High urgency
-Moderately severe
A condition caused by a large, rapid increase in thyroid hormones.
It can occur in patients with untreated hyperthyroidism (often undiagnosed) triggered by an acute event such as surgery, trauma, labour or a large increase in iodine.
Symptoms include tachycardia and arrhythmias, restlessness, mental confusion, diarrhoea, tremors, sweating and fever.
The diagnosis is made clinically by interview and physical examination. It is confirmed by blood tests.
Early intensive treatment with symptom control and drugs that block the production of more thyroid hormone is needed. It is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
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- A. M.ª Lucas Martín. Enfermedades de la glándula tiroides. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna, ed 18. Capítulo 231
- J. Larry Jameson. Trastornos de la glándula tiroides. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 405.
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
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