Thyroid storm
Thyroid storm is a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland). It is characterized by a high fever (temperatures often above 40 °C/104 °F), fast and often irregular heart beat, elevated blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and agitation. Hypertension with a wide pulse pressure occurs in early to mid crisis, with hypotension accompanying shock occurring in the late stage. Heart failure and heart attack may occur. Death may occur despite treatment. Most episodes occur either in those with known hyperthyroidism whose treatment has been stopped or become ineffective, or in those with untreated mild hyperthyroidism who have developed an intercurrent illness (such as an infection).

The primary treatment of thyroid storm is with inorganic iodine and antithyroid drugs (propylthiouracil or methimazole) to reduce synthesis and release of thyroid hormone. Temperature control and intravenous fluids are also mainstays of management. Beta blockers are often used to reduce the effects of thyroid hormone. Patients often require admission to the intensive care unit.
Q16499
hyperthyroidism
Concept
Q16399
thyroid gland
Concept
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a high fever
Concept
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fast
Concept
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irregular
Concept
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vomiting
Concept
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diarrhea
Concept
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agitation
Concept
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Hypertension
Concept
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pulse pressure
Concept
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hypotension
Concept
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shock
Concept
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Heart failure
Concept
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heart attack
Concept
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propylthiouracil
Concept
Q419663
methimazole
Concept
Q816759
Beta blocker
Concept
Q4458080
Thyroid storm
Concept
+40^^http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#decimal
40
NUMBER
+104^^http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#decimal
104
NUMBER
medical condition treated
medical condition treated
afflicts