Can hypothyroidism cause ascites fluid?
Severe, uncontrolled hypothyroidism can lead to accumulation of fluid in body cavities, presenting as pericardial effusion, pleural effusion and ascites. Ascites caused by hypothyroidism is rare, occurring in less than four percent of hypothyroid patients [1-5].
Can hypothyroidism cause abdominal distension?
Hypothyroidism can impair esophageal motility and gastric emptying resulting in constipation and abdominal distention.
What are the signs and symptoms of myxedema?
Myxedema Coma Symptoms
- Weakness or lethargy.
- Confusion or non-responsiveness.
- Feeling cold.
- Low body temperature.
- Swelling of the body, especially the face, tongue, and lower legs.
- Difficulty breathing.
What is the main characteristic of myxedema?
It is often possible to diagnose myxedema on clinical grounds alone. Characteristic symptoms are weakness, cold intolerance, mental and physical slowness, dry skin, typical facies, and hoarse voice. Results of the total serum thyroxine and free thyroxine index tests usually will confirm the diagnosis.
Does myxedema cause ascites?
Primary hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition, complicated by ascites in less than 4% of cases. Myxedema ascites, caused by hypothyroidism, is also a rare cause of ascites in less than 1% of new onsets (1). There is often a delay in diagnosis, and patients may go undiagnosed for a long time (2).
Does myxedema cause swelling?
Deposits of chains of sugar molecules in the skin cause the skin condition myxedema. These compounds attract water, which leads to swelling. These skin changes are a result of hypothyroidism. Myxedema crisis often occurs after a long history of hypothyroidism.
What does myxedema look like?
What are the symptoms of myxedema? Symptoms of myxedema include thickening of the skin and other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and brittle hair, among others. Skin thickening or swelling associated with myxedema is often described as nonpitting edema.
Which problems commonly occur with myxedema?
What are the complications of myxedema?
- hypothermia.
- swelling and fluid accumulation.
- decreased drug metabolism leading to overdosing of medications.
- pregnancy issues, including miscarriage, preeclampsia, stillbirth, and birth defects.
- heart failure.
- kidney problems.
- depression.
- coma.
What happens during a myxedema crisis?
Myxedema crisis is a severe life threatening form of decompensated hypothyroidism which is associated with a high mortality rate. Infections and discontinuation of thyroid supplements are the major precipitating factors while hypothermia may not play a major role in tropical countries.
Which problem commonly occurs with myxedema?
Myxedema coma occurs as a result of long-standing, undiagnosed, or undertreated hypothyroidism and is usually precipitated by a systemic illness. Myxedema coma can result from any of the causes of hypothyroidism, most commonly chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
How is myxedema diagnosed?
It often is possible to diagnose myxedema on clinical grounds alone. Characteristic symptoms are weakness, cold intolerance, mental and physical slowness, dry skin, typical facies, and hoarse voice. Results of the total serum thyroxine and free thyroxine index tests usually will confirm the diagnosis.
Which of the following findings is most likely in a patient who has myxedema?
Which of the following findings is most likely in a patient who has myxedema? Answer: A) Somnolence is a common feature of hypothyroidism. Palpitations, increased respiratory rate, increased cardiac output, and weight loss are all associated with hyperthyroidism.
Is myxedema ascites the first manifestation of hypothyroidism?
We report a 71-yr-old man with clinical ascites that was the first manifestation of hypothyroidism, and which resolved completely in response to thyroid hormone replacement therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of myxedema ascites in Korea. A review of the literature revealed 51 well-documented cases of myxedema ascites.
How common is ascites with hypothyroidism?
Primary hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition, complicated by ascites in less than 4% of cases. Myxedema ascites, caused by hypothyroidism, is also a rare cause of ascites in less than 1% of new onsets (1).
What are the treatment options for myxedema ascites?
A consistent feature is the good response to thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which has always led to resolution of the ascites. Myxedema ascites is thus rare but easy to treat; it should be borne in mind, especially if the ascites fluid has a high protein content.
What is myxedema caused by thyroid problems?
The thyroid is a small gland that sits right at the front of your neck. It releases hormones that help your body regulate energy and control a wide variety of functions. Myxedema is the result of having undiagnosed or untreated severe hypothyroidism.