European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences

goiter. There is no clear cut off value of circulating thyroid hormones (TH) defining the thyroid storm, since the results of laboratory tests show, in most cases, similar serum levels of TH to those observed in uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis2. Nevertheless, the rapid recognition of the thyrotoxic crisis and the institution of immediate drug therapy is important in limiting the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition3,4. It is difficult to estimate the exact prevalence of thyroid storm, but it may account for <1-2% of hospital admissions for thyrotoxicosis5. The mortality of this condition is still high, ranging from 20 to 30%1.