhea, hepatic dysfunction, and central nervous system disturbance. There are several mimics including sympathomimetic overdose, substance use disorders, alcohol withdrawal, acute pulmonary edema, aortic dissection, heat stroke, serotonin syndrome, and sepsis/septic shock. Ultimately, the key to diagnosis is considering the disease. While laboratory assessment can assist, there is no single laboratory value that will establish a diagnosis of thyroid storm. Clinical criteria include the Burch-Wartofsky point scale and Japan Thyroid Association diagnostic criteria. ED treatment focuses on diagnosing and managing the trigger; resuscitation; administration of steroids, thionamides, iodine, and cholestyramine; and treatment of hyperthermia and agitation. Beta blockers should be administered in the absence of severe heart failure. The emergency clinician should be prepared for rapid clinical deterioration and employ a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that involves critical care and endocrinology specialists. CONCLUSIONS: An understanding of thyroid storm can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.

A Rare Case of Painless Destructive Thyroiditis Resulting in Thyroid Storm.

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening clinical condition that is usually triggered by untreated or interrupted treatment of Graves' disease, leading to the sudden onset of severe thyrotoxicosis, which requires an immediate diagnosis and treatment based on diagnostic criteria. Cases of thyroid storm caused by painless/painless subacute thyroiditis are very rare. We herein report an 85-year-old man with features of severe thyrotoxicosis caused by painless/painless subacute thyroiditis who had no uptake of 99mTcO4 and was negative for thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies. In thyroid storm patients in whom the findings are inconsistent with Graves' disease, careful follow-up and management are necessary, assuming the possibility of painless or painless subacute thyroiditis.

Anaesthesiology perspective on a multidisciplinary approach to optimal perioperative management of a patient with giant peptic ulcer perforation caused by the physiological stress of a thyroid storm necessitating emergent laparotomy.

Thyroid storm is a rare, fatal complication of thyrotoxicosis that necessitates aggressive medical treatment. We present a case of a patient who developed duodenal ulcer perforation as a result of a thyroid storm caused by Graves' thyrotoxicosis. In addition to life-threatening intra-abdominal sepsis complicated by high anion-gap metabolic acidosis, he was found to have severely deranged thyroid hormone levels and clinical features compatible with thyroid storm based on the Burch-Wartofsky Score. Diagnosis and management of such patients with compromised gastrointestinal (GI) tract present a remarkable clinical challenge to the anaesthetist and the intensivists. Multidisciplinary care with rapid preoperative optimisation, careful intraoperative anaesthetic techniques and postoperative care resulted in excellent outcomes. This case report sheds light on how to tailor general anaesthesia to minimise physiological derangement associated with thyroid storm and re-establish homeostasis in patients presenting for emergent surgery, particularly those with GI dysfunction.

A Case of Thyroid Storm Caused by Thyroiditis.

Thyroid storm occurs when thyroid hormones are released causing a hyperadrenergic state resulting in potentially life-threatening cardio-respiratory effects. The most common cause of thyroid storm is thyrotoxicosis secondary to Graves disease. Alternatively, subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is usually a self-limited condition consisting of painful inflammation of thyroid gland, often associated with viral illness. Transient hyperthyroidism is a common finding in SAT; however, thyroid storm is an extremely rare complication of SAT. We report the sixth recorded case of SAT associated with thyroid storm.

[Multimodal anesthesia in a patient with Graves' disease and thyrotoxicosis: A case report]. / Anestesia multimodal en paciente con enfermedad de Graves y tirotoxicosis: reporte de caso.

Background: Hyperthyroidism is the increase in the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. It is rare but serious in children and constitutes approximately 5% of all cases; 15% manifests before 10 years of age. The peak of presentation and the majority of cases (80%) are diagnosed around 10-15 years of age. Adolescence is usually the stage with the highest incidence and it is more frequent in women (5:1). Acute thyrotoxic crisis or thyroid storm is rare and only occurs in a poorly controlled hyperthyroid patient or in a hyperthyroid patient undergoing emergency surgery. It is manifested by fever, extreme tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia with atrial fibrillation, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation and mental confusion. Clinical case: 17-year-old adolescent with Graves' disease with uncontrolled clinical manifestations that did not respond to medical treatment and was scheduled for radical thyroidectomy. 35 points were obtained on the Burch and Wartofsky Scale. It was managed with general anesthesia, reducing stimuli for airway and regional control to reduce surgical stimuli. Adjuvant medications such as magnesium sulfate for intraoperative stability were used. Conclusion: Multimodal anesthesia managed to avoid thyroid storm, postoperative pain, as well as other complications.

