Thyroid Storm: an Endocrine Emergency

Thyroid storm also known as thyrotoxic crisis, is an acute and severe hypermetabolic condition that occurs due to increase in synthesis and release of thyroid hormones or increased sensitivity of peripheral tissues to thyroid hormones due to a dangerous increase in metabolism speed in all the systems of the body. Most cases of thyroid storm manifest due to appearance of an initiating factor in the presence of an underlying thyroid disease. Strong clinical suspicion and ability to rapidly diagnose imminent thyroid storm cases in patients are vital. In cases of clinical suspicion to this condition, preparing the grounds for rapid diagnosis and providing proper treatment leads to improvement in prognosis of the patient.