Thyrocardiotoxic embolic syndrome

Embolic occlusion of lower extremity arteries caused by hyperthyroidism-induced atrial fibrillation occurs rarely. Severe end organ damage may be prevented by aggressive medical and surgical intervention. Subtle signs of hyperthyroidism should be sought when arterial occlusion and atrial dysrhythmia are discovered. About 25% of thyrotoxic patients have atrial fibrillation, and up to 40% of this subgroup have systemic emboli; thus, 3% to 10% of all thyrotoxic patients may have systemic emboli. This estimation supports the recommendation for anticoagulation in all hyperthyroid individuals with atrial fibrillation.