Thyroid storm - Thyrotoxic crisis

High urgency
-Moderately severe

A disease triggered by a large and rapid increase in thyroid hormones.

It may occur in patients with untreated (often undiagnosed) hyperthyroidism precipitated by an acute event such as surgery, trauma, childbirth, or an iodine surge.

Symptoms include tachycardia and arrhythmias, agitation, mental confusion, diarrhea, tremors, sweating and fever.

Diagnosis is clinical by questioning and physical examination; it is confirmed by a blood test.

Early intensive treatment should be performed to control symptoms and block the production of new thyroid hormones. It is considered a medical emergency for which immediate consultation is recommended.

Bibliographic references
  1. Douglas S Ross, MD. Thyroid storm. UpToDate, Febrero, 2015.
  2. Akamizu T. Diagnostic criteria, clinical features, and incidence of thyroid storm based on nationwide surveys. Thyroid 2012; 22:661.
  3. Swee du S. Clinical characteristics and outcome of thyroid storm: a case series and review of neuropsychiatric derangements in thyrotoxicosis. Endocr Pract 2015; 21:182.
  4. Angell TE. Clinical features and hospital outcomes in thyroid storm: a retrospective cohort study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:451.
  5. A. M.ª Lucas Martín. Enfermedades de la glándula tiroides. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna, ed 18. Capítulo 231
  6. J. Larry Jameson. Trastornos de la glándula tiroides. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 405.
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Fever / Feel very hot


    Bulging eyes


    State of anxiety


    Tachycardia


    Dry skin

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Call medical assistance for instructions.