Thyroid storm precipitated by acute biliary pancreatitis

Thyroid storm or thyroid crisis is an acute, life-threatening exacerbation and sudden releasing large amounts of thyroid hormone in a short period of time. Only 1%–2% of people with hyperthyroidism will develop thyroid storm[1]. Thyroidectomy was formerly the most common cause of thyroid crisis. Nowadays post thyroidectomy crisis is an uncommon incidence, because of preoperative testing and earlier diagnosis and management. Nevertheless, critical aggravation of hyperthyroidism typically resulted from concurrent disorder, particularly infectious diseases and traumatic stress such as operation, still occur[2]. Thyroid crisis is especially related with Graves’ disease (toxic diffuse goiter). However, it can also be present in toxic nodular goiter[3,4]. The classic symptoms of thyroid storm are greatly increased body temperature, and mental disturbance, accompanied by thyrotoxicosis symptoms[5,6]. Here we describe the case of a patient with thyroid storm and an acute biliary pancreatitis. We also talk about the value of the identification of a pancreatitis in patients with thyroid storm.