Abstract
Background A grave complication of thyrotoxicosis, or thyroid storm, is the development of heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Recognizing this condition is imperative in preventing further left ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. This manuscript aims to review the literature on cardiogenic shock associated with thyrotoxicosis and present management recommendations on this rare condition.Methods A literature search was performed in December of 2018, using the PubMed medical search engine. A systematic search was carried out using the keywords Thyroid Storm AND Cardiogenic Shock and Thyrotoxicosis AND Shock.Management Decrease of thyroid hormone levels using therapeutic plasma exchange LV Unloading and ventilation by Impella and Extracorporeal Mechanical Ventilation (ECMO).Conclusion Patients presenting with thyroid storm-induced shock may not be suitable candidates for traditional management with β-adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). The use of β-blockers could exasperate their condition. Through extensive literature review on this rare condition, the most effective management was found to be therapeutic plasma exchange in order to decrease thyroid hormone levels, which have direct toxic effect on the heart. Furthermore, the use of ECMO and Impella is advised to reduce pressure on the heart and ensure the patient’s organs are well oxygenated and perfused while the left ventricle is recovering.
Highlights
A grave complication of thyrotoxicosis or thyroid storm is the development of heart failure and cardiomyopathy
Some presented with hemodynamic instability and some developed cardiogenic shock shortly after use of β-blockers
One patient from the fourth article cited was excluded since the patient was managed for congestive heart failure by the use of diuretics and was later found to have thyrotoxic-induced cardiogenic shock
Summary
A grave complication of thyrotoxicosis or thyroid storm is the development of heart failure and cardiomyopathy. As noted in the literature, this condition is exceptionally rare; only six percent of patients develop heart failure and cardiomyopathy as a result of thyrotoxicosis with an even smaller percentage having left ventricular dysfunction [1]. Recognizing this condition is imperative in preventing further left ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. Received: December 21, 2019 Revised: February 07, 2020 Accepted: February 18, 2020
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