Non Diabetic Endocrine Emergencies

Ping-Wei ChenDr. Stefan DaSilva

December 18th 2008

Objectives• Brief review of HPA axis physiology• Thyroid Storm• Thyrotoxicosis• Myxedema Coma• Adrenal Insufficiency/Crisis• Pheochromocytoma• Pituitary Apoplexy

Thyroid Physiology• Hypothalamus– Thyroptropin

releasing hormone (TRH)

• Anterior Pituitary– Thyroid stimulating

hormone (TSH)• Thyroid – T3 and T4

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis

Thyroid Hormone Synthesis

T3 T4

bloodstream

lumen

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Case 1: Cranked!!• 60 yr old female presents to PLC ED

concerned because she might have a “clot in the veins”.

• States feels heart beating fast and very sweaty.

• HR 140, BP 180/90, 98% RA, Temp 37.6, glucose 11.

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Cranked!!• Review of Systems– 5 days ago had radioactive iodine

therapy.– No fevers/chills/malaise– “Thyroid disorder for years”– States hx of previous DVT– Hyperactive– Remainder of review unremarkable.

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Cranked!!• Exam– Hyperactive, speaking fast, restless– Tremulous– No tenderness to thyroid (why is this

important??)– Normal cardiopulmonary exam– Hyperreflexive otherwise normal

neurological examination

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Cranked!!• LABS: All normal. TSH sent• Doppler U/S legs normal• Cardiac markers negative• CXR normal.• ECG: sinus tachycardia

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Cranked!!• Treatment– In ED gave Propranolol 2mg IV

q10minutes x 3 ---> heartrate decreased to 70 - 80

• During the day so discussed case with her primary endocrinologist.

• Wished her started back on Propanolol and Tapazole (methimazole).

• Agreed to see her the next day in clinic.

Hyperthyroidism/Thyrotoxicosis/Thyroid Storm

• Non-synonymous terms– But no consensus on definitions• Hyperthyroidism: the result of excessive

thyroid function• Thyrotoxicosis: a state of thyroid hormone

excess• Thyroid Storm: acute, life-threatening

exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis• Rosen’s: “They refer to the continuum

of disease that results from thyroid hyperfunction”.

Symptoms/Signs of Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms Signs

Hyperactivity/Irritable/Dysphoria Tachycardia/A. fib in elderly

Heat Intolerance/Sweating Tremor

Palpitations Goiter

Fatigue/Weakness Warm, moist skin

Weight loss/Hyperphagia Muscle Weakness/Proximal Myopathy

Diarrhea Lid retraction/Lag

Polyuria Gynecomastia

Oligomenorrhea/Dec. Libido

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Ed. p2113

Causes of ThyrotoxicosisCauses of ThyrotoxicosisToxic Diffuse Goiter (Graves’ Disease)Toxic Multinodular GoiterToxic Uninodular GoiterFactitious Thyrotoxicosis (external supplementation)T3 ToxicosisThyrotoxicosis associated with Thyroiditis (eg: Hashimoto’s, de Quervain’s)Iodine Loads (eg: amiodarone)Metastatic Follicular CarcinomaMalignancies with circulating thyroid stimulatorsTSH – producing pituitary tumoursStruma Ovarii with hyperthyroidismHypothalamic hyperthyroidism

Precipitant of Thyroid Storm• V – vascular accidents, PE, infarction• I – infection• T – trauma, surgery, burns• A - ***• M – hypoglycemia, DKA, HONK• I – I131 therapy, thyroid hormone,

contrast• N - ***

Thyroid Storm• Exaggerated hyperthyroidism + Fever +

Altered LOC

• Cardiovascular: hyperdynamic + excitable– Sinus tachycardia/Atrial tachycardia (A. fib)– CHF (±underlying heart disease)– Chest pain, Dyspnea, Palpitations, Inc. Pulse

Pressure, “Water Hammer” pulse• Gastrointestinal: – Diarrhea, N/V, Abdominal pain– Liver dysfunction

Thyroid Storm• Neurological/Behavioural:– Proximal myopathy/Weakness– Tremor– Agitation/Anxiety/Restlessness/Delirium

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“Apathetic Hyperthyroidism”• Elderly– Fatigue and Weight Loss–Multinodular Goiter

