Iatrogenic Cardiac Arrest During Thyroid Storm.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Thyroid storm is a critical condition with significant cardiac risks.
• Cardiac systolic function influences treatment decisions in thyroid storm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the impact of beta-blockers on cardiac function during thyroid storm.
• To emphasize the importance of pre-treatment cardiac assessment.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with Grave's disease presenting with thyroid storm.
• Evaluation of cardiac function before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced cardiac arrest after propranolol administration.
• Severe, reversible thyroid-induced cardiomyopathy was diagnosed (ejection fraction 15-20%).
• Full cardiac recovery was observed at 90-day follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Beta-blockers can be detrimental in thyroid storm if cardiac output status is not assessed.
• Transthoracic echocardiography before beta-blockade is crucial.
• Shorter-acting beta-blockers may mitigate risks in susceptible patients.