# The Rare Sore Throat: A Case of Thyroid Storm and Agranulocytosis

## TL;DR

A 26-year-old man with a sore throat was diagnosed with thyroid storm and agranulocytosis, highlighting the challenges of managing this rare and life-threatening condition.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare co-occurrence of thyroid storm and methimazole-induced agranulocytosis, emphasizing diagnostic and treatment challenges.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with thyrotoxicosis and methimazole-induced agranulocytosis.
- Thyroid storm can mimic sepsis and requires careful diagnostic evaluation.
- Appropriate medical and surgical interventions led to the patient's recovery.

## Abstract

Thyroid storm is a rare but potentially life-threatening metabolic disorder that presents unique management challenges in the emergency department. Thionamides are commonly used as monotherapy for first-line treatment of hyperthyroidism.

In this case, a 26-year-old male presented to the emergency department with sore throat, fever, and diarrhea. He was found to have thyrotoxicosis as well as methimazole-induced bone marrow suppression resulting in agranulocytosis.

Thyroid storm is a rare condition that carries a high risk of mortality and can further compromise a patient’s immune system due to complications of common treatment modalities. It can potentially be misdiagnosed as sepsis due to tachycardia, febrile state, and tachypnea. This case report includes a discussion of diagnostic studies, as well as medical and surgical treatment modalities that led to the patient’s recovery.