Introduction:

Thyrotoxic storm is caused by the sudden and rapid release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. It is the most dangerous complication of thyrotoxicosis.

Objective:

Describe some elements of interest about the diagnosis and treatment of thyrotoxic storm.

Methods:

Search engines corresponding to Google Scholar, Pubmed and SciELO databases were used. The keywords used were: thyrotoxic storm; thyroid storm; thyrotoxicosis; hyperthyroidism; diagnosis and treatment. The review papers, research papers and web pages, which in general, had less than 10 years of publication and that by the title dealt with the subject of study were evaluated and included. Articles that were not in Spanish, Portuguese or English were excluded. A total of 34 articles were referenced.

Conclusions:

The diagnosis is eminently clinical and is made by the detection of triggers, to which is added the exacerbation of the clinical picture of thyrotoxicosis previously existing, which affects several systems of the body as a result of the circulating thyroid hormones increase. The ideal is to prevent the thyrotoxic storm; although if the treatment is already established, the therapy of the triggering cause and the specific cause should not be delayed. It should be aimed at reducing the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones and minimizing their peripheral actions. Different drugs and other therapeutic measures should be used to treat systemic complications to complement treatment.

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