Run Time: 11 minutes

Author: Dr. Donald Stader

Educational Pearls:

• Thyroid literally means shield and is important for growth and cortisol/adrenaline modulation.
• Hyperthyroidism puts the body in a hypercatabolic state causes agitation, fine tremors, tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation.
• Iodine – like the kind given for a contrast CT scan – has been associated with precipitating a Thyroid Storm.
• A thyroid storm is triggered by 2 things: 1. A Physiologic stressor and 2. High thyroid hormone levels – hyperthyroidism!
• Thyroid Storm mimics sepsis – people are SICK AS STINK!
• The thyroid storm is treated in steps: 1. Beta-blocker – Propranolol because it inhibits T3 conversion, tx’s sx 2. Methimazole and PTU – inhibits the body from making more thyroid hormone 3. Iodine – causes the Wolff-Chaikoff effect 4. Steroid – decrease conversion of T4 to T3 5. Cholestyramine – decreases absorption of thyroid hormone. ICU Admission.

References:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4383116/