Sepsis and thyroid storm in a patient with methimazole-induced agranulocytosis

BMJ Case Rep. 2020 Jul 6;13(7):e235536. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235536.

Abstract

Paediatric hyperthyroidism cases are mostly caused by Grave's disease. Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition seen rarely, in severe thyrotoxicosis, occurring in about 1%-2% of patients with hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid medications and beta-blockers are typically the first-line management of thyroid storm. We report a challenging case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with thyroid storm in the setting of septic shock and methimazole-induced agranulocytosis. Since the first-line agents were contraindicated, plasmapheresis was used to control the thyroid storm and as a bridging therapy to the definitive therapy of early thyroidectomy. This is the first paediatric case report that outlines the use of plasmapheresis in the management of complicated thyrotoxicosis in a setting of septic shock.

Keywords: drugs: endocrine system; paediatrics (drugs and medicines); thyrotoxicosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Agranulocytosis / chemically induced*
  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / complications
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Methimazole / adverse effects*
  • Sepsis / etiology*
  • Thyroid Crisis / etiology*

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Methimazole