Differential Diagnosis for Thyroid Storm
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter): This is the most likely diagnosis, as thyroid storm is a life-threatening complication of untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of thyroid storm, such as fever, tachycardia, and altered mental status, are consistent with severe hyperthyroidism.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: This rare tumor of the adrenal gland can cause symptoms similar to thyroid storm, including hypertension, tachycardia, and fever.
- Sepsis: Severe infection can cause a systemic inflammatory response that mimics thyroid storm, with symptoms such as fever, tachycardia, and altered mental status.
- Malignant hyperthermia: This rare condition is triggered by certain anesthetics and can cause symptoms similar to thyroid storm, including fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction: Although less likely, myocardial infarction can present with symptoms similar to thyroid storm, including chest pain, tachycardia, and shortness of breath. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Pulmonary embolism: This condition can cause symptoms such as tachycardia, shortness of breath, and altered mental status, which could be mistaken for thyroid storm.
- Status epilepticus: Prolonged seizures can cause symptoms similar to thyroid storm, including altered mental status, fever, and tachycardia.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: This rare condition is caused by certain antipsychotic medications and can cause symptoms similar to thyroid storm, including fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status.
- Serotonin syndrome: This rare condition is caused by certain medications, including antidepressants, and can cause symptoms similar to thyroid storm, including fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status.
- Heat stroke: This condition can cause symptoms similar to thyroid storm, including fever, tachycardia, and altered mental status, especially in individuals who are exposed to high temperatures.