Introduction

Subdural hematoma (SDH) is an intracranial lesion that occurs between the dural and arachnoid membranes surrounding the brain. SDH originates from bridging veins injury, especially those close to the superior sagittal sinus [1]. Decreased consciousness in SDH that occurs before hospital admission can be categorized based on time: chronic subdural hematoma, acute subdural hematoma, and subacute subdural hematoma. A sudden increase in intracranial pressure, arterial bleeding, or acute brain edema causes signs of decreased consciousness [2]. In addition, there may be signs of neurologic abnormalities due to intracranial elevation, such as diplopia, anisocortical pupils, and sensory and motor disturbances [3,4].

A thyroid storm is an endocrine emergency characterized by thyrotoxicosis that can be assessed by several scores that combine clinical and supporting parameters such as the Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale (BWPS) (Table 1) and The Japanese Thyroid Association (JTA) (Table 2). Diagnosis of a thyroid storm can be performed by the Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale (BWPS) to distinguish uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis, impending signs, or thyroid storm has occurred, or can be present by The Japanese Thyroid Association (JTA). The BPWS scale is a scoring system used to assess the severity of symptoms multiple organ decompensation, which includes thermoregulation, tachycardia/atrial fibrillation, impaired consciousness, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal and liver dysfunction, and other precipitating factors (Table 1) [5].

In addition, the JTA criteria can be used based on a combination of specific symptoms caused by decompensation of several organs. While the BWPS criteria one of the characteristics is the presence of impaired consciousness that contributes to the incidence of thyroid storm. However, the presence of other diseases with symptoms of fever (e.g., malignant hyperthermia and pneumonia), impaired consciousness (e.g., psychiatric disorders, cerebrovascular disease), liver abnormalities (e.g., acute liver failure and viral hepatitis), and heart failure (e.g., acute myocardial infarction) will complicate the assessment of thyroid storm. Hence, establishing whether the symptoms result from a thyroid storm or simply represent a persistent manifestation of the illness proves challenging [6]. These symptoms might have been related to thyroid storms that result from the presence of precipitating factors. Using BPWS and JTA criteria as diagnostic tools in evaluating the patient's condition will improve the accuracy in determining thyroid storm clinical diagnosis [7]. 

With an estimated low incidence of 1-2% in hospitals, thyroid storm demonstrates an overall mortality rate of 10-30%, signifying a mortality rate twelve times higher than that of those without thyrotoxicosis [9,10]. Underlying, untreated, or poorly controlled thyroid gland disease, when combined with significant additional stressors like surgery, infection, or trauma, can trigger a thyroid storm. This disruption in the body's compensatory mechanisms for thyroid hormone results in a life-threatening condition [11]. Management of thyroid storms is essential; in addition to normalizing thyroid hormone levels,  diagnosing and rectifying the precipitating factors of the thyroid storm is equally essential (Table 3).     

SDH causes increased intracranial pressure due to increased cerebral blood volume, osmotic or vasogenic cerebral edema, elevated cerebrospinal fluid flow resistance at the arachnoid villi, and high cerebral venous pressure [12]. The thyroid storm will increase cerebral blood flow and correlate with increased cerebral blood volume, increasing intracranial pressure [13]. Conversely, the stressful condition of SDH can trigger the thyroid storm. Therefore, surgery is performed immediately along with treatment to correct the thyroid storm in surgical preparation to improve the prognosis. Thyroid storm therapy was given to prevent the worsening of the general condition and thyroid storm to lower thyroid hormone levels [14].

Case Presentation

A 33-year-old woman weighing 38 kg experienced gradual loss of consciousness, vomiting, and headache and was diagnosed with subdural hematoma. History before admission to the hospital has decreased consciousness for 7 days, found vomiting one time and accompanied by fever. The patient was known to have a history of down syndrome since birth, with an unknown history of hyperthyroidism. On physical examination, GCS score E3V3M5, blood pressure 105/65 mmHg (MAP 80 mmHg), pulse 118 x/min, respiration 24 x/min, oxygen saturation 92-95% with simple mask 6 liters per minute, and temperature 38 ^oC (Figure 2).

Brain computed tomography (CT) results showed subacute SDH in the temporoparietal dextra thickness of 1.6 cm, midline shift to sinistra by 11.2 mm, early signs of non-communicating hydrocephalus (Figure 1a). Initial chest x-ray examination showed no bilateral infiltrates, prominent cor, and aortic elongation with a cardiothoracic ratio of more than 50% (Figure 1b). On arrival at the hospital, there was a clinical thyroid storm with a Burch Wartofsky score of 50 and thyroid laboratory results of free T4 (FT4) > 100 ng/dl (10.60-19.40 ng/dl) and a decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) value of 0.006 μIU/ml (0.500-5,000 μIU/mL).     

Based on the head CT data, it was decided to do 2-hole burrhole drainage. While in the emergency room, thyroid storm management was carried out using thiamazole tablets 20 mg every 8 hours, propranolol tablets 10 mg every 8 hours, and methylprednisolone injection 62.5 mg daily- control of thyroid storm in the emergency room without delaying 2-hole burrhole drainage. During the intraoperative procedure, the hemodynamic condition was stable (Figure 2). After surgery, thyroid storm management continued for three days. A well-managed thyroid storm caused by SDH resulted in a decrease in pulse rate to 100×/min; laboratory results on the third day of therapy obtained free T4 3.74 ng/dl, total T3 0.55 ng/dl, and TSH 0.0060 μIU/ml. During surgery there was no massive bleeding and hemodynamics were stable (Figure 2). The patient could be extubated and then observed in the intensive care unit. During intensive care, the patient showed improvement in consciousness so that the patient could be transferred to the inpatient room.