Introducción: el hipertiroidismo es el incremento en la síntesis y secreción de hormonas tiroideas. Es raro pero grave en la edad pediátrica y constituye aproximadamente el 5% de todos los casos; el 15% se presenta antes de los 10 años. El pico de presentación y la mayoría de los casos (80%) se diagnostican hacia los 10-15 años. La adolescencia es la etapa de mayor incidencia y más frecuente en mujeres (5:1). La crisis tirotóxica aguda o tormenta tiroidea es rara y solo se presenta en un hipertiroideo mal controlado o en un paciente hipertiroideo intervenido de urgencia. Se manifiesta con fiebre, taquicardia extrema, taquiarritmia con fibrilación auricular, vómito, diarrea, agitación y confusión mental. Caso clínico: adolescente de 17 años con enfermedad de Graves con manifestaciones clínicas descontroladas, la cual no respondió a tratamiento médico y se programó para tiroidectomia radical. Se obtuvieron 35 puntos en la Escala de Burch y Wartofsky. Se manejó con anestesia general y fueron disminuyendo los estímulos para control de vía aérea y regional a fin de disminuir los estímulos quirúrgicos. Se usaron medicamentos adyuvantes como sulfato de magnesio para la estabilidad transoperatoria. Conclusión: la anestesia multimodal logró evitar la tormenta tiroidea, el dolor postoperatorio, así como otras complicaciones.

Endocrine Emergencies During Pregnancy: Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Thyroid Storm.

The physiologic changes and common signs and symptoms of pregnancy can make the early recognition of endocrine emergencies more challenging. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur at only modestly elevated glucose levels (euglycemic DKA), often accompanied by starvation ketosis due to substantial fetal-placental glucose demands and is associated with a high stillbirth rate. Thyroid storm is life threatening with a higher rate of heart failure and both require prompt and aggressive treatment to avoid maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Treatment of these disorders and the special considerations for recognition and management in the context of pregnancy are reviewed.

Clinical Review and Update on the Management of Thyroid Storm.

Thyroid storm is a severe manifestation of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid storm is diagnosed as a combination of thyroid function studies showing low to undetectable thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (<0.01mU/L) with elevated free thyroxine (T4) and/or triiodothyronine (T3), positive thyroid receptor antibody (TRab) (if Graves' disease is the underlying etiology), and with clinical signs and symptoms of end organ damage. Treatment involves bridging to a euthyroid state prior to total thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine ablation to limit surgical complications such as excessive bleeding from highly vascular hyperthyroid tissue or exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis. The purpose of this article is a clinical review of the various treatments and methodologies to achieve a euthyroid state in patients with thyroid storm prior to definitive therapy.

