Thyroid storm associated with Graves' disease covered by diabetic ketoacidosis: A case report

Convergence of Crisis: A Case Report of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Masking an Impending Thyroid Storm and Periodic Paralysis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an extreme complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketonemia. Thyroid storm, a potentially life-threatening manifestation of thyrotoxicosis, presents with a multitude of symptoms, including hyperthermia, tachycardia, and altered mental status. Periodic paralysis can be precipitated by different metabolic disturbances, including thyrotoxicosis, and may lead to extreme episodes of muscle weakness and paralysis. We present a case of a 41-year-old female with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism, who presented with DKA complicated by an impending thyroid storm and likely periodic paralysis exacerbated due to hypokalemia. Prompt recognition and aggressive management of each component of this triad were essential for a positive patient outcome. This case highlights the importance of a broad and comprehensive approach to managing complex metabolic emergencies, particularly in patients with multiple comorbidities. Our patient presented to the emergency department with symptoms of severe vomiting, shortness of breath, and altered mental status. Laboratory investigations revealed metabolic derangements consistent with DKA, alongside impending thyrotoxicosis and hypokalemia-induced periodic paralysis. Management involved aggressive fluid resuscitation, insulin therapy, anti-thyroid medications, and potassium supplementation, with a multidisciplinary approach to stabilize the patient's condition.

High scored thyroid storm after stomach cancer perforation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening emergency. Reportedly, the prevalence of thyroid storm is 1%-2% among patients admitted to the hospital for thyrotoxicosis. Burch and Wartofsky (1993) introduced a scoring system using precise clinical criteria to identify thyroid storms. Only 17 cases of thyroid storm with a score > 70 points have been reported. Although thyroid storms are uncommon, their clinical findings resemble those of sepsis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 48-year-old man was referred to the emergency room from a local clinic owing to suspicion of gastric ulcer perforation; medications for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperthyroidism had been suspended 1 year prior to this visit. We performed an emergency distal gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis for gastric cardia cancer perforation, and the patient was referred to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). On the 2^nd d in the ICU, his body temperature (BT) increased to 41.3 °C at 19:00, with the thyroid storm score (90 points) peaking at 18:00 (BT; 41.2ºC, pulse rate; 138/min, irritable status). The patient was administered propylthiouracil, intravenous glucocorticoids, acetaminophen, and Lugol’s solution daily. Subsequently, we performed bladder irrigation with cold saline using a Foley catheter and applied a hypothermic blanket to decrease the patient's BT. His vital signs were stable on the 8th day in the ICU.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid storms are uncommon, with few reports in the literature; however, their clinical findings resemble those of sepsis and require further investigation. Since an untreated thyroid storm results in a high mortality rate, it should be investigated when managing sepsis.

Coexistence of diabetic ketoacidosis and thyrotoxicosis: a jeopardy of two endocrine emergencies

Simultaneous occurrences of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm have long been known, but only a few cases have been reported to date. Both these endocrine emergencies demand timely diagnosis and management to prevent adverse outcomes. Due to the similarities in their clinical presentation, DKA can mask the diagnosis of thyroid storm and vice versa. This case report describes a patient with Graves' disease who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. He was found to have severe DKA without an explicit history of diabetes mellitus. Further evaluation revealed that the patient also had a concomitant thyroid storm that was the likely cause of his DKA. Early recognition and appropriate management of both conditions resulted in a favourable outcome. This paper emphasises that a simultaneous thyroid storm diagnosis should be considered in patients with DKA, especially those with a known history of thyroid disorders.

Review article: Ketoacidosis in the emergency department

Diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus, is a common cause of presentation to EDs. Two new drug classes have been found to cause ketoacidosis with distinctive presentations. The sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus may present with ketoacidosis with normal glucose levels. Ketoacidosis with these medications may be prolonged and recur after initial resolution. Checkpoint inhibitors may present with fulminant diabetic ketoacidosis in individuals with previously normal glucose tolerance. Ketoacidosis may also occur as a result of starvation and alcohol excess, as well as a number of rare causes. Other causes of metabolic acidosis with both high and normal anion gap need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis may also present with biochemical changes suggestive of myocardial ischaemia and pancreatitis in the absence of these pathologies. The present paper reviews ketone body metabolism, ketone testing and the causes and differential diagnosis of ketoacidosis with particular relevance to emergency medicine.

Uncommon Association Between Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Thyrotoxicosis, Cutaneous Abscess and Acute Pericarditis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Single Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

The typical factors precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include infections (30%), cessation of antidiabetic medication (20%), and a new diagnosis of diabetes (25%). The etiology remains unknown in 25% of cases. Less frequent causes cited in the literature include severe thyrotoxicosis and, infrequently, pericarditis. Few publications have described the role of human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in endocrine and metabolic disorders. Based on a clinical case associated with several endocrine and metabolic disorders, we suggest a potential role for HTLV-1, an endemic virus in the Amazonian area, and review the literature concerning the role of this virus in thyroiditis, pericarditis and diabetes mellitus.

