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Endocrine Emergencies

Maude LatulippeDr. Arun Abbi

January 21st 2010

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Objectives

• Thyroid Storm• Thyrotoxicosis• Myxedema Coma• Adrenal Insufficiency/Crisis• Pheochromocytoma

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Thyroid Physiology

• Hypothalamus– Thyrotropin releasing

hormone (TRH)

• Anterior Pituitary– Thyroid stimulating

hormone (TSH)

• Thyroid – T3 and T4

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis

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Thyroid Hormone Synthesis

T3 T4

bloodstream

lumen

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Case 1: Cranked!!

• 60 yr old female presents to PLC ED concerned because she might have a “clot in the veins”.

• States feels heart beating fast and very sweaty.

• HR 140, BP 180/90, 98% RA, Temp 37.6, glucose 11.

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Cranked!!

• Review of Systems– 5 days ago had radioactive iodine

therapy.– No fevers/chills/malaise– “Thyroid disorder for years”– States hx of previous DVT– Hyperactive– Remainder of review unremarkable.

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Cranked!!

• Exam– Hyperactive, speaking fast, restless– Tremulous– No tenderness to thyroid (why is this

important??)– Normal cardiopulmonary exam– Hyperreflexive otherwise normal

neurological examination

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Cranked!!

• LABS: All normal. TSH sent• Doppler U/S legs normal• Cardiac markers negative• CXR normal.• ECG: sinus tachycardia

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Cranked!!

• Treatment– In ED gave Propranolol 2mg IV

q10minutes x 3 ---> heart rate decreased to 70 - 80

• During the day so discussed case with her primary endocrinologist.

• Wished her started back on Propanolol and Tapazole (methimazole).

• Agreed to see her the next day in clinic.

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Hyperthyroidism/Thyrotoxicosis/Thyroid Storm

• Non-synonymous terms–But no consensus on definitions• Hyperthyroidism: the result of

excessive thyroid function• Thyrotoxicosis: a state of thyroid

hormone excess• Thyroid Storm: acute, life-threatening

exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis

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Symptoms/Signs of Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms Signs

Hyperactivity/Irritable/Dysphoria Tachycardia/A. fib in elderly

Heat Intolerance/Sweating Tremor

Palpitations Goiter

Fatigue/Weakness Warm, moist skin

Weight loss/Hyperphagia Muscle Weakness/Proximal Myopathy

Diarrhea Lid retraction/Lag

Polyuria Gynecomastia

Oligomenorrhea/Dec. Libido

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Ed. p2113

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Causes of ThyrotoxicosisCauses of Thyrotoxicosis

Toxic Diffuse Goiter (Graves’ Disease)

Toxic Multinodular Goiter

Toxic Uninodular Goiter

Factitious Thyrotoxicosis (external supplementation)

T3 Toxicosis

Thyrotoxicosis associated with Thyroiditis (eg: Hashimoto’s, de Quervain’s)

Iodine Loads (eg: amiodarone)

Metastatic Follicular Carcinoma

Malignancies with circulating thyroid stimulators

TSH – producing pituitary tumours

Struma Ovarii with hyperthyroidism

Hypothalamic hyperthyroidism

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Precipitant of Thyroid Storm

• V – vascular accidents, PE, infarction• I – infection• T – trauma, surgery, burns, palpation• A - ***• M – hypoglycemia, DKA, HONK• I – I131 therapy, thyroid hormone,

contrast, amiodarone, iodine, Li, withdrawal thyroid meds• N - ***

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Thyroid StormThyrotoxicosis + altered mental status +

fever

• Temp > 37.8 oC• Tachycardia out of proportion to fever• CNS sx (excitation early, depress later)• Cardiovasc or GI signs and sx-dysrythmias -severe Do

-PVCs -No ,Vo

-AV block -Cramps20-30% surgical

emerg!!

