Myxedema coma presenting with seizures, pericardial effusion, and rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

Myxedema coma is the most serious complication of hypothyroidism. It usually occurs in the context of elderly women, with known hypothyroidism without proper management and in the presence of a triggering event. The diagnosis is challenging and must be made in a timely manner to prevent the development of adverse outcomes. Coma is one of the neurological manifestations of the entity, not being necessary for its diagnosis. This case report presents a constellation of unusual manifestations of a male patient with myxedema coma at the debut of severe hypothyroidism with predictors of poor prognosis during hospitalization, but due to the early approach and comprehensive management, this uncommon endocrinological emergency was satisfactorily resolved.

Keywords

• coma
• emergencies
• endocrine system diseases
• hypothyroidism
• myxedema