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The Rare Sore Throat: A Case of Thyroid Storm and Agranulocytosis
Matthew J Kunz1, Wayne A Martini2, Levi Filler3
1Creighton of Phoenix Arizona (COPA), Emergency Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona.
Introduction:
Thyroid storm is a rare but potentially life-threatening metabolic disorder that presents unique management challenges in the emergency department. Thionamides are commonly used as monotherapy for first-line treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Case Report:
In this case, a 26-year-old male presented to the emergency department with sore throat, fever, and diarrhea. He was found to have thyrotoxicosis as well as methimazole-induced bone marrow suppression resulting in agranulocytosis.
Conclusion:
Thyroid storm is a rare condition that carries a high risk of mortality and can further compromise a patient's immune system due to complications of common treatment modalities. It can potentially be misdiagnosed as sepsis due to tachycardia, febrile state, and tachypnea. This case report includes a discussion of diagnostic studies, as well as medical and surgical treatment modalities that led to the patient's recovery.
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