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“Apathetic Hyperthyroidism”

• Elderly (>70yo)– Lethargy, Slow mentation, Apathetic

facies– Goiter– Blepharoptosis– Excessive weight loss (average=40lbs)– Prox muscle weakness–Masked thyrotoxicosis by cardiovasc sx:

a fib with CHF

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Diagnosis• Low TSH, High FT4 or FT3

• Differential Diagnosis:– Sepsis – CXRay, Blood, Urine, Skin– Intoxication (Cocaine, Amphetamines) –

toxidrome?–Withdrawal (EtOH, benzo)– Heat Stroke – history–Malignant hyperthermia– Neuroleptic malignant syndrome– Hypoglycemia or DKA

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Treatment of Thyroid Storm• 5 Goals of Treatment:– 1) Inhibit Hormone Synthesis• Propylthiouracil (PTU) 600-1200mg PO/NG,

then 200-250mg q4-6h• Methimazole 20mg PO q4h

– 2) Block Hormone Release (>1 hr post PTU)• Iodine: Saturated Solution of KI (SSKI) 5 drops

PO/NG q6h (iopanoic acid, Lugol’s iodine), • Iodine Anaphylaxis: Lithium Carbonate

300mg PO q6h

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– 3) Prevent Peripheral effectsConversion of T4 to T3 • Propylthiouracil (PTU)• Propranolol• Dexamethasone 10mg

Peripheral Adrenergic Blockade• Propranolol 1-2mg IV bolus q5mins until effect• Alternative: esmolol, guanethidine,

reserpine

– 4) Supportive Care• Treat fever: Acetaminophen (Not ASA)• Treat CHF (diuretics, oxygen)• Stress dose steroids

5) Treat Precipitating factors

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Case 2: “I Can’t Move!”

• 21 yr old male woke up at 0300 hrs feeling unwell.

• Progressive weakness migrating from lower extremities to upper extremities.

• Now unable to move.• Has had similar episodes in the

past but not as severe and always resolved on their own.

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“I Can’t Move!!”

• Vitals: 130/75, 105HR, 96% RA, 18RR, glucose 7.6, Temp 36.4

• Recent URTI, no chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, back pain or bowel or bladder dysfunction.

• Recently immigrated from Mexico.• Denies any medications or any medical

history.• Denies any drug or EtOH abuse.

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“I Can’t Move!!”– HEENT: no palpable lymph nodes, normal

oropharynx– CVS: S1S2, no murmurs– RESP: Clear– ABDO: soft, non-tender, no organomegaly– NEURO: Cranial nerve exam normal,

complete paralysis both upper and lower extremities, markedly hyporeflexia bilaterally (upper and lower), sensation and proprioception remained intact, rectal tone normal

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Labs

• Arterial Blood Gas– Na: 144, K: <1.5, Cl: 109, CO2: 16, Cr: 61,

gluc: 8.0– WBC: 15.1, Ca: 2.57, Mg: 0.77, Phos: 0.15,

Urea: 7.5– TSH: <0.01A, Free T4: 37, CK: 218– CXR: normal, CT head: normal

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Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis• Asian Males most

common– Native Americans/African

Americans/South Americans

• Vigorous exercise/high carb meal

• Flaccid, ascending paralysis (proximal > distal)– Spares facial and

respiratory muscles

• Depressed/Absent DTR– Due to weakness

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Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

• Low serum potassium– Shift

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Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

• Management:– 1) Block β-adrenergic stimulation of Na/K

ATPase• Propranolol 60mg PO q6h

– 2) Replete Potassium– 3) Treat Hyperthyroidism

• AVOID: IV glucose, β-agonists

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Case 1: “I Can’t Move!”

• DX: Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

• Improvement in ED after K+ 10mEqK IV B-blocker therapy

• Admitted to Internal Medicine

• During Admission diagnosed with 1st Presentation Graves Disease.

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Post Partum Thyroiditis• “Silent/Painless” thyroiditis• 5-10% postpartum cases• 6 wks to 6 months months post-

delivery• Transient hyperthyroid followed by

transient hypothyroid then euthyroid • Propranolol if needed

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Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”

• 70 yr old non-English speaking female brought by EMS because of decline in LOC and function of past few days.

• Multiple recent ED visits for hyponatremia.

• Complaints of malaise, fatigue, weakness and confusion.

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Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”

• Vitals 35.2, 45-55HR, 10RR, 150/74 (initial), glucose 5.7

• Past Medical History: HTN, RA, Shingles, Bilateral Hip Replacement

• Meds: BP med (water pill), acyclovir

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Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”

• Collateral History from son states multiple visits over past months for low salt, confusion and lethargy.

