Thyroid storm associated with probable subclinical hypoadrenocorticism in an elderly woman.

Abstract

A 73-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for severe persistent vomiting with fever, drowsiness, and weight loss. Elevated serum levels of thyroid hormones and the presence of a consciousness disorder with fever and vomiting led to the diagnosis of thyroid storm. A low normal concentration of serum cortisol, urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and an elevated plasma level of corticotropin suggest that an inadequate adrenal reserve have been involved in the pathogenesis of the thyroid storm in this patient. She responded to the administration of intravenous methimazole and oral supersaturated potassium iodide solution.

• Authors: M Kawaguchi, S Iwata, Y Kamiya, F Hayakawa, T Fujii, J Ito, N Sakuma, T Fujinami
• Journal: Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan) (Intern Med) Vol. 31 Issue 10 Pg. 1236-8 (Oct 1992) ISSN: 0918-2918 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 1337485 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids
• 17-Ketosteroids
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Thyroid Hormones
• Potassium Iodide
• Methimazole
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids (urine)
• 17-Ketosteroids (urine)
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (blood)
• Adrenal Glands (metabolism)
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (blood)
• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (blood)
• Methimazole (therapeutic use)
• Potassium Iodide (therapeutic use)
• Thyroid Crisis (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Thyroid Hormones (blood)