Myxedematous Coma: A Case Report

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunctions are highly prevalent diseases. Despite of its high prevalence the presentation is unusual nowadays because of oral hormone therapy widely used in insufficiency of the gland however hyperfunction states are common also. About 12% of the US population will develop some alteration of thryroid function in their lifetime. Among these diseases we highlight the presence of myxedema coma in a female patient. Case presentation: A 58-year-old female patient with symptoms of drowsiness and loss of motor coordination. At admission in the emergency department, ventilatory assistance was required, and the patient presented progressive improvement after oral levothyroxine reposition. Differential diagnosis of the reduction of consciousness highlighted the presence of infection and stroke. They were not detected. The ultrasonographic analysis showed a diffuse and heterogeneous enlargement of thyroid. Conclusion: Despite the possibility of adrenal insufficiency, pan hypopituitarism, infection and even a tumour, the thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxin levels were determinant to make the diagnosis of myxedematous coma according the signs and symptoms of the patient ́s entrance presentation. Myxedema coma is a syndrome that results from the intense reduction of the thyroid hormone synthesis.