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A case of apathetic thyroid storm with resultant hyperthyroidism-induced hypercalcemia
Kristine I Parker1, Aundrea Loftley, Carmina Charles
1Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Medical Genetics, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, North Carolina.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|April 24, 2013
Summary
A rare apathetic thyroid storm presentation in a 63-year-old woman was linked to hypercalcemia. Treatment resolved both hypercalcemia and thyrotoxicosis, highlighting a crucial clinical association.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Thyroid storm, a severe thyrotoxicosis complication, typically presents with hyperthermia, tachycardia, and altered mental status.
- Apathetic thyroid storm is a rare variant, often overlooked due to its subtle presentation.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old woman presented with apathetic thyrotoxicosis and significant hypercalcemia.
- The hypercalcemia was not attributable to malignancy, immobility, hypervitaminosis D, or primary hyperparathyroidism.
Findings:
- Thyroid hormones can increase bone resorption, leading to hypercalcemia in thyrotoxicosis.
- This case highlights hypercalcemia as a potential manifestation of apathetic thyroid storm, even without other contributing factors.
Implications:
- Recognizing hypercalcemia in apathetic thyroid storm is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Effective medical management of thyrotoxicosis can resolve associated hypercalcemia.
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