• Apathetic Thyroid Storm?• Exaggerated Hyperthyroidism + Fever +

Altered LOC– NOT agitated/restless/anxious– CV, GI, Neuro signs/symptoms still present

Diagnosis• Low TSH, High FT4 or FT3

• Differential Diagnosis:– Sepsis – CXRay, Blood, Urine, Skin– Intoxication (Cocaine, Amphetamines) –

toxidrome?–Withdrawal (EtOH, benzodiazapene)– Heat Stroke - history– Hypothyroidism

Treatment of Thyroid Storm• 5 Goals of Treatment:– 1) Inhibit Hormone Synthesis• Propylthiouracil (PTU) 600-1000mg PO/NG,

then 200-250mg q4-6h– 2) Block Hormone Release (>1 hr post

PTU)• Saturated Solution of KI (SSKI) 5 drops PO/NG

q6h• Iodine Anaphylaxis: Lithium Carbonate

300mg PO q6h• Iodine Overload Hyperthyroidism: Potassium

Perchlorate 500mg PO OD.

– 3) Prevent Peripheral Conversion of T4 to T3 • Propylthiouracil (PTU)• Dexamethasone 2mg IV q6h• Propranolol

– 4) Peripheral Adrenergic Blockade• Propranolol 1-2mg IV bolus q10-15mins until

effect– 5) Supportive Care• Treat fever: Acetaminophen (Not ASA)• Treat CHF (digitalis, diuretics, oxygen)• Stress dose steroids (Hydrocortisone 100mg IV

q8h)• Treat Precipitating Factors

Case 2: “I Can’t Move!”• 21 yr old male woke up at 0300 hrs

feeling unwell. • Progressive weakness migrating

from lower extremities to upper extremities.

• Now unable to move.• Has had similar episodes in the

past but not as severe and always resolved on their own.

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“I Can’t Move!!”

• Vitals: 130/75, 105HR, 96% RA, 18RR, glucose 7.6, Temp 36.4

• Recent URTI, no chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, back pain or bowel or bladder dysfunction.

• Recently immigrated from Mexico.• Denies any medications or any medical history.• Denies any drug or EtOH abuse.

“I Can’t Move!!”– HEENT: no palpable lymph nodes, normal

oropharynx– CVS: S1S2, no murmurs– RESP: Clear– ABDO: soft, non-tender, no organomegaly– NEURO: Cranial nerve exam normal,

complete paralysis both upper and lower extremities, markedly hyporeflexia bilaterally (upper and lower), sensation and proprioception remained intact, rectal tone normal

Labs• Arterial Blood Gas

– Na: 144, K: <1.5, Cl: 109, CO2: 16, Cr: 61, gluc: 8.0

– WBC: 15.1, Ca: 2.57, Mg: 0.77, Phos: 0.15, Urea: 7.5

– TSH: <0.01A, Free T4: 37, CK: 218– CXR: normal, CT head: normal

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis• Asian Males most

common– Native Americans/African

Americans/South Americans

• Vigorous exercise/high carb meal

• Flaccid, ascending paralysis (proximal > distal)– Spares facial and

respiratory muscles• Depressed/Absent DTR– Due to weakness

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis• Low serum potassium– Shift

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis• Management:– 1) Block β-adrenergic stimulation of Na/K

ATPase• Propranolol 60mg PO q6h

– 2) Replete Potassium• ORAL potassium (given not decreased total

stores)– 3) Treat Hyperthyroidism

• AVOID: IV glucose, β-agonists

Case 1: “I Can’t Move!”• DX: Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

• Improvement in ED with Potassium Replacement and B-blocker therapy

• Admitted to Internal Medicine

• During Admission diagnosed with 1st Presentation Graves Disease.

Post Partum Thyroiditis• “Silent/Painless” thyroiditis• 5% postpartum cases• 3-4 months post-delivery

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• Clinical Features:• Transient hyperthyroid followed by

transient hypothyroid• Triphasic course• Non-tender thyroid, Normal ESR (cf.

subacute thyroiditis)• No eye findings (cf. Graves’ Disease)

Post Partum Thyroiditis• Laboratory Findings– FT4 >> T3 – leakage of hormone from

gland

• Treatment (if needed)– Propranolol 20mg-40mg q6-8h

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Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”• 70 yr old non-english speaking

female brought by EMS because of decline in LOC and function of past few days.

