The Onset of Thyrotoxic Crisis

Hyperthyroidism – A clinical state induced by excessive production and secretion of thyroid hormones by an overactive thyroid gland.

Thyrotoxicosis –a condition associated with excess circulating thyroid hormones. It has many causes including Graves disease, drug induced (e.g. Lithium, amiodarone) and gestational thyrotoxicosis [14].

Thyroid storm – Is an acute and life-threatening complication of thyrotoxicosis.

Thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis has an abrupt onset and is usually started by a precipitating factor [4].

The exact mechanism is unclear but it may be due to a change in the amount of unbound thyroid hormone [5] as the overall total thyroid hormone level can be unchanged.

However, thyroid storm may be caused by thyroid hormone or TSH releasing tumours that raise the total hormone levels.