ODP499 Myxedema Coma: A Challenging Presentation of an Uncommon Disease
Authors: Figueroa Alegyari , Garcia Yaniris , Ocasio Josue , Ortiz Ivanisse , Rivera Ivan , Velez Neshma Roman , Santiago Ada , Sanchez Ernesto Sola , Tores Marina Torres 
Published: November 2022

Myxedema coma is a rare diagnosis but if not early recognized, this medical emergency possesses a high mortality rate. Over the years, it has been described predominantly in elderly women with history of hypothyroidism and as a precipitant factor that converges to evolve in a full presentation. We report a case of myxedema coma in a young male without risks for this disease. A 38 y/o Latin-American male with medical history ofhepatitis C virus and intravenous drug abuser that was brought to the emergency department after being found in the streets. The patient was agitated, oriented only to person, had slurred speech and reports last dose of heroin was two days ago. Denied other condition or medications. Vital signs BP 103/90mmHg, pulse: 41 bpm, T: 35.8°C RR: 19 rpm, SPO2: 99% at room air and BMI: 23.9. kg/m 2 . Physical examination pertinent for a disheveled male with anasarca, diffused dry skin with piloerection without surgery scars, non-palpable nor tender thyroid gland, bilateral exophthalmos, decreased bowel sound, positive fluid wave and abdomen diffusely tender to palpation with bilateral lower extremities infected ulcers. Blood workup showed impaired renal function, severe azotemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia and normocytic anemia. TSH 147uIU/mL. Imaging studies remarkable for bilateral pleural effusions, intestinal ileus, and negative brain CT scan. Patient was admitted with diagnosis of uremic encephalopathy, drug withdrawal and soft skin tissue infection. Patient was treated with emergent hemodialysis, drug withdrawal measures and IV antibiotics. Despite treatment, patient's clinical condition began to decline. He was found obtunded requiring endotracheal intubation. TSH was persistently elevated in 55.7uIU/mL with suppressed free T4 &lt;0.42ng/dL. Patient noted with persistent sinus bradycardia, hypothermia, ileus, ascites, bilateral pleural effusions, and hypotension. Patient was consulted to endocrinology department who evaluated the overall clinical presentation and myxedema coma was diagnosed. He was treated with levothyroxine 100mg IV for two days, but eventually developed multiorgan failure and unfortunately died. Myxedema coma is a complication of severe hypothyroidism that slows down the functions of multiple organs and directly affects their function. It is an endocrinologic emergency that leads to decline of the clinical presentation of patients. The epidemiology favors this presentation