• Had been referred to Outpatient Internal Med Clinic.

• EXAM: puffy face, dry mm, tender epigastrium, tremulous, depressed reflexes, initial GCS 14/15, remainder of exam unremarkable.

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• LABS: Hgb: 109, WBC 3.9, Plts 100, ESR 111, Na 132, K 5.0, Glucose 4.1, Lipase 410, Urea 10.8, CK pending, TnT normal

• Initial ABG 7.43/38/78/25 lactate 0.6

• TSH: not back in ED

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• CT head: normal

• CXR: normal

• Urine normal

• CT abdo/pelvis: probable ovarian mass, no diverticulitis or pancreatic abscess/pseudocyst, small bilat effusions seen.

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Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”• In ED declining GCS to 8/15• profoundly bradycardic, • borderline hypotensive, • hyponatremia and hypoglycemia • hypothermic (31.4C despite external re-

warming techniques)• decreased RR --> increasing CO2 on

ABG

• Intubated and lined in ED

• After induction agents and paralytics had worn off pt made no respiratory effort on own, nor response to painful stimuli

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• DX: ? Myxedema Coma• Given steroids and thyroxine (also

given dose of Abx after cultures drawn)

• Sent to ICU

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Hypothyroidism

• Primary disease most common– Autoimmune– Iatrogenic

• Elderly Obese Females

Subclinical Disease Myxedema Coma

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Medications associated with hypothyroidismDecreased TSH secretionDopamineGlucocorticoidsOctreotideDecreased thyroid hormone secretionLithiumIodideAmiodaroneDecreased T4 absorptionColestipolCholestyramineAluminum hydroxideFerrous sulfateSucralfateIncreased thyroid hormone metabolismPhenobarbitalRifampinPhenytoinCarbamazepine

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Symptoms Signs

Fatigue/Weakness Dry /Cool Skin

Dry Skin Puffy face, hands, feet (myxedema)Cold intolerance Diffuse alopecia

Hair Loss Bradycardia

Difficulty Concentrating/Poor Memory

Peripheral Edema

Constipation Delayed DTRs

Weight Gain/Poor Appetite Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dyspnea Serous Cavity Effusion

Hoarse Voice

Menorrhagia

Paresthesia

Impaired Hearing

Seizures 25% cases(low Na+, low glycemia)

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Ed. p2109

Signs/Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

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Myxedema Coma

• Most dramatic of untreated/inadequately treated dz– Rarely first presentation of hypothyroidism– Most common:

• Thyroid hormone discontinuation• Precipitating event

• Misnomer! ±Coma ±Myxedema

• Myxedema Coma:– Severe Hypothyroidism + Hypothermia +

Altered LOC

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Myxedema ComaPrecipitants of Myxedema ComaCold Exposure

Infection (usually pulmonary)

CHF

Trauma

Drugs

Iodides

CVA

Hemorrhage (esp. GI)

Hypoxia

Hypercapnea

Hyponatremia

Hypoglycemia

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Myxedema Coma

• Cardiovascular:– Sinus bradycardia– BP variable– Leaky capillaries• Effusions

• Respiratory:– Depressed respiratory drive (hypoxic +

hypercapneic)– Airway obstruction (from edema)– Muscle weakness

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• Gastrointestinal:– Decreased peristalsis• Abdominal pain, distension, constipation

• Neurological:– Paresthesias– Cerebellar-Like Symptoms • Due to increased muscle tone/prolonged

contraction

– Coma

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• Mortality 15%

• Predictors– Age– temp < 34– HR < 40 – large amounts of T4 iv

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Investigation

• Hyponatremia• Blood glucose N to low• ↑CPK/AST/LDH• ABG: resp acidosis (Hypoventilation)• Urinalysis: source infection• CXR• +- Abdo XR• +- Head CT• +- Echo

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Diagnosis

• High TSH and Low Free T4

– Note: Dopamine, Glucocorticoids, and Somatostatin suppress TSH at pharmacologic doses.

