Sahra Ahmadi^1,, Usha Anand¹

Hyperthyroidism is a state of excess circulating thyroid hormone. These hormones control many of the body’s most important functions such as breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and moods. The extreme manifestation of thyrotoxicosis is referred to as thyroid storm. Thyroid storm manifests as an acute, severe, life-threatening hypermetabolic state caused by either excess release of thyroid hormones or an altered peripheral response to thyroid hormone following the presence of one or more precipitants. Thyroid storm is an uncommon but potentially fatal endocrine emergency. Mortality reaching between 80 – 100% without treatment in thyroid storm with multiple organ failure as the most common cause of death. During thyroid storm, precipitants multiply the effect of thyroid hormones by freeing thyroid hormones from binding sites, increased sensitivity in tissue receptors, or post-receptor modifications in signaling pathways. The most common precipitating factor is infection along with a host of other causes. Of interest, iodinated contrast is an important precipitating factor to consider as it is commonly used in the hospital setting through imaging modalities. Elderly patients are at higher risk due to the increased prevalence of nodular thyroid disease. Care must be taken to quickly recognize and treat this potentially fatal illness.

thyroid storm, contrast, thyrotoxicosis