Abstract

Thyroid Storm is an acute, dangerous, and life-threatening deterioration of hyperthyroidism. It is identified by an intensification of the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism including high fever, dehydration, tachyarrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, enlarged liver, heart failure, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, confusion, and occasionally seizures. Graves’ Disease accounts for 70% of cases of hyperthyroidism. The other common causes of hyperthyroidism are toxic nodular goitre, subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, and certain pharmacologic drugs (i.e. amiodarone, tyrosine kinase, and immune checkpoint inhibitors). There are several triggering factors for thyroid storm in hyperthyroidism, and infection is one of them. Our presentation involves a patient with hyperthyroidism who experienced thyroid storm, with H. pylori infection being one of the triggering factors. Biochemical tests such as low TSH, high FT4, or high FT3 levels are used to confirm hyperthyroidism. However, to determine the underlying cause, further tests are necessary. Some useful tools in this process include TSH-receptor antibodies, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroid ultrasonography, and scintigraphy. The treatment for thyroid storm typically includes antithyroid drugs, steroids, fluid and electrolyte replacement, cardio-supportive therapy, oxygen therapy, antibiotics, and cooling. Unfortunately, the mortality rate from thyroid storm is around 10%. This case report presents a middle-aged patient with a history of Grave’s Disease who recently contracted H. Pylori infection and subsequently experienced a thyroid storm.