Thyroid storm presenting as intra-abdominal sepsis with multi-organ failure requiring intensive care

Anaesth Intensive Care. 2009 Nov;37(6):1005-7. doi: 10.1177/0310057X0903700609.

Abstract

Thyroid storm is a rare but life-threatening condition manifesting with several clinical presentations. Atypical thyroid storm should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients with multiple organ dysfunction of unknown aetiology. In this case report, delayed recognition of thyroid storm in a young female who presented with acute abdomen increased the risk of poor outcome. Prompt initiation of anti-thyroid therapy once the diagnosis of thyroid storm was established, combined with adequate vital organ support using a goal-directed therapy protocol in the intensive care unit resulted in a good outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnosis
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Critical Care / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Multiple Organ Failure / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Organ Failure / etiology
  • Sepsis / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Crisis / diagnosis*
  • Thyroid Crisis / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome