Surgical management of an atypical presentation of a thyroid storm

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid storm is a rare complication of Graves' disease that can carry a poor prognosis. In order to prevent major complications, thyroid storm must be quickly identified in patients and treatment must be promptly implemented. Medical treatment is usually initiated with antithyroid medications, such as propylthiouracil (PTU), methimazole, and beta-blockers. However, some patients may experience adverse reactions to these medications and alternate treatment options must be explored. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 30-year-old female initiated on PTU after diagnosis with Graves' disease that later presented an acute thyroid storm. Discussion: Therapy was changed to methimazole, yet the patient subsequently developed angioedema and dyspnea. Medical management was discontinued and emergent thyroidectomy was performed without complication. © 2014, Research Institute For Endocrine Sciences and Iran Endocrine Society.