Catecholamine Mega Storm Triggered by Cocaine Use and Thyrotoxicosis Crisis

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a well-recognized non-ischemic complication of physical and emotional stressors leading to heart dysfunction. Both thyroid storm and cocaine have been implicated with TCM to varying degrees. We present the case of a 26-year-old male with Graves’ disease and cocaine abuse who was hospitalized with thyroid storm resulting in takotsubo cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock. The patient had a long and complicated hospital course, requiring advanced therapies including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and other medical and mechanical circulatory support therapies. With treatment for thyroid storm using antithyroid medications and steroids, the patient eventually had complete recovery of his left ventricular function and was ultimately weaned from pressors, inotropes and mechanical support.