CASE REPORT

A fifty-year-old Surinamese woman without any medical history was admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis. No specific anti-pancreatic autoimmunity was observed, and the C-peptide level was low, indicating atypical type-1 diabetes mellitus. DKA was associated with thyrotoxicosis in the context of thyroiditis and complicated by nonbacterial pericarditis and a Staphylococcus aureus subcutaneous abscess. The patient was infected with HTLV-1.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this uncommon association is described for the first time. Few studies have analyzed the implications of HTLV-1 infection in thyroiditis and diabetes mellitus. We did not find any reports describing the association of pericarditis with HTLV-1 infection. Additional studies are necessary to understand the role of HTLV-1 in endocrine and cardiac disorders.

Intractable hiccups as a rare gastrointestinal manifestation in severe endocrine and metabolic crisis: case report and review of the literature

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm (TS) are severe metabolic and endocrine disorders. Both usually manifest with multiple systemic clinical signs and symptoms, and digestive symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, are most common in these patients. Moreover, the presence of a concurrent severe or rare complication may worsen the condition or even cause death due to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or inappropriate treatment. The identification of these symptoms is usually closely related to the severity and prognosis of the disease. Although clinical prognosis might be improved by prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment, some rare and insidious metabolic complications are difficult to identify early. Moreover, life-threatening gastrointestinal symptoms are very rare in patients with DKA and TS. Here, we report an inpatient diagnosed with DKA and Graves' disease who developed life-threatening intractable hiccups resulting in TS and respiratory failure during the treatment of DKA. In addition, we review the literature to discuss the possible underlying mechanism of intractable hiccups in the development of TS.

Concurrent presentation of thyroid storm and diabetic ketoacidosis: a systematic review of previously reported cases

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous development of thyroid storm and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a rare condition. The review aims to summarise its clinical presentation, investigation findings and treatment options.

METHODS

Databases and reference lists of the selected articles were searched for case reports in English which describe concurrent presentation of thyroid storm and diabetic ketoacidosis. CARE guidelines were used for the quality assessment of the selected articles.

RESULTS

Twenty-six cases from twenty-one articles were selected out of 198 search results. Western Pacific, and American regions contributed to 77% of the cases. Females were most affected (88%). Features of Graves' disease like hyperthermia and tachycardia, gastrointestinal and neuro-psychiatric disturbances were the common clinical presentations. In most of the cases, previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus preceded that of Graves' disease (46%). Among patients having their drug compliance reported, all had poor compliance to their routine anti-thyroid (9/9) and anti-diabetic (2/2) agents. Moreover, in all cases where HbA_1C (7/7) and T4 (16/16) were measured, the results were elevated and where TSH (17/17) was measured, the results were low. The recommended treatment for DKA and thyroid storm was used in most cases and methimazole was the thionamide of choice in the latest four cases reported. All cases survived except four (15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent presentation of thyroid storm and diabetic ketoacidosis is rare but life-threatening. Therefore, efforts should be made to maximise patient compliance to anti-thyroid and anti-diabetic agents in treating such patients.

Simultaneous presentation of thyroid storm and diabetic ketoacidosis in a previously healthy 21-year-old man

A 21-year-old young man with no history of diabetes or thyroid disease presented to the emergency department with simultaneous thyroid storm and diabetic ketoacidosis. Notable findings on admission were a ventricular rate of 235 beats/min, tachypnoea, tremors, polydipsia and a lack of fever. Due to the unusual constellation of symptoms, diagnosis was only possible after initial laboratory results came back. While the lack of fever is unusual in thyroid storm, diabetic ketoacidosis has previously been reported to suppress fever, and this case supports the occurrence of this phenomenon. This case was highly unusual because the patient had not previously been diagnosed with either type 1 diabetes or Graves’ disease.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and thyroid storm: coexistence of a double trouble

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyrotoxic crisis are both endocrine emergencies. Here, we present a case of a patient who presented with DKA and on further evaluation was found to also have a thyrotoxic crisis. The coexistence of both of these endocrine emergencies simultaneously is extremely rare and heralds grave prognosis unless identified and treated promptly.

Type 2 Diabetes Decompensation as the Clinical Presentation of Thyroid Storm - Cause or Consequence?

This case study aims to discuss the unusual forms of hyperthyroidism presentation, the nonspecific symptoms and precipitating events. A 70-year-old male was taken to the emergency department for hyperglycaemia, nausea, vomiting and altered mental status with a week of evolution. He had a past medical history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. He had no history of any recent intercurrent illness or infection. At the emergency room, besides hyperglycaemia, ketonemia and slightly elevated C-reactive protein, the basic laboratory panel workup was normal, as was the head computed tomography. He was admitted for metabolic compensation and to study the altered neurological status. During hospitalisation, despite the good glycemic control, he had no improvements in neurological status. At day four of hospitalisation, thyrotoxicosis with thyroid storm criteria was diagnosed. He started on adequate treatment with complete clinical recovery. The associated morbidity and mortality of thyroid storm requires immediate recognition and treatment. Elderly patients are frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed later due to fewer and less pronounced signs and symptoms.

