Thyroid Storm: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare and severe thyroid condition called thyroid storm in a patient with long-standing Graves' disease.

Contribution

The paper presents a real-life case of thyroid storm with multiorgan dysfunction and its successful treatment.

Findings

The patient had a 45-point score on the Burch-Wartofsky point scale, indicating severe thyroid storm.

A combination of therapies was required to restore euthyroid state and resolve complications.

The case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment for thyroid storm.

Abstract

Thyroid pathology is quite common worldwide. Thyroid storm is a severe form of hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves' disease, which is rare. It is in association with various triggering factors (therapy discontinuation, infections, surgical interventions) and can lead to multiorgan dysfunction, particularly liver and cardiovascular injury. Prompt diagnosis and early therapy are fundamental to solving the thyroid storm and its complications. Multiple therapies are needed for adjustment according to the particular case, including the use of synthetic antithyroid drugs, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and supportive therapies, depending on the systems affected. This article reports a case of long-standing Graves' disease that culminated in an episode of thyroid storm with multiorgan dysfunction (45 points on the Burch-Wartofsky point scale), representing a diagnostic challenge. Multiple therapies were needed to reach the euthyroid state, after which there was a complete resolution of the entire condition.

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