UPDATE: THYROID EMERGENCIES

Often referred to as the great imitator, the thyroid gland exerts its influence on virtually every organ system. Thyroid emergencies are rare but life-threatening conditions. They occur most commonly in patients with a known underlying thyroid disorder. Diagnosis relies primarily on clinical and historical findings.Treatment must be initiated before thyroid hormone assay results are available. A precipitating factor should always be sought.The clinical manifestations of thyroid dysfunction can range from isolated symptoms to cardiogenic shock with immediate risk to life. The aim of this review is two fold: first, to describe the principal symptoms and organ dysfunction associated with thyroid disease; and second, to present thyroid emergencies which, though rare, constitute genuine life-threatening conditions.