Thyroid Storm Precipitated by Fine-needle Aspiration

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Thyroid storm is a critical condition resulting from uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.
• It is characterized by a rapid increase in thyroid hormones, leading to severe systemic effects and potentially death.
• Common precipitating factors include infections, surgery, and medication nonadherence.

Observation:

• This report details a rare instance of thyroid storm triggered by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid gland.
• The patient presented with symptoms of thyroid storm following the procedure.

Findings:

• The patient's thyroid storm was successfully managed through medical intervention.
• Thyroid function normalized, allowing for subsequent surgical treatment.

Implications:

• Fine-needle aspiration in patients with thyrotoxicosis poses a potential risk for precipitating thyroid storm.
• The procedure should be reserved for select cases with suspected malignancy and only after thyroid function normalization.
• Clinicians must exercise extreme caution when considering FNA in hyperthyroid patients.