Thyroid storm precipitated by trauma

A 21-year-old woman presented to the emergency department complaining of head, neck, and abdominal pain after being assaulted. She denied a previous history or significant symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The physical examination was remarkable for lethargy, low-grade fever, tachycardia, facial abrasions, swelling of the anterior neck, and a tremor. A diagnosis of thyroid storm was made. An extensive work up excluded other causes of the patient's tachycardia, altered mental status, and neck swelling. A review of the clinical features and management of thyroid storm is presented. Relatively minor trauma can be a precipitating event for thyroid storm.