Thyroid Storm-Induced Acute Liver Dysfunction and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Thyroid storm-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a very rare complication of untreated/undertreated Graves' disease. It is considered to be a medical emergency as it can rapidly lead to hemodynamic instability in patients due to multi-organ failure. Although the exact patho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2021-07, Vol.13 (7)
Main Authors: Kim, Yungmin, Gurung, Dawa, Sumbly, Vikram, Reich, David M, Bashir, Tayyaba
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Endocrinology/Diabetes/Metabolism
Hematology
Internal Medicine
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Summary:Thyroid storm-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a very rare complication of untreated/undertreated Graves' disease. It is considered to be a medical emergency as it can rapidly lead to hemodynamic instability in patients due to multi-organ failure. Although the exact pathogenesis of this hematological phenomenon remains poorly understood, it is believed to be triggered by the uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn prematurely activates the coagulation cascade. In this report, we present the case of a 48-year-old female who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, dyspnea, and unintentional weight loss for the past several weeks. Her vital signs, overall clinical picture, and laboratory tests confirmed thyroid storm complicated by DIC and acute liver injury. The patient made a significant recovery after the initiation of methimazole therapy.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.16504