J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2013 Dec;17(4):249-252. 10.4235/jkgs.2013.17.4.249.

Hypothyroidism With Acute Renal Failure and Heart Failure

• Kim JH
• Hong SM
• Park YS
• Lee CB
• Lee JG
• Choi EY
• Kim BS

• KMID: 2188240
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2013.17.4.249

Abstract

Here we report a 65-year-old male patient initially presented with dyspnea and chest discomfort. This patient was finally diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism accompanied by heart failure, pericardial effusion and acute renal failure. We suspected that heart failure, pericardial effusion and acute kidney injury were induced by severe hypothyroidism. Thus, we began thyroid hormone replacement therapy. After the therapy, the patient's dyspnea and chest discomfort were improved. Hypothyroidism has many complications, such as myxedema, dyslipidemia, and depression. In contrast, heart failure, pericardial effusion, and acute kidney injury are very rare complications of hypothyroidism. Only a few cases of heart failure or renal failure combined with hypothyroidism have been reported. Our case suggests that severe hypothyroidism can lead to multiorgan failure, such as heart failure as well as renal failure. Moreover, congestive heart failure induced by severe hypothyroidism can be reversed by thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Keyword

Hypothyroidism; Acute kidney injury; Heart failure; Pericardial effusion

MeSH Terms

Acute Kidney Injury*
Aged
Depression
Dyslipidemias
Dyspnea
Heart Failure*
Heart*
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Humans
Hypothyroidism*
Male
Myxedema
Pericardial Effusion
Renal Insufficiency
Thorax
Thyroid Gland