J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2013 Dec;17(4):244-248. 10.4235/jkgs.2013.17.4.244.

Myxedema Coma Successfully Treated by Low Dose Oral Levothyroxine

• Park MG
• Lee KJ
• Lee HW
• Sim EH
• Kang JD
• Yeo CW

• KMID: 2188238
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2013.17.4.244

Abstract

Myxedema coma is a severe life-threatening form of hypothyroidism that is associated with a high mortality rate. It is known to be common in the elderly, and is mainly accompanied with cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure, central nervous system dysfunction, and body temperature regulation defects. Thus, immediate management is required in order to prevent fatal complications in myxedema coma. However, early detection is difficult and further, it is easily misdiagnosed due to its low incidence rate and nonspecific symptoms. We report a case of myxedema coma which was misdiagnosed for heart failure. The patient was successfully treated with intensive care and oral low dose levothyroxine.

Keyword

Myxedema; Hypothyroidism; Hypoventilation; Levothyroxine

MeSH Terms

Aged
Body Temperature Regulation
Central Nervous System
Coma*
Heart Failure
Humans
Hypothyroidism
Hypoventilation
Incidence
Critical Care
Mortality
Myxedema*
Respiratory Insufficiency
Shock, Cardiogenic
Thyroxine*
Thyroxine