What is myxedema coma?
Myxedema coma is an extreme complication of hypothyroidism in which patients exhibit multiple organ abnormalities and progressive mental deterioration. The term myxedema is often used interchangeably with hypothyroidism and myxedema coma.
Which is a characteristic of myxedema coma?
Myxedema Coma Symptoms Feeling cold. Low body temperature. Swelling of the body, especially the face, tongue, and lower legs. Difficulty breathing.
How is myxedema coma diagnosed?
It often is possible to diagnose myxedema on clinical grounds alone. Characteristic symptoms are weakness, cold intolerance, mental and physical slowness, dry skin, typical facies, and hoarse voice. Results of the total serum thyroxine and free thyroxine index tests usually will confirm the diagnosis.
What is the TSH level in myxedema?
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level was extremely high (>150 uIU/mL; reference range, 0.55–4.78 uIU/mL).
What is myxedema caused by?
Myxedema is a result of undiagnosed or untreated severe hypothyroidism. It can also develop when someone stops taking their thyroid medication. It’s more common in the elderly and in women. Deposits of chains of sugar molecules (complex mucopolysaccharides) in the skin cause the skin condition myxedema.
Is there such a thing as a myxedema coma?
Myxedema coma, the extreme manifestation of hypothyroidism, is an uncommon but potentially lethal condition. Patients with hypothyroidism may exhibit a number of physiologic alterations to compensate for the lack of thyroid hormone.
What causes decompensated hypothyroidism ( myxedema coma )?
Decompensated hypothyroidism is generally caused by a combination of severe hypothyroidism plus a triggering event. Unfortunately, this may be the initial presentation of hypothyroidism. Some iodinated contrast dyes may cause transient thyroid suppression
What are the symptoms of a myxedema crisis?
In certain conditions, the thyroid becomes underactive and produces fewer amounts of its hormones, a situation called hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroidism have problems that reflect underactivity of the organs of the body, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain, dry skin, and sleepiness.
Can a person in a coma have hypothyroidism?
If you have severe hypothyroidism, then any of the following can contribute to myxedema coma: Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include the following: People who have myxedema coma are in or near a coma and not able to function normally.
