Thyroid storm following trauma: a pitfall in the emergency department

Injury. 2015 Jan;46(1):169-71. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.08.003. Epub 2014 Aug 11.

Abstract

We present a case of a patient with thyroid storm exhibiting symptoms similar to those of traumatic injury. This patient presented multiple traumatic wounds on his limbs and face, loss of consciousness, and tachycardia. Diagnosis was initially confounded by the similarity between the symptoms of traumatic hypovolemic shock and trauma-induced thyroid storm. This case report discusses the factors leading to the diagnostic delay and highlights the dangerous manifestations of thyroid storm.

Keywords: Endocrinologic emergency; Thyroid storm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Antithyroid Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Potassium Iodide / administration & dosage*
  • Propylthiouracil / administration & dosage*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Thyroid Crisis / diagnosis*
  • Thyroid Crisis / drug therapy
  • Thyroid Crisis / etiology
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Potassium Iodide
  • Propylthiouracil