Thyrotoxicosis in Pregnancy Cured by Total Thyroidectomy

Thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and management. This case report describes a 23-year-old pregnant woman with a history of Graves’ disease who presented with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, including tachycardia, weight loss, and dyspnea. Initial treatment with propylthiouracil and propranolol was insufficient, and her condition progressed to include pericardial effusion with early tamponade physiology and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Despite medical therapy, her symptoms persisted, necessitating a total thyroidectomy during the second trimester. Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant clinical improvement and delivered a healthy infant at term. This case highlights the complexities of managing hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, the potential for severe cardiovascular complications, and the role of surgical intervention when medical therapy fails.