Abstract
Introduction: Thyroid storm is a rare disorder with high mortality risk. It is often precipitated by an acute event in a patient with longstanding untreated hyperthyroidism. However, thyroid storm is rarely reported as a result of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). To the best of our knowledge, there are only three documented cases of thyroid storm caused by SAT. Herein we report the first patient with thyroid storm caused by SAT associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) septicemia and intravenous drug abuse (IVDA). Case: A 19-year old Caucasian woman with a history of IVDA presented with right upper extremity abscess. Symptoms included confusion, agitation, fever, chills, generalized pain, malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Heart rate was over 140, and she was found to have fever and leukocytosis. She was admitted with severe sepsis and acute encephalopathy. On exam, she had a diffusely enlarged and exquisitely tender thyroid gland without discrete nodules or bruit. Thyroid tests were consistent with primary thyrotoxicosis (TSH 0.026 IU/mL, free T3 16.90 pg/mL, and free T4 > 6.99 ng/dL). Burch-Wartofsky score was 75, highly suggestive of thyroid storm. In addition to treating her sepsis, the patient was started on a beta blocker, high dose hydrocortisone, and methimazole. Thyroid ultrasound showed a diffusely enlarged heterogeneous thyroid gland with decreased flow on color Doppler. Upon improvement, the patient admitted to symptoms of anterior neck pain, heat intolerance, palpitations, excessive sweating, and anxiety for two days prior to presentation. Blood cultures later grew MRSA. Methimazole was discontinued when the thyrotropin-receptor antibody result came back negative. The patient continued to improve clinically. Her thyroid tenderness improved, and her free T4 and T3 decreased over a 3-week period. Steroids were tapered off. Discussion: SAT usually causes mild to moderate thyrotoxicosis. It is unusual for SAT to cause thyroid storm. Identifying such a diagnosis in a patient with sepsis is complex. In a septic patient, it is crucial to obtain detailed history, perform a comprehensive physical exam (including neck exam), and have a high level of clinical suspicion for thyroid storm in order to reach the diagnosis early and institute appropriate interventions. Establishing the underlying etiology of the thyrotoxicosis would have long term implications regarding prognosis and treatment. References: Salih AM, Kakamad FH, Rawezh QS, et al. Subacute thyroiditis causing thyrotoxic crisis; a case report with literature review. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2017;33:112-114. Swinburne JL, Kreisman SH. A rare case of subacute thyroiditis causing thyroid storm. Thyroid. 2007;17(1):73-6. Sherman SI, Simonson L, Ladenson PW. Clinical and socioeconomic predispositions to complicated thyrotoxicosis: a predictable and preventable syndrome?. Am J Med. 1996;101(2):192-8.