An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma
Abstract Background Myxedema coma, a life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism, is associated with high mortality. Detailed autopsy findings from multiple organs in myxedema coma are rarely reported. Case presentation We present the autopsy findings of an 82-year-old man with hypothyroi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-025-00433-5 |
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| author | Syuichi Tetsuka Chisa Ashida Shoichiro Ueno Ryuta Nakamura Mio Nihei Tomoko Ogawa Yoshimasa Nakazato |
| author_facet | Syuichi Tetsuka Chisa Ashida Shoichiro Ueno Ryuta Nakamura Mio Nihei Tomoko Ogawa Yoshimasa Nakazato |
| author_sort | Syuichi Tetsuka |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Myxedema coma, a life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism, is associated with high mortality. Detailed autopsy findings from multiple organs in myxedema coma are rarely reported. Case presentation We present the autopsy findings of an 82-year-old man with hypothyroidism who developed myxedema coma despite levothyroxine treatment. The patient had been under the added stress of trauma and cold exposure before developing a myxedema coma. He exhibited severe hypothermia, hypotension, and reduced thyroid hormone levels. Despite intensive treatment, he died six days after admission. Autopsy revealed pericardial and pleural effusions, and histological evidence of edematous adipose tissue infiltration containing mucopolysaccharides in multiple organs, including the heart, thyroid, pancreas, and kidneys. Conclusions This case highlights that both trauma and cold exposure can serve as critical triggers for myxedema coma, underscoring the importance of proactive management in hypothyroid patients at risk. These risk factors should be carefully considered in clinical practice to prevent severe complications. Our autopsy findings provide the first evidence that myxedema can manifest not only in subcutaneous tissue but also in internal organs, expanding the understanding of its pathophysiology. These insights may contribute to improved prevention and management of myxedema coma, offering a deeper understanding of this life-threatening condition. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b8f5cc990fbe44349910169c2f1f369d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2090-5939 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-b8f5cc990fbe44349910169c2f1f369d2025-08-20T03:41:40ZengSpringerOpenEgyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences2090-59392025-03-011511710.1186/s41935-025-00433-5An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema comaSyuichi Tetsuka0Chisa Ashida1Shoichiro Ueno2Ryuta Nakamura3Mio Nihei4Tomoko Ogawa5Yoshimasa Nakazato6International University of Health and Welfare HospitalInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalInternational University of Health and Welfare HospitalAbstract Background Myxedema coma, a life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism, is associated with high mortality. Detailed autopsy findings from multiple organs in myxedema coma are rarely reported. Case presentation We present the autopsy findings of an 82-year-old man with hypothyroidism who developed myxedema coma despite levothyroxine treatment. The patient had been under the added stress of trauma and cold exposure before developing a myxedema coma. He exhibited severe hypothermia, hypotension, and reduced thyroid hormone levels. Despite intensive treatment, he died six days after admission. Autopsy revealed pericardial and pleural effusions, and histological evidence of edematous adipose tissue infiltration containing mucopolysaccharides in multiple organs, including the heart, thyroid, pancreas, and kidneys. Conclusions This case highlights that both trauma and cold exposure can serve as critical triggers for myxedema coma, underscoring the importance of proactive management in hypothyroid patients at risk. These risk factors should be carefully considered in clinical practice to prevent severe complications. Our autopsy findings provide the first evidence that myxedema can manifest not only in subcutaneous tissue but also in internal organs, expanding the understanding of its pathophysiology. These insights may contribute to improved prevention and management of myxedema coma, offering a deeper understanding of this life-threatening condition.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-025-00433-5HypothyroidismMyxedema comaAutopsyVisceral adiposeMucopolysaccharidesGelatinous degeneration |
| spellingShingle | Syuichi Tetsuka Chisa Ashida Shoichiro Ueno Ryuta Nakamura Mio Nihei Tomoko Ogawa Yoshimasa Nakazato An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences Hypothyroidism Myxedema coma Autopsy Visceral adipose Mucopolysaccharides Gelatinous degeneration |
| title | An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma |
| title_full | An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma |
| title_fullStr | An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma |
| title_full_unstemmed | An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma |
| title_short | An autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma |
| title_sort | autopsy case report of a patient with myxedema coma |
| topic | Hypothyroidism Myxedema coma Autopsy Visceral adipose Mucopolysaccharides Gelatinous degeneration |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-025-00433-5 |
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