Context and Definition

Thyroid storm is a rare but life threatening endocrine condition that should be considered, recognised and treated quickly. It is often caused by inadequate therapy or by a physiological stress, particularly infection.

Definition

Thyroid storm is an acute, severe, life-threatening hypermetabolic state of thyrotoxicosis caused either by excessive release of thyroid hormones (causing adrenergic hyperactivity) or altered peripheral response to thyroid hormone following the presence of one of more precipitants.[13]