From pericardial effusion to a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Case report of myxedema coma

Abstract

rological impairment, cardiovascular dysfunction and polyserositis. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented with a complaint of dyspnea, respiratory symptoms and chest pain. On admission, she was found to have bradycardia, elevated troponin, and hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to community-acquired pneumonia, coupled with pericardial effusion with signs of increased intrapericardial pressure compatible with cardiac tamponade, along with pleural effusion. Severe hypothyroidism was documented, and the patient was therefore treated in the intensive care unit with high-dose levothyroxine and corticosteroids, with a favorable recovery. This case highlights the relevance of considering myxedema coma within the differential diagnosis of patients with multiple organ dysfunction, especially when they have atypical signs and symptoms. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential for improving the prognosis