• Multiple recent ED visits for hyponatremia.

• Complaints of malaise, fatigue, weakness and confusion.

Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”• Vitals 35.2, 45-55HR, 10RR, 150/74

(initial), glucose 5.7

• Past Medical History: HTN, RA, Shingles, Bilateral Hip Replacement

• Meds: BP med(water pill), acyclovir

Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”• Collateral History from son states multiple

visits over past months for low salt, confusion and lethargy.

• Had been referred to Outpatient Internal Med Clinic.

• EXAM: puffy face, dry mm, tender epigastrium, tremelous, depressed reflexes, initial GCS 14/15, remainder of exam unremarkable.

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• LABS: Hgb: 109, WBC 3.9, Plts 100, ESR 111, Na 132, K 5.0, Glucose 4.1, Lipase 410, Urea 10.8, CK pending, TnT normal

• Initial ABG 7.43/38/78/25 lactate 0.6

• TSH: not back in ED

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• CT head: normal

• CXR: normal

• Urine normal

• CT abdo/pelvis:probable ovarian mass, no diverticulitis or pancreatic abscess/pseudocyst, small bilat effusions seen.

Case 2: “I Can’t Warm Up!”• In ED declining GCS to 8/15• profoundly bradycardic, • borderline hypotensive, • hyponatremia and hypoglycemia • hypothermic (31.4C despite external re-

warming techniques)• decreased RR --> increasing CO2 on

ABG• Intubated and lined in ED

• After induction agents and paralytics had worn off pt made no respiratory effort on own, nor response to painful stimuli

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• DX: ?Myxedema Coma• Given steroids and thyroxine (also

given dose of abx after cultures drawn)

• Sent to ICU

Hypothyroidism

• Primary disease most common– Autoimmune– Iatrogenic

• Elderly Obese Females

Subclinical Disease Myxedema Coma

Signs/Symptoms of HypothyroidismSymptoms Signs

Fatigue/Weakness Dry /Cool SkinDry Skin Puffy face, hands, feet

(myxedema)Cold intolerance Diffuse alopeciaHair Loss BradycardiaDifficulty Concentrating/Poor Memory

Peripheral Edema

Constipation Delayed DTRsWeight Gain/Poor Appetite Carpal Tunnel SyndromeDyspnea Serous Cavity EffusionHoarse VoiceMenorrhagiaParesthesiaImpaired Hearing

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Ed. p2109

Myxedema Coma• Most dramatic of untreated/inadequately

treated dz– Rarely first presentation of hypothyroidism– Most common:

• Thyroid hormone discontinuation• Precipitating event

• Misnomer! ±Coma• Myxedema Coma:– Severe Hypothyroidism + Hypothermia + Altered

LOC

Myxedema ComaPrecipitants of Myxedema ComaCold ExposureInfection (usually pulmonary)CHFTraumaDrugsIodidesCVAHemorrhage (esp. GI)HypoxiaHypercapneaHyponatremiaHypoglycemia

Myxedema Coma• Cardiovascular:– Sinus bradycardia– BP variable– Leaky capillaries• Effusions

• Respiratory:– Depressed respiratory drive (hypoxic +

hypercapneic)– Airway obstruction (from edema)

Myxedema Coma• Gastrointestinal:– Decreased peristalsis• Abdominal pain, distension, constipation

• Neurological:– Paresthesias– Cerebellar-Like Symptoms • Due to increased muscle tone/prolonged

contraction– Coma

Diagnosis• High TSH and Low Free T4– Note: Dopamine, Glucocorticoids, and

Somatostatin suppress TSH at pharmacologic doses.

• Low/Normal TSH and Low Free T4?– Hypothalamic/Pituitary Disease

Differential Diagnosis• Sepsis• Accidental Hypothermia• Nephrotic Syndrome/Renal Failure• Apathetic Hyperthyroidism• Hyperglycemia• Intoxication (sedatives)

Treatment of Myxedema Coma

• 4 Goals:– 1) Thyroid Hormone Replacement• Levothyroxine 500µg PO/IV, then 100µg/day

– 2) Correct Metabolic Abnormalities• Hypoventilation – Intubate + Ventilate• Hyponatremia – water restriction• Hypoglycemia – D5W IV

– 3) Identify/Correct Precipitating Factors• Infection? CHF?

