Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
07:01
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
24.0K
A case of thyroid storm with cardiac arrest
Yutaka Nakashima1, Tsuneaki Kenzaka2, Masanobu Okayama3
1Department for Support of Rural Medicine, Yamaguchi Grand Medical Center, Shimotsuke, Japan.
International Medical Case Reports Journal
|May 24, 2014
Summary
Thyroid storm can cause sudden cardiac arrest, including ventricular fibrillation, in young adults. This rare condition should be considered in diagnosing cardiac arrest causes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency.
- Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland.
Observation:
- A young man experienced sudden unconsciousness during exercise.
- He presented with ventricular fibrillation and pulseless electrical activity upon hospital arrival.
Findings:
- The patient's cardiac arrest was diagnosed as potentially caused by thyroid storm.
- Hyperthyroidism-induced cardiac arrest, though rare, can manifest as ventricular fibrillation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider thyroid storm in the differential diagnosis of cardiac arrest.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism may prevent severe cardiac events.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
26
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH...
26
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
29
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
29
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
26
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor,...
26
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
22
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence...
22
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
7.1K
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
7.1K
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
563
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
563