What Is Thyroid Storm?
Thyroid storm (thyrotoxic crisis) is a rare but life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms
- Fever above 104°F (40°C)
- Extreme tachycardia (above 140 bpm)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Confusion, delirium, psychosis
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Heart failure
Triggers
- Untreated hyperthyroidism + acute stress
- Infection
- Surgery
- Trauma
- Childbirth
Treatment
- ICU admission
- Beta-blockers (IV)
- Antithyroid medications (PTU)
- Corticosteroids
- Supportive care
Mortality
- Historically 90%+ without treatment
- Now 10–20% with aggressive ICU care
Source: American Thyroid Association, NLM MedlinePlus.
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