The Perfect Storm: A Case of Thyrotoxic Crisis Masking as Altered Mental Status in the South Bronx

Abstract

Thyrotoxic crisis better known as thyroid storm is a rare life-threatening endocrine emergency that is the result of dysregulated hypermetabolic state caused by excessive production and release of thyroid hormones compromising multiple organ systems. Unfortunately, this condition carries significant mortality depending on whether the thyroid storm was associated with thyrotoxicosis. Early recognition and treatment are paramount to survival. Here we describe a case of thyroid storm complicated by pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleed in which the patient's baseline mental status was restored with prompt identification and treatment and led to a successful recovery.