[Plasma membrane separation. A therapeutic possibility in thyrotoxic crisis].

A case of thyroid storm is presented, successfully treated with a combination of antithyroidal drugs and plasma exchange. A 280% separation removed 447 micrograms T4 and 12 micrograms T3. During separation, the elevated T4 and T3 values returned to normal. Basic concepts of plasma membrane separation investigated by plasma and whole body counting after administration of 131I-T4, as well as radioimmunoassay measurement of thyroid hormones in plasma and separate are discussed.