Myxedema Coma Successfully Treated by Low Dose Oral Levothyroxine

Abstract

Department of Internal Medicine, Dae-Dong Hospital, Busan, Korea Myxedema coma is a severe life-threatening form of hypothyroidism that is associated with a high mortality rate. It is known to be common in the elderly, and is mainly accompanied with cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure, central nervous system dysfunction, and body temperature regulation defects. Thus, immediate management is required in order to prevent fatal complications in myxedema coma. However, early detection is difficult and further, it is easily misdiagnosed due to its low incidence rate and nonspecific symptoms. We report a case of myxedema coma which was misdiagnosed for heart failure. The patient was successfully treated with intensive care and oral low dose levothyroxine.