The development of thyroid storm in a child with McCune-Albright syndrome after orthopedic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of thyroid storm that developed in a child with McCune-Albright syndrome after orthopedic surgery. The development of thyroid storm has not previously been described after surgery in a child.

DESIGN: Descriptive case report.

SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit.

PARTICIPANT: Patient with McCune-Albright syndrome who developed thyroid storm. SELECTION PROCEDURES AND INTERVENTIONS: Clinical features and treatment of thyroid storm are described. A highly sensitive immunochemiluminometric thyroid-stimulating hormone assay to help diagnose hyperthyroid states is also described.

CONCLUSIONS: Before all operative procedures, children at high risk for thyroid dysfunction, including patients with McCune-Albright syndrome, should be screened and observed closely for the development of thyroid storm.