Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: T. Moazezi: None. C. Koh: None. Thyroid storm is an endocrine emergency that results in a hypermetabolic state due to excess levels of circulating thyroid hormone and carries a high mortality rate. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can be used in cases of thyrotoxicosis refractory to medical management to achieve hemodynamic and clinical stability. We present a case of a 74-year-old male with severe amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis who presented with altered mentation and ultimately required intubation and intensive care for management of thyroid storm. Standard medical therapy for treatment was initiated immediately with antithyroid drugs, beta blockers, glucocorticoids, potassium iodide solution, and cholestyramine. However, the patient remained unresponsive and intubated with worsening biochemical parameters with increased total T3 levels and sustained elevated levels of free T4 even after five days of maximal medical therapy. Due to the lack of a clinical and biochemical response to conventional medical therapy, the patient was started on plasmapheresis and underwent a total of seven cycles of plasmapheresis over a period of ten days. He significantly improved with TPE and was successfully bridged to a total thyroidectomy, which was completed without complications. Our case demonstrated a decrease in total T3 concentration of roughly 45% after one session of plasmapheresis and roughly 76% with seven sessions of plasmapheresis by the time of thyroidectomy. Free T4 levels remained elevated above reference range until the day after the fifth session of plasmapheresis. This case is important because the literature surrounding the use of TPE in thyroid storm is sparse, and there have only been case reports and retrospective studies published on the subject. Ultimately, while TPE is not conventionally used as part of routine treatment for thyroid storm, endocrinologists should keep this tool at the forefront of their management strategies to deliver quicker treatment to critically ill patients and prevent complications of thyroid storm. Nonetheless, more research is needed to delineate concrete guidelines and specific protocols for use of TPE in thyroid storm. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

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