Treatment of Thyrotoxic Storm with Intravenous Administration of Propranolol

Abstract

Thyrotoxic storm is a rare but serious complication of thyrotoxicosis. Proper preoperative preparation of the thyrotoxic patient and the therapeutic use of radioactive iodine (131I) have reduced its incidence. Treatment is still unsatisfactory, however, as is evidenced by the mortality figures (20 to 50%). It has been shown recently that most of the cardiovascular and metabolic manifestations of thyrotoxicosis can be controlled effectively by blockade of the beta adrenergic receptors of the body. Intravenous administration of propranolol was immediately effective in the management of thyrotoxic storm in our patient, who did not respond to other modes of therapy.