Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports (Jun 2021)

Myxedema coma complicated by bilateral hygromas

  • Ann-Elin Meling Stokland,
  • Anne Lise Dahle,
  • Vidar Laurits Kloster,
  • Torbjørn Nedrebø,
  • Bjørn Gunnar Nedrebø

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1530/EDM-21-0067
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Myxedema coma is an important differential diagnosis in critically ill patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount but challenging due to a lack of diagnostic criteria. We report a case about a patient who suffered from untreated hypothyroidism for several years. Before the correct diagnosis was made, he was admitted three times due to severe constipation. Eventually, he developed myxedema coma in connection with a urinary tract infection. The course was complicated by recurrent seizures, and neuroimaging showed bilateral hygromas. Hormone replacement therapy resulted in complete recovery and regression of hygromas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time hygroma is reported in association with myxedema coma.