How is myxedema coma a potentially lethal condition?
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. If these homeostatic mechanisms are overwhelmed by factors such as …
What is the difference between myxedema coma and hypothyroidism?
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.
Do you need a high index of suspicion for myxedema coma?
Myxedema coma is a clinical diagnosis, so the clinician requires a high index of suspicion. Elderly patients may present with particularly subtle findings. Even though rare, the diagnosis of myxedema coma should be considered in any hypothermic, obtunded patient.
How is myxedema coma different from sepsis or sepsis?
Myxedema coma must be differentiated from any illness that can cause coma, including sepsis, central nervous system CNS) events and drugs (sedatives, tranquilizers). Also hypoglycemia, hypothermia and protein-calorie malnutrition can contribute to a similar clinical picture. All of these conditions can also precipitate myxedema coma.
What does the term myxedema mean in medical terms?
Myxedema is the result of having undiagnosed or untreated severe hypothyroidism. The term “myxedema” can be used to mean severely advanced hypothyroidism. But it’s also used to describe skin…
What happens to your body when you have myxedema?
It releases hormones that help your body regulate energy and control a wide variety of functions. Myxedema is the result of having undiagnosed or untreated severe hypothyroidism. The term “myxedema” can be used to mean severely advanced hypothyroidism. But it’s also used to describe skin changes in someone with severely advanced hypothyroidism.