Discussion

A subdural hematoma is an accumulation of blood in the subdural cavity (between the dura mater and arachnoid). This hemorrhage often results from a rupture of the connecting vein between the cerebral cortex and the venous sinus, where the vein enters [15]. Still, it can also result from laceration of arterial blood vessels on the surface of the brain. Subdural hematoma is most common on the lateral surface of the hemisphere and partly in the temporal region, corresponding to the distribution of bridging veins [16]. Bridging veins are venous vessels that run on the brain surface towards the superior sagittal sinus in the midline. Subdural hemorrhage also covers the entire hemispheric surface of the brain, and damage to the underlying brain is severe. A subdural hematoma can occur spontaneously or be caused by a procedure. Mortality and morbidity rates can be high, even with the best care [17].

Supportive examinations are performed with head CT to evaluate intracranial hematoma progression, residual foreign bodies presence, and the extent of cerebral edema. Small subdural hematoma may blend into the skull bone image and only be visible by adjusting the CT window width. Midline shift will be seen in moderate or large volume subdural hematoma [18]. If there is no midline shift, a contralateral mass should be suspected, and if the midline shift is severe, underlying cerebral edema should be inferred. Subdural hematoma is rarely located in the posterior fossa as the cerebellum is relatively immobile and thus protective of the bridging veins [19].

Thyroid storm, as a complication of hyperthyroidism has a high mortality risk. Thyroid storms can occur due to precipitating factors such as infection, sepsis, trauma, cerebrovascular events, or radioactive iodine therapy (Table 1). Clinical examination, along with thyroid function results indicating low TSH (<0.01 mU/L), elevated FT4 and/or FT3, and manifestations of other organ disorders, forms the basis for diagnosing thyroid storm. Symptoms include gastrointestinal or hepatic complaints, tachycardia, congestive heart failure, fever, and central nervous system manifestations [7].

In the absence of specific clinical or laboratory findings, precise diagnosis of thyroid storm is essential. Early recognition of this clinical condition is vital, facilitating prompt and targeted treatment for assessing early organ dysfunction [10,20].

The thyroid storm, in this case, occurred due to stress that could be caused by SDH, where there was an increase in intracranial pressure [21,22]_. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately perform 2-hole burr hole drainage without waiting for the euthyroid condition while still providing therapy for the thyroid storm to improve prognosis [23,24]_. Thyroid storm therapy aims to prevent the worsening of the condition and control thyroid levels. This therapy is given while preparing for surgery and perioperative observation is carried out to reassess thyroid function to normal [14]_.

Treatments include thionamide, which blocks further hormone production; iodine preparations to prevent the transport of pre-formed hormones into circulation; beta-blockers to reduce the sympathetic effects of hormones on the body; steroids for adrenal insufficiency, addressing the autoimmune component and reducing the conversion of T4 to T3 [25,26,27]. Other modalities, including bile acid sequestrants and iodinated radiocontrast agents, have also been reported to be of use [25,27,28]_.

Conclusion

Patients with SDH who present to the hospital with thyroid storm due to multiple precipitating factors should be examined and managed promptly. Surgery during thyroid storm is a high-risk procedure but should be performed in emergency cases with careful preparation and vigilance, especially against possible complications and good postoperative care. The anesthesiologist's role in perioperative management is vital, especially in complicated cases. This result will lead to better patient outcomes.

Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to the manager of Dr. Soetomo Regional Public Hospital Surabaya and the head of the resuscitation room for their valuable contribution to data recording.

Funding

There was no specific funding from governmental, commercial, or non-profit entities for this study.

Disclosure

The authors have stated their absence of any conflicts of interest regarding this study.

Authors’ contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, article preparation, and paper revision and have collectively assumed responsibility for all aspects of this work.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have stated their absence of any conflicts of interest regarding this study.

Ethical consideration

The authors bear the responsibility for thoroughly investigating and appropriately resolving any questions pertaining to the accuracy or integrity of any section of the work.

Data availability

The article contains all the necessary data to support the results; no supplementary source data is needed.

Orcid:

Arief Yustiawan:  https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6927-850X

Christian J. Suhardi: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2087-7546

Kohar H. Santoso: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2742-2940

Prananda Surya Airlangga*: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4674-6751

Dhania Anindita Santosa: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7237-3218

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How to cite this article: Arief Yustiawan, Christian J. Suhardi, Kohar H. Santoso, Prananda Surya Airlangga, Dhania Anindita Santosa, Perioperative anesthetic management on burr hole drainage of subdural hematoma during thyroid storm in a patient with down syndrome: case report. Journal of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research, 2024, 6(8), 1199-1207. Link: https://jmpcr.samipubco.com/article_193294.html

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Copyright © 2024 by SPC (Sami Publishing Company) + is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License(CC BY)  license  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.