– 4) Supportive Care• Hypotension – Fluids, Pressors• Hypothermia – GENTLE Rewarming• Stress Dose Steroids – Hydrocortisone 300mg

IV, then 100mg q6-8h.

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Some Pearls• ***beware when giving IV thyroxine and

pressors together as may result in VF/VT (should stop pressor when giving IV thyroxine)• ***try to avoid use of ASA in setting of storm

as may worsen disease.• ***can use CK as poor man’s TSH in setting

of presumed myxedema coma.• ***be diligent re: searching for precipitating

causes!!!

Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• 29 yr old male with fatigue, heart palpitations, vomiting and lightheadness for 1yr.

• Presented to ED because of frustration and multiple physician visits for similar.

• Vitals: 36.6, 67HR, 14RR, 112/65, 99% RA, gluc 8.0

Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• Review of Systems– Low BP (states at time as low as 85

systolic), wt loss of 20lbs over past year, Tingling and muscle weakness, shortness of breath on exertion, no chest pain, denies any drug or EtOH abuse

– Previously treated for depression– Family hx of hypothyroid and diabetes

Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• Exam– HEENT: normal– CVS: S1 S2, no murmurs– RESP: clear– NEURO: no focal– ABDO: benign– DERM: Bronze skin, no tan lines– MSK: muscle wasting

Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• Labs: all normal in ED

• However, outpt lab work one month ago shows: – Na 131, K: 5.8, Cl: 99, CO2: 23, CK: 410,

Ferritin 364, Fe: 7, TSH 3.3

Adrenal Insufficiency• An absolute or relative deficiency of

adrenal hormones– Cortisol, Aldosterone, Androgen

Adrenal Physiology

Steroid Hormone Synthesis

Steroid Hormone Synthesis17α-Hydroxylase

Steroid Hormones• Cortisol:– Intermediary metabolism

(carbs,protein,fat,NA)– Immune response (depressed)Hypothalam

us CRH

Anterior PituitaryACTH

Adrenal Cortex

(Cortisol)

Negative Feedback

Negative Feedback

Steroid Hormones• Aldosterone– Blood Pressure– Vascular Volume– Electrolytes

• Regulation– Primarily by Renin-Angiotensin-

Aldosterone Axis• Small role by ACTH

Steroid Hormones• Androgens–Male sex steroids• Secondary sexual characteristics in females• Small proportion of total androgen in males

– Minimal effect of males• Regulation:– ACTH stimulates release– Does NOT feedback to decrease ACTH

Etiologies of Adrenal Insufficiency

• Primary– Idiopathic – autoimmune, idiopathic– Infectious – granulomatous, viral, fungal– Infiltrative – neoplasm, amyloidosis,

sarcoidosis– Iatrogenic – post-adrenalectomy– Hemorrhage– CAH – lack of 21β-Hydroxylase deficiency– Congenital Unresponsiveness to ACTH

Etiologies• Secondary– Pituitary Insufficiency• Infarction, Hemorrhage, Tumour/Infiltration,

ACTH deficiency– Hypothalamic Insufficiency– Head Trauma

• Functional Disease– Exogenous glucocorticoids

Acute Adrenal Insufficiency• Acute illness on Chronic Adrenal

InsufficiencyPrecipitants of Acute Adrenal InsufficiencyExogenous SteroidsInfection Vascular Event (MI, CVA)TraumaSurgeryHypoglycemiaPainPsychiatric Event

Special Cases• Adrenal Hemorrhage– Waterhouse-Friedrickson Syndrome

• Sepsis from meningococcemia with associated adrenal hemorrhage (amongst hypotension,shock,DIC)

• Can also occur from Pseudomonas sepsis– Acute, severe illness +

anticoagulation/coagulopathy• Pituitary Infarction– Sheehan Syndrome

• Delayed effect of intrapartum/post-partum hemorrhage leading to pituitary infarction

The Usual SuspectsSymptom/Sign Frequency (%)Weakness 99Pigmentation of Skin 98Weight Loss 97Anorexia/Nausea/Vomiting 90Hypotension (<110/70) 87Pigmentation of mucous membranes

