Myxedema: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Myxedema
| image          = [[File:Hyaluronan.svg|left|thumb|Structure of hyaluronan, a component involved in myxedema]]
| caption        = Structure of hyaluronan, a component involved in myxedema
| field          = [[Endocrinology]]
| symptoms        = [[Fatigue]], [[weight gain]], [[cold intolerance]], [[swelling]] of the skin
| complications  = [[Heart failure]], [[coma]], [[infection]]
| onset          = Gradual
| duration        = Long-term
| causes          = [[Hypothyroidism]], [[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]], [[thyroid surgery]]
| risks          = [[Autoimmune disease]], [[iodine deficiency]], [[radiation therapy]]
| diagnosis      = [[Thyroid function tests]], [[clinical examination]]
| differential    = [[Cushing's syndrome]], [[nephrotic syndrome]], [[congestive heart failure]]
| treatment      = [[Levothyroxine]], [[thyroid hormone replacement therapy]]
| medication      = [[Levothyroxine]]
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = More common in [[women]] and [[elderly]]
}}
[[File:Myxedema face.png|Myxedema face|thumb|left]]
[[File:Myxedema standing.png|Myxedema standing|thumb]]
[[File:BASA-3K-7-529-35(7)-Myxedema.jpg|Myxedema|thumb|left]]
'''Myxedema''' is a term used in medicine to describe a severe form of [[hypothyroidism]], a condition characterized by an underactive [[thyroid gland]]. The term is often used interchangeably with hypothyroidism, but myxedema specifically refers to a severe and life-threatening form of the condition.  
'''Myxedema''' is a term used in medicine to describe a severe form of [[hypothyroidism]], a condition characterized by an underactive [[thyroid gland]]. The term is often used interchangeably with hypothyroidism, but myxedema specifically refers to a severe and life-threatening form of the condition.  
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of myxedema can vary widely and may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and depression. In severe cases, myxedema can lead to a life-threatening condition known as myxedema coma, which is characterized by decreased breathing, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and unresponsiveness.
The symptoms of myxedema can vary widely and may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and depression. In severe cases, myxedema can lead to a life-threatening condition known as myxedema coma, which is characterized by decreased breathing, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and unresponsiveness.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Myxedema is most commonly caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which can be due to a variety of factors including autoimmune disease, certain medications, and surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Other causes can include pituitary or hypothalamic disease, severe illness, or certain medications.
Myxedema is most commonly caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which can be due to a variety of factors including autoimmune disease, certain medications, and surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Other causes can include pituitary or hypothalamic disease, severe illness, or certain medications.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of myxedema is typically based on a combination of physical examination findings and laboratory tests. These tests may include measurements of thyroid hormone levels in the blood, as well as imaging studies of the thyroid gland.
Diagnosis of myxedema is typically based on a combination of physical examination findings and laboratory tests. These tests may include measurements of thyroid hormone levels in the blood, as well as imaging studies of the thyroid gland.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for myxedema typically involves replacement of the missing thyroid hormone, usually with a medication called levothyroxine. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for intensive care and treatment.
Treatment for myxedema typically involves replacement of the missing thyroid hormone, usually with a medication called levothyroxine. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for intensive care and treatment.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Hypothyroidism]]
* [[Hypothyroidism]]
* [[Thyroid gland]]
* [[Thyroid gland]]
* [[Levothyroxine]]
* [[Levothyroxine]]
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]]
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]]
[[Category:Thyroid disease]]
[[Category:Thyroid disease]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}
== Myxedema ==
<gallery>
File:Hyaluronan.svg|Hyaluronan
File:Myxedema face.png|Myxedema face
File:Myxedema standing.png|Myxedema standing
File:BASA-3K-7-529-35(7)-Myxedema.jpg|Myxedema
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 04:43, 13 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC

Myxedema
Structure of hyaluronan, a component involved in myxedema
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, swelling of the skin
Complications Heart failure, coma, infection
Onset Gradual
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid surgery
Risks Autoimmune disease, iodine deficiency, radiation therapy
Diagnosis Thyroid function tests, clinical examination
Differential diagnosis Cushing's syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure
Prevention N/A
Treatment Levothyroxine, thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Medication Levothyroxine
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency More common in women and elderly
Deaths N/A


Myxedema face
Myxedema standing
Myxedema

Myxedema is a term used in medicine to describe a severe form of hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. The term is often used interchangeably with hypothyroidism, but myxedema specifically refers to a severe and life-threatening form of the condition.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of myxedema can vary widely and may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and depression. In severe cases, myxedema can lead to a life-threatening condition known as myxedema coma, which is characterized by decreased breathing, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and unresponsiveness.

Causes[edit]

Myxedema is most commonly caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which can be due to a variety of factors including autoimmune disease, certain medications, and surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Other causes can include pituitary or hypothalamic disease, severe illness, or certain medications.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of myxedema is typically based on a combination of physical examination findings and laboratory tests. These tests may include measurements of thyroid hormone levels in the blood, as well as imaging studies of the thyroid gland.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for myxedema typically involves replacement of the missing thyroid hormone, usually with a medication called levothyroxine. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for intensive care and treatment.

See also[edit]