Atypical Presentation of Hypothyroidism Mimicking Rheumatism: A Case Report

Introduction: Hypothyroidism typically manifests as tiredness, somnolence, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss, menstrual abnormalities, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Non-specific musculoskeletal symptoms are common and impair the patient’s quality of life. Hypothyroid myopathy has been describ...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Robab Aboutorabi, Reza Bustani, Motahareh Mirdoosti, Maral Barzegar-Amini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences 2024-10-01
Series:Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Journal
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Online Access:https://psj.mums.ac.ir/article_25417_fd0be62bc77afba034799c1f1cab5314.pdf
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Summary:Introduction: Hypothyroidism typically manifests as tiredness, somnolence, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss, menstrual abnormalities, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Non-specific musculoskeletal symptoms are common and impair the patient’s quality of life. Hypothyroid myopathy has been described as fatigue, myalgia, cramps, stiffness, myoedema, and weakness. Case Report: Here, we present a patient with muscular cramps and numbness of the toes, initially diagnosed with rheumatism. After a year of treatment with no positive results, the patient was diagnosed with hypothyroidism due to abnormal levels of thyroid hormone. Three months after treatment with levothyroxine, the patient experienced a complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: This particular case underscores the crucial need to consider hypothyroidism as a differential diagnosis in all patients with unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms. By doing so, we can avoid potential misdiagnoses and ensure timely and effective treatment.
ISSN:2345-4482
2345-4490