• Low/Normal TSH and Low Free T4?– Hypothalamic/Pituitary Disease– Critically ill patients

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Differential Diagnosis

• Sepsis• Accidental Hypothermia• Nephrotic Syndrome/Renal Failure• Apathetic Hyperthyroidism• Hyperglycemia• Intoxication (sedatives)• CHF• Electrolytes imbalance• Depression• Hepatic encephalopathy

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Treatment of Myxedema Coma

• ABC• 4 Goals:– 1) Thyroid Hormone Replacement• Levothyroxine 300µg slow IV, then 100µg/day

– 2) Correct Metabolic Abnormalities• Hypoventilation – Intubate + Ventilate• Hyponatremia – water restriction

• Hypoglycemia – D5W IV

– 3) Identify/Correct Precipitating Factors• Infection? CHF?

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– 4) Supportive Care• Hypotension – Fluids• Hypothermia – GENTLE Rewarming• Stress Dose Steroids – Hydrocortisone 100mg

IV q8h

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Some Pearls

• ***beware when giving IV thyroxine and pressors together as may result in VF/VT (should stop pressor when giving IV thyroxine)• ***try to avoid use of ASA in setting of storm

as may worsen disease.• ***can use CK if TSH not available in setting

of presumed myxedema coma.• ***be diligent re: searching for precipitating

causes!!!

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Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• 29 yr old male with fatigue, heart palpitations, vomiting and lightheadness for 1yr.

• Presented to ED because of frustration and multiple physician visits for similar.

• Vitals: 36.6, 67HR, 14RR, 112/65, 99% RA, gluc 8.0

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Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• Review of Systems– Low BP (states at time as low as 85

systolic), wt loss of 20lbs over past year, Tingling and muscle weakness, shortness of breath on exertion, no chest pain, denies any drug or EtOH abuse

– Previously treated for depression– Family hx of hypothyroid and diabetes

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Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• Exam– HEENT: normal– CVS: S1 S2, no murmurs– RESP: clear– NEURO: no focal– ABDO: benign– DERM: Bronze skin, no tan lines– MSK: muscle wasting

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Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• Labs: all normal in ED

• However, outpt lab work one month ago shows: – Na 131, K: 5.8, Cl: 99, CO2: 23, CK: 410,

Ferritin 364, Fe: 7, TSH 3.3

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Adrenal Insufficiency

• An absolute or relative deficiency of adrenal hormones– Cortisol, Aldosterone, Androgen

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Adrenal Physiology

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Steroid Hormones• Cortisol:– Intermediary metabolism (carbs,protein,fat,NA)– Immune response (depressed)– Fonction of catecholamines on cardiac muscle

and arterioles Hypothalamus

CRH

Anterior Pituitary

ACTH

Adrenal Cortex

(Cortisol)

Negative Feedback

Negative Feedback

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Steroid Hormones

• Aldosterone– Blood Pressure– Vascular Volume– Electrolytes

• Regulation– Primarily by Renin-Angiotensin-

Aldosterone Axis• Small role by ACTH

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Steroid Hormones

• Androgens–Male sex steroids• Secondary sexual characteristics in females• Small proportion of total androgen in males

– Minimal effect of males

• Regulation:– ACTH stimulates release– Does NOT feedback to decrease ACTH

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Etiologies of Adrenal Insufficiency

• BIG CAUSE TODAY: HIV-RELATED• Primary– Idiopathic – autoimmune, idiopathic– Infectious – granulomatous, viral, fungal– Infiltrative – neoplasm, amyloidosis,

sarcoidosis– Iatrogenic – post-adrenalectomy, RX– Hemorrhage– CAH – lack of 21β-Hydroxylase deficiency– Congenital Unresponsiveness to ACTH

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Etiologies

• Secondary– Pituitary Insufficiency• Infarction, Hemorrhage, Tumour/Infiltration,

ACTH deficiency

– Hypothalamic Insufficiency– Head Trauma

• Functional Disease– Exogenous glucocorticoids

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Acute Adrenal Insufficiency

• Acute illness on Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency

Precipitants of Acute Adrenal Insufficiency

Exogenous Steroids

Infection

Vascular Event (MI, CVA)

Trauma

Surgery

Hypoglycemia

Pain

Psychiatric Event

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Special Cases

• Adrenal Hemorrhage– Waterhouse-Friedrickson Syndrome

• Sepsis from meningococcemia with associated adrenal hemorrhage (amongst hypotension,shock,DIC)

