Thyrotoxicosis-Induced Cardiogenic Shock: Acute Management Using a Multidisciplinary Approach

The development of heart failure and cardiomyopathy has been identified as an infrequent but life-threatening complication of thyrotoxicosis or thyroid storm. Thyrotoxicosis-induced cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock have been shown to be one of the major causes of sudden mortality in adults. However, the treatment of thyrotoxicosis with non-cardioselective beta-blockers has been implicated in the development of severe decompensation and even cardiogenic shock if cardiac function is not known and often requires a multidisciplinary care team to address it. Here, we have reported the case of a 63-year-old male with a past medical history of hyperthyroidism who presented to the emergency room with persistent shortness of breath. Vital signs were notable for hypotension, tachycardia with an irregular heartbeat, with ECG suggestive of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. The thyroid function test was significant for severely suppressed TSH, and the Burch-Wartofsky Score was >45. The patient rapidly decompensated shortly after being given IV metoprolol, subsequently requiring intubation and pressor support. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography (or echo) done afterward was significant for four-chamber dilation with mild global hypokinesis and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Pulmonary Critical Care teams were consulted to assist in multi-modality management. The administration of a non-cardioselective beta-blocker in decompensated heart failure was suggested as the cause of the rapid deterioration. Through a multi-modality management approach, the patient subsequently improved and was eventually discharged with the resolution of thyroid storm and cardiogenic shock, and with close follow-up with the primary care provider, endocrinologist, and cardiologist. This case illustrates the significance of a multidisciplinary team approach in the acute management of thyrotoxicosis-induced cardiogenic shock, as recommendations from the team were instrumental in helping the patient recover from the acute phase of the illness. Also, this case further highlights the significance of assessing the cardiac function, preferably performing echo before starting the patient on beta-blockers.