82

Abdominal Pain 34Salt Craving 22Diarrhea 20Constipation 19Syncope 16Vitiligo 9

Hyperpigmentation

Adrenal Crisis• Hypotension– Decreased myocardial contractility– Decreased responsiveness to

catecholamines– Hypovolemia (Na wasting, N/V)

• Hypoglycemia– Decreased gluconeogenesis– Increased peripheral glucose use

Treatment• Correct the greatest threats to life!– Hypotension: Fluid resuscitate ± pressors– Hypoglycemia: D5W or D50.9% saline

• Glucagon 1-2mg IM/SC– Correct hormone deficiency:

• Cortrosyn Stimulation Test– 0.25mg (25U) cosyntropin IV/IM– Serum cortisol at time: 0, 30 mins, 60 mins– Normal: cortisol >500nmol/L or >200nmol/L over

baseline• Dexamethasone 4mg IV q6-8h (during test)• Hydrocortisone 100mg IV/IM q6-8h

• Treat the Precipitating Factor!

Case 3: “The Disappearing Tan Lines”

• DX: Primary Adrenal Insufficiency/Addison’s Disease

• Referral made to Urgent Internal Medicine/Endo– Cosyntropin stim test performed– Started on Decadron–Marked improvement within 48hrs

Prevention• Cortisol:– Acute Illness• Double dose of hydrocortisone

– Severe Illness• 75-150mg hydrocortisone/day

• Aldosterone:• Fludrocortisone 0.05-0.1mg• Increase salt in diet 

Adrenal Medulla

NorepinephrineEpinephrine

Catecholamine Effects• Norepinephrine/Epinephrine:– α and β effects• Increased CV contractility, excitability, heart

rate– Increased

gluconeogenesis/glycogenolysis– Increased metabolic rate– Increased alertness/anxiety/fear

Pheochromocytoma• Catecholamine secreting tumour– Adrenal or Extra-adrenal– Rare! – Young to Mid-Adult Life

• Clinical Presentation:– Hypertension – most common– Paroxysms • Hypertension, Headache, Sweating,

Palpitations, Apprehension, Sense of impending doom, Chest Pain, Abdo Pain, N/V, pallor/flushing

Differential Diagnosis• Sympathomimetic Intoxication• MAOI Crisis• Withdrawal of Clonidine therapy• Seizures• Intracranial Lesions – posterior fossa

tumours• SAH

Pheochromocytoma• Cardiovascular– Hypertension (DBP >120)– ECG• Sinus tachycardia, SVT, VT, V.Fib.• Non-specific ST changes, U-waves (hypoK)• Ventricular Strain• RBBB, LBBB• Prolonged QT

• Endocrine– Impaired glucose tolerance

Diagnosis• 24 Hour Urine Studies– Catecholamines and Metabolites• Free Catecholamines • Free Metanephrines• Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

– Provocative and Adrenolytic Tests obsolete

Treatment• α-adrenergic Blockade– Phentolamine 1-2mg IV q5mins– Phenoxybenzamine 10mg PO q12h (long

term)• β-blockade– ONLY AFTER stable α-blockade achieved – usually reserved for tachydysrrhythmias– Propranolol 10mg PO q6-8h

• Nitroprusside, CCB, ACEi

Pituitary Gland

Growth HormoneACTHProlactinTSHLHFSH

ADHOxytocin

Pituitary Apoplexy• Infarction or Hemorrhage of Pituitary

Gland– Pre-existing tumour– Head trauma– Pregnancy– Anti-coagulation– Hypertension– DKA– Irradiation– Estrogen– Diuretic use– Bromocriptine

Clinical Presentation• Sudden onset headache• Visual abnormalities• Oculomotor abnormalities• Meningeal irritation • Altered mental status• Pituitary Insufficiency• Adrenal Insufficiency

Diagnosis• MRI – gold standard• CT • Treatment• Dexamethasone 4mg IV q6-8h• Hydrocortisone 100mg IV/IM q6-8h• ±Emergent Neurosurgery

Conclusion• Endocrine emergencies are RARE! – High index of suspicion in certain patient

populations• Most diagnoses are CLINICAL!!!!!• Search for precipitating causes!!

Questions?