• Can also occur from Pseudomonas sepsis

– Acute, severe illness + anticoagulation/coagulopathy

• Pituitary Infarction– Sheehan Syndrome

• Delayed effect of intrapartum/post-partum hemorrhage leading to pituitary infarction

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The Usual SuspectsSymptom/Sign Frequency (%)

Weakness 99

Pigmentation of Skin 98

Weight Loss 97

Anorexia/Nausea/Vomiting 90

Hypotension (<110/70) 87

Pigmentation of mucous membranes

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Abdominal Pain 34

Salt Craving 22

Diarrhea 20

Constipation 19

Syncope 16

Vitiligo 9

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Hyperpigmentation

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Adrenal Crisis

• Hypotension– Decreased myocardial contractility– Decreased responsiveness to

catecholamines– Hypovolemia (Na wasting, N/V)

• HypoNa, HyperK, HyperCa• Hypoglycemia– Decreased gluconeogenesis– Increased peripheral glucose use

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Treatment• Correct the greatest threats to life!– Hypotension: Fluid resuscitate ± pressors– Correct hyper K (hyper Ca, hypo Na)– Hypoglycemia: D5W or D50.9% saline– Correct hormone deficiency:

• Corticotropin Stimulation Test– Baseline cortisol– 250mcg cosyntropin IV/IM– Serum cortisol at time: 0, 30 mins, 60 mins– Normal: cortisol baseline or after test >550nmol/L or

2xbaseline• Dexamethasone 4mg IV q6-8h (during test)• Hydrocortisone 100mg IV/IM q6-8h

• Treat the Precipitating Factor!

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Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• DX: Primary Adrenal Insufficiency/Addison’s Disease

• Referral made to Urgent Internal Medicine/Endo– Cosyntropin stim test performed– Started on Decadron–Marked improvement within 48hrs

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Prevention

• Cortisol:– Acute Illness• Double dose of hydrocortisone

– Severe Illness• 75-150mg hydrocortisone/day

• Aldosterone:• Increase salt in diet • Fludrocortisone 0.05-0.2mg

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Adrenal Medulla

NorepinephrineEpinephrine

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Precipitants!!ExerciceStressNaloxoneGlucagon, Metoclopramide5-HTBBRocuronium

If those drug precipitate HTN crise = pheo!!

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Catecholamine Effects

• Norepinephrine/Epinephrine:– α and β effects• Increased CV contractility, excitability, heart

rate

– Increased gluconeogenesis/glycogenolysis

– Increased metabolic rate– Increased alertness/anxiety/fear

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Pheochromocytoma

• Catecholamine secreting tumour– Adrenal or Extra-adrenal– Rare! – Young to Mid-Adult Life

• Clinical Presentation:– Hypertension – most common– Paroxysms • Hypertension, Headache, Sweating,

Palpitations, Apprehension, Sense of impending doom, Chest Pain, Abdo Pain, N/V, pallor/flushing

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Differential Diagnosis

• Sympathomimetic Intoxication• MAOI Crisis• Withdrawal of Clonidine therapy• Seizures• Intracranial Lesions – posterior fossa

tumours• SAH

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Pheochromocytoma

• Cardiovascular– Hypertension (DBP >120)– ECG• Sinus tachycardia, SVT, VT, V.Fib.• Non-specific ST changes, U-waves (hypoK)• Ventricular Strain• RBBB, LBBB• Prolonged QT

• Endocrine– Impaired glucose tolerance

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Diagnosis

• 24 Hour Urine Studies– Catecholamines and Metabolites• Free Catecholamines • Free Metanephrines• Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

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Treatment

• α-adrenergic Blockade– Phentolamine 5 mg IV q1-2min– Phenoxybenzamine 10mg PO q12h (long

term)

• β-blockade– ONLY AFTER stable α-blockade achieved – usually reserved for tachydysrrhythmias– Propranolol 10mg PO q6-8h

• Mg, Nitroprusside, CCB, ACEi

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Conclusion

• Endocrine emergencies are RARE! – High index of suspicion in certain patient

populations

• Most diagnoses are CLINICAL!!!!!• Search for precipitating causes!!

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Questions?