Diagnostic Challenges of Thyrotoxicosis in Pregnancy Presenting as Stroke and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

TL;DR

This case report discusses the difficulty of diagnosing thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy when it presents with stroke-like symptoms and severe nausea.

Contribution

The paper presents a unique case where thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy mimicked a stroke, emphasizing the need for a broad differential diagnosis.

Findings

Thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy can present with neurological symptoms resembling a stroke.

Clinical features of hyperthyroidism may overlap with normal pregnancy changes, complicating diagnosis.

Persistent unexplained symptoms in pregnancy require a broad differential diagnosis.

Abstract

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy carries serious risks for both the pregnant individual and the fetus. Presenting symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, and palpitations. Timely diagnosis and intervention are challenging because clinical features overlap with physiological changes in pregnancy. This case report describes a diagnostically challenging presentation of thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy with neurological symptoms mimicking a stroke, which is atypical since stroke-like presentations are not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential in pregnant individuals with persistent, unexplained systemic symptoms.

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