Myxedema

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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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

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

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 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 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

• Hypothyroidism
• Thyroid gland
• Levothyroxine

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