Thyroid Storm Precipitated by Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Influenza A: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 46-year-old woman with a history of Graves' disease presented with the chief complaints of appetite loss, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, and sweating. She was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), thyroid storm, and influenza A. She was treated with an intravenous insulin drip, intravenous fluid therapy, intravenous hydrocortisone, oral potassium iodine, and oral methimazole. As methimazole-induced neutropenia was suspected, the patient underwent thyroidectomy. It is important to maintain awareness that thyroid storm and DKA can coexist. Furthermore, even patients who have relatively preserved insulin secretion can develop DKA if thyroid storm and infection develop simultaneously.

Thyroid storm presenting as psychosis: masked by diabetic ketoacidosis

INTRODUCTION

While extremely uncommon, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm (TS) are endocrine emergencies that can coexist. We describe a case with a confounding clinical presentation that identifies these two emergencies within the setting of sepsis and influenza.

CASE

A 69-year-old diabetic female was found by the paramedic staff to be disoriented. She demonstrated tachycardia and had a foul-smelling abdominal wound. Laboratory evaluation revealed DKA, leukocytosis, influenza B, and urinary tract infection. After appropriate management in the intensive care unit, the DKA resolved the following morning. However, the patient developed a fever, and her psychosis became more pronounced. Extensive analysis was performed but did not explain her mental status. The patient was found to have thyroid stimulating hormone of 0.06 mIU/mL, free T4 (thyroxine) of 2.38 ng/dL, and total T3 (triiodothyronine) of 72 ng/dL. Based on the Burch and Wartofsky criteria (score of 65), TS was diagnosed. Based on more recent diagnostic criteria suggested by Akamizu et al., the patient met criteria for TS grade 1. Within several hours of initiating treatment, the patient's mental state and tachycardia improved, and her psychosis resolved by the third day.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of recognizing the clinical diagnosis of TS, as the magnitude of thyroid hormone derangements may not correlate with clinical severity. While rare, DKA and TS can simultaneously occur and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality if not promptly recognized and treated.

Hyperthyroidism in 276 Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes from Germany and Austria

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Little is known about the incidence and clinical consequences of hyperthyroidism in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

We analyzed the DPV database (Diabetes Prospective Follow-Up Registry) to investigate the rate of hyperthyroidism in pediatric T1DM patients, its impact on metabolic control, and potential associations with organ-specific autoantibodies.

RESULTS

Hyperthyroidism was found in 276/60,456 patients (0.46%) and was associated with younger age, shorter diabetes duration, female sex, and reduced body mass index. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypoglycemia were more frequent in T1DM with comorbid hyperthyroidism, while long-term metabolic control (HbA1c) was similar in both groups. Absolute blood pressure and arterial hypertension rate were elevated in the hyperthyroid patients. Rates of microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy were not different. Thyroid-specific antibodies (thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, thyroid receptor) were associated with hyperthyroidism. Thyroid volume and rates of cysts and nodules were higher, and echogenicity was decreased.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of hyperthyroidism is low in diabetic children with T1DM but increased compared to children <18 years without diabetes. Hyperthyroidism is primarily associated with acute diabetes complications (DKA and hypoglycemia) and affects blood pressure regulation. Long-term metabolic control or insulin requirement were not different.

Diabetic ketoacidosis as the initial presentation of hyperthyroidism

Abdominal pain is a common chief complaint that encompasses a broad differential diagnosis at emergency department (ED), ranging from general discomfort to life-threatening disease. Abdominal pain induced by a metabolic disorder should also be considered. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication of new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus in young patients. Although DKA that presented to the ED with complaint of abdominal pain is not uncommon, it is precipitated by hyperthyroidism, which is rare and more complicated. Herein, we present a case of a 20-year-old women who came to our ED with the chief complaint of abdominal pain, which was actually the result of DKA caused by hyperthyroidism without underlying disease.

[Thyroid storm]

Thyroid storm is a complicated, life-threatening form of thyrotoxicosis. The causes are multifactorial and elevated iodothyronine levels are only one of many components. Usually, the transition from thyrotoxicosis to thyroid storm is ignited by non-thyroidal triggers. This is a rare condition observed with an incidence between 0.8 and 1.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Diagnosis relies primarily on clinical criteria. Multimodal therapy aims at disrupting positive feedback loops between elevated levels of free T3 or T4 and their effects on target tissues and organs. Timely diagnosis and therapy help to reduce mortality to below 35%.