Nondiabetic Endocrine Emergencies 2: Hypoparathyroidism, Hyperparathyroidism, Myxedema Coma, And Thyroid Storm

Abstract

Acute emergent presentations of the thyroid and parathyroids are rarer occurrences in the emergency department but essential to diagnose and treat early in the course of illness. Disorders of the parathyroids are typically related to circulating calcium levels and the metabolic effects thereof, whereas thyroid deficiency or excess can lead to profound shock, coma, hypothermia, hyperthermia, and death. The diagnosis of parathyroid disease should be considered in patients presenting with signs and symptoms consistent with hyper- or hypocalcemia. Myxedema coma should be considered in any patient presenting with evidence of severe sepsis or shock, particularly when there is a history of hypothyroidism. Thyroid storm should be suspected in any patient with unexplained increased adrenergic activity, hyperpyrexia, or multiorgan failure. Empirical treatment must begin prior to definitive diagnosis in all cases. This review demonstrates how to recognize and manage acute presentations of hypo- and hyperparathyroidism, myxedema coma, and thyroid storm in the emergency setting. Patients with nondiabetic endocrine emergencies may present in extremis, and immediate stabilization, typically without confirmatory testing, is necessary. Early intervention is key in treating such presentations. This review contains 3 figures, 8 tables and 28 references Key words: disorders of the parathyroids, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, thyroid storm, thyrotoxicosis