Thyroid storm Flashcards
1
Q
What is a thyroid storm?
A
- Rare, life-threatening complication of thyrotoxicosis
- only happens in those with established thyrotoxicosis
2
Q
Iatrogenic thyroxine excess can result in thyroid storm. TRUE/FALSE?
A
FALSE
3
Q
What can precipitate thyroid storm?
A
- Thyroid or non-thyroidal surgery
- trauma
- infection
- acute iodine load e.g. CT contrast media
4
Q
Describe the clinical features of thyroid storm
A
fever > 38.5ºC
tachycardia
confusion and agitation
nausea and vomiting
hypertension
heart failure
abnormal LFTs +/- jaundice
5
Q
Management of thyroid storm
A
- symptomatic Tx e.g. paracetamol
- Tx underlying precipitating event
- Beta-blockers
- Anti-thyroid drugs
- Lugol’s iodine
- Dexamethasone (blocks the conversion of T4 to T3)
