Therapeutic plasma exchange and a double plasma molecular absorption system in the treatment of thyroid storm with severe liver injury: A case report

BACKGROUND: Thyroid storm is resistant to conventional treatments including antithyroid drugs and (131)I therapeutic means. Plasma exchange (PE) and double plasma molecular absorption system (DPMAS) can be used as an effective treatment for thyroid storm with severe liver injury. CASE SUMMARY: A 52-year-old woman presented with a 10-day history of nausea and vomiting accompanied by yellowing of the skin and mucosa. Further, her free T3 (FT3) and FT4 levels were significantly elevated, whereas her thyrotropin level was reduced. After admission, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she presented with continued high fever, vomiting, palpitation, and shortness of breath. After being diagnosed with thyroid storm, the patient was immediately treated with PE combined with DPMAS. Her symptoms improved immediately. After three PE + DPMAS treatments, and she was discharged from the hospital. She was treated with methylprednisolone and methylthimidazole. After six months, the patient spontaneously discontinued methylthimidazole treatment. Her previous clinical manifestations and liver dysfunction reoccurred. The patient was treated with PE + DPMAS two times, and her condition rapidly improved. Liver histopathology indicated immunological liver injury. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that PE combined with DPMAS can effectively relieve the development of thyroid storm.