The heart in the storm: acute heart failure due to severe thyrotoxicosis




Allisson B. Gonzales-Trelles, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital ESSALUD II Abancay, Abancay, Perú
Juan J. Pinillos-Villena, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Regional Hermilio Valdizán Medrano, Huánuco, Perú


The thyroid storm is a rare and potentially fatal endocrine emergency, with variable clinical manifestations that may include acute heart failure in young patients without cardiovascular history. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman referred for progressive dyspnea, lower limb edema, and sinus tachycardia, with echocardiographic evidence of left chamber dilation and diastolic dysfunction. Laboratory evaluation confirmed severe hyperthyroidism, establishing the diagnosis of thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Multidisciplinary management involving endocrinologists and cardiologists allowed a rapid clinical and hemodynamic improvement. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of hyperthyroidism as a reversible etiology of acute heart failure.



Keywords: Thyroid storm. Heart failure. Thyrotoxicosis.