Thyroid storm complicated by corpus callosum infarction in a young patient: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare life-threatening hypermetabolic thyrotoxicosis with an incidence of 0.57-0.76/100,000. The coexistence of TS and acute cerebral infarction is rare. Previous studies have shown that hyperthyroidism complicated by cerebral infarction mainly occurs in the intracranial basal ganglia; however, there are no reports of corpus callosum infarction. We report a case of TS complicated by cerebral infarction of the corpus callosum at our hospital. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 31-year-old male patient with a history of hyperthyroidism was admitted to the hospital because of fatigue, palpitations, fever, and profuse sweating accompanied by a mild decrease in the muscle strength of the left limb. Diagnosis of a TS was confirmed by the laboratory test results. The patient's clinical symptoms gradually improved after treatment. However, his left limb muscle strength progressively decreased, and the bilateral pathological signs were positive at the same time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed acute cerebral infarction of the corpus callosum and pons. DIAGNOSIS: The diagnosis was thyroid strom with acute cerebral infarction of the corpus callosum and pons and severe stenosis or occlusion of the basilar artery. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was given 300 mg hydrocortisone intravenously per day, propylthiouracil tablets of 200 mg 3 times a day by nasal feeding, and 20 mg propranolol three times a day by nasal feeding. Aspirin and clopidogrel were administered to prevent platelet aggregation, and atorvastatin calcium was administered to lower lipid levels to stabilize plaques. OUTCOMES: The patient's left limb muscle strength recovered to grade 4+, and he could walk beside the bed with support. Simultaneously, thyroid function was better than before. LESSONS: Careful physical examination should be performed in patients with thyroid storm, and head imaging examination should be improved for the early detection of cerebral infarction.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis caused by traumatic brain injury complicating thyroid storm: a case report and discussion.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon cerebrovascular disease with diverse predisposing factors. We report a case of CVST caused by a thyroid storm induced by traumatic brain injury. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old male patient with a history of Graves' disease with hyperthyroidism presented to our hospital with head trauma of cerebral contusion and laceration in both frontal lobes confirmed by admission CT scan. He received mannitol to lower intracranial pressure, haemostatic therapy, and antiepileptic treatment. Eight days later, he presented with signs of thyroid storms, such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, sweating and irritation, and his thyroid function tests revealed high levels of TPO-Ab, TR-Ab, TG-Ab, FT3 and FT4. Then, he entered a deep coma. His brain CT showed a thrombosis of multiple venous sinuses, along with the opening of peripheral collateral vessels, congestive infarction with haemorrhage and brain swelling. He regained consciousness after treatment with antithyroid drugs, anticoagulants, respiratory support and a regimen of sedation/analgesia. After a half-year follow-up, most of the patient's blocked cerebral venous sinuses had been recanalized, but there were still some sequelae, such as an impaired fine motor performance of the right hand and verbal expression defects. CONCLUSIONS: CVST can be induced by thyroid storms, and trauma-related thyroid storms can develop on the basis of hyperthyroidism. The purpose of this case report is to raise clinicians' awareness and improve their ability to diagnose CVST early in patients with traumatic brain injury complicating thyroid storms to improve the neurological prognosis among similar patients.

Risk of sudden cardiac death in a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting with thyroid storm.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a spontaneous separation of the coronary artery wall whose etiology appears to be poorly understood. SCAD is a rare cause of acute coronary syndromes, and it is a life-threatening condition. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a young woman who developed SCAD during a thyroid storm (TS). RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SCAD during a TS, and it suggests a possible association between high levels of circulating thyroid hormones and SCAD susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: Early identification of SCAD predisposing factors is important to identify high-risk patients. In patients presenting to the emergency department because of chest pain with a history of dysthyroidism, early determination of thyroid hormones and troponin could prevent certain forms of sudden cardiac death.

Non-diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to primary hyperthyroidism: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: There are variable complications of hyperthyroidism, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm. One infrequent complication of hyperthyroidism is non-diabetic ketoacidosis (NDKA). To the best of our knowledge, our case is the third report of NDKA related to thyrotoxicosis. PATIENT CONCERN: We describe a case of a 41-year-old African lady with no past medical history presented to our hospital with severe abdominal pain and vomiting for three weeks. This was associated with decreased appetite and weight loss. DIAGNOSIS: Laboratory findings were significant for high anion gap metabolic acidosis, positive ketones in the urine, and high serum B-hydroxybutyrate. The blood glucose readings and HbA1c were within normal limits. Also, serum lactic acid and salicylate levels were within the normal range. The diagnosis of NDKA was made. Later, the thyroid functions test (TFT) confirmed the diagnosis of primary hyperthyroidism. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES: The patient was managed initially with intravenous fluid and antiemetics. Then, she was started on propranolol and carbimazole. After which, her symptoms improved dramatically, and the metabolic acidosis (with serum ketones) were corrected within a few days of starting anti-thyroid medications. CONCLUSION: Despite its rarity, NDKA can be associated with severe thyrotoxicosis. Vigorous intravenous hydration and anti-thyroid medication are the mainstay treatment. TFT should be requested in a patient with unexplained NDKA.