Summary
Thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm pose a critical diagnostic and therapeutic
challenge to the clinician. Recognition of life-threatening thyrotoxicosis
and prompt use of the arsenal of medications aimed at halting the thyrotoxic
process at every level is essential to successful management. With
the array of therapeutic interventions, treatment aimed at stopping synthesis
of new hormone within the thyroid gland, halting the release of stored thyroid
hormone from the thyroid gland, preventing conversion of T4 to T3,
and providing systemic support of the patient can transition the thyroid
storm patient out of critical illness. Once this transition occurs, definitive
therapy of thyrotoxicosis can be planned.