Myxedema heart disease and non-comatose presentation of myxedema: A case report.

Journal: SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
Published:
Abstract

Myxedema coma is an emergency that develops from non-diagnosed or severe hypothyroidism and requires early recognition and management. Cardiac manifestations are uncommon and pose a challenge in the recognition of myxedema coma. We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a history of thyroidectomy secondary to a follicular carcinoma, who presented with dyspnea, generalized edema, drowsiness, disorientation, memory loss, and episodic generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Antiepileptic and diuretic treatment for seizures and heart failure exacerbation did not improve the symptoms. Further blood analysis revealed a thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine of 163 mUL/L and 0.64 ng/dL, respectively. Treatment with intravenous hydrocortisone and levothyroxine led to progressive clinical improvement. Uncommon clinical manifestations such as cardiac and non-specific neurologic symptoms should be considered as manifestations of myxedema coma. A comatose mental status is not a universal manifestation, and milder symptoms should be considered. An adequate assessment, including diagnostic scores and prompt hormonal supplementation prevents fatal consequences.

Authors
Laura Valenzuela Vallejo, Lucila Folleco Ortiz, David Corredor Orlandelli, Juan Aguirre Ruiz, Nicolas Isaza, Alex Valenzuela Rincon