Central hypothyroidism with myxoedema: a less known but clinically challenging presentation.
Kirandeep KaurKavita KadianNisha BatraKalyani SridharanPublished in: BMJ case reports (2022)
Myxoedema can have a variety of presentations, from mild cognitive impairment to psychosis, to overt coma. While majority of cases have primary hypothyroidism as the underlying aetiology, very few cases have central hypothyroidism. We report two patients who presented with myxoedema and were diagnosed with central hypothyroidism. A man in his 50s with a history of panhypopituitarism presented with hypotension, slurring of speech and psychosis that worsened to coma. He was initially treated as adrenal crisis, and on failing to improve he was later treated correctly as myxoedema coma. A woman in her 30s presented with bradykinesia and shock and was diagnosed with Sheehan's syndrome based on hormonal and imaging features. Both patients improved with a loading dose of oral thyroxine and intravenous steroids. Central hypothyroidism presenting with myxoedema is often complicated by coexisting pituitary hormone deficiencies. A high index of suspicion is required for better treatment outcomes.
Keyphrases
- mild cognitive impairment
- replacement therapy
- case report
- newly diagnosed
- cognitive decline
- end stage renal disease
- public health
- ejection fraction
- chronic kidney disease
- high resolution
- type diabetes
- prognostic factors
- low dose
- high dose
- patient reported outcomes
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- metabolic syndrome
- mass spectrometry
- fluorescence imaging