Thyrotoxicosis

Thyrotoxicosis is a severe form of hyperthyroidism that can lead to a life-threatening episode of thyroid storm. The onset of hyperthyroidism can be gradual and unrecognized. Triggers such as infection and surgery can result in large releases of thyroid hormone, causing a hypermetabolic condition called thyroid storm that produces tachycardia, dysrhythmias, and hypotension. Because of the elevated heart rate and increased myocardial contractility, patients with hyperthyroidism have a decreased cardiac reserve and are at increased risk for adverse cardiac events during the perioperative period. Thyroid storm must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with this presentation so that prompt treatment with beta-adrenergic blockers and antithyroid drugs can be given.