This case takes place in Maryland and involves a female patient who collapsed while running a 5k nonprofit fundraising race for charity. She was admitted to a local hospital where she received a complete cardiac workup that revealed an irregular heartbeat. The treating cardiologist believed that the issue could be related to the patient’s endocrine system, and recommended a endocrinology consult. The patient was examined by the endocrinologist and several tests were ordered, all of which appeared to be normal. Neverthelerss, over the next few days the patient’s condition steadily declined, with alterations in mood leading to aggressive behavior as well as confusion. As a result of these changes in behavior a neurology consult was requested, and the treating neurologist ordered an MRI be performed as soon as possible. The following day, before undergoing the MRI, the patient suffered a fatal heart attack. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with thyrotoxic crisis.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1.) Do you routinely treat patients like the one described in this case?
2.) Have you ever had a patient develop this outcome?
3.) Do you believe that this patient might have had a better outcome had she received an endocrinology consult?
4.) Have you ever reviewed a similar case in the past?
Expert Witness Response E-026573
I am a clinical thyroidologist and do see cases of severe hyperthyroidism with neurological complications. I have had patients in the past with thyrotoxic AF and consequent CVA. I would like to review the medical records in order to comment knowledgeably about the standard of care this patient received. I have served as an expert in other cases of complicated hyperthyroidism and would be happy to review this case on the plaintiff's behalf.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
