Flash Pulmonary Edema: A Rare Presentation of Graves’ Disease

Abstract

Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It has an autoimmune basis with the activating thyrotropin-receptor antibodies inducing thyroid hormone overproduction. The most common manifestations of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, fatigue, heat intolerance, tremor, and palpitations, but there are several other symptoms and signs associated with this condition. We report a case of a young woman who presented in the emergency room with acute onset of cough with mild hemoptysis and dyspnea at rest. She reported one month of insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety. The diagnostic investigation leads to the diagnosis of Graves' disease in thyrotoxic crisis presenting with flash pulmonary edema. Therapy with propranolol and methimazole was instituted with remarkable clinical improvement.