propylthiouracil and Esophageal-Neoplasms

We describe herein a case of thyrotoxic crisis after esophagectomy in a 64-year-old woman with esophageal carcinoma and well-controlled hyperthyroidism. On the fourth postoperative day, she had palpitations, abdominal pain, fever, and tachycardia, which were similar to the symptoms of an anastomotic leak. There was no evidence to indicate the existence of an anastomotic leak after examination. We were confused at first. After turning to Burch and Wartofsky's scoring system, we finally diagnosed thyrotoxic crisis and then prescribed several agents for emergency treatment, including propylthiouracil, metoprolol tartrate, and hydrocortisone. Afterward, she recovered and was discharged safely.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists; Anastomotic Leak; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antithyroid Agents; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Diagnosis, Differential; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophagectomy; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hyperthyroidism; Metoprolol; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Postoperative Complications; Propylthiouracil; Thyroid Crisis