ABSTRACT
Thyroid storm is a difficult diagnosis in “apathetic” variant of hyperthyroidism. The clinical features may not be evident. Abnormal atrioventricular (AV) conduction, such as complete heart block, in thyrotoxicosis is uncommon. We report a case of a 16-year-old girl presenting with fever, jaundice, heart failure and complete heart block in whom the diagnosis of thyroid storm was initially missed because of the unusual presenting features. Prompt resolution of the conduction abnormality occurred when treatment with carbimazole, intravenous iodide and dexamethasone was instituted.
Thyroid storm is defined as a severe and often life-threatening exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis which is usually characterised by hyperthermia, tachycardia, severe agitation and altered mental status. With the “apathetic” variant of hyperthyroidism, the classical features may not be evident.
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