The Case Files
April 2014
in “
Emergency Medicine News
”
TLDR Thyroid storm is hard to diagnose due to vague symptoms but needs urgent attention.
A 19-year-old man presented with symptoms suggestive of a thyroid storm, a severe form of thyrotoxicosis, characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hair loss, among others. Despite a poor medical history, a review of systems revealed significant symptoms such as increased thirst and weight loss. Laboratory tests showed elevated free T4 and low TSH, supporting the diagnosis. The patient was treated with IV fluids, beta-blockers, and antithyroid medications but left the ICU against medical advice before further evaluation. Thyroid storm, a rare but potentially fatal condition, requires a clinical diagnosis and immediate treatment to manage systemic manifestations. The case highlighted the importance of a thorough history and review of systems in diagnosing this complex condition.