Moskovitz JB, Bond MC.; J Emerg Med. 2009 Dec 1.
Background: Molar pregnancy is a rare form of pregnancy, affecting approximately 1 in 1000 pregnancies in the United States. Hyperthyroidism is a rare complication of molar pregnancy; thyroid storm occurs even less frequently.
Objectives: To discuss a rare cause of thyroid storm in a woman of reproductive age.
Case Report: A 17-year-old girl presented to a community hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) after experiencing 1 week of palpitations and tachycardia. The tachycardia partially responded to administration of calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers. The patient was transferred to a tertiary care center for further evaluation. At the tertiary center, pregnancy was confirmed, thyroid storm was diagnosed, and ultrasound examination yielded a snowstorm image, indicating a molar pregnancy. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for management. Dilatation and curettage resolved her symptoms, and after a 9-day hospital stay, she was discharged home on atenolol therapy.
Conclusions: Thyroid storm induced by gestational trophoblastic disease should be considered in any woman of childbearing age who presents with symptoms suggestive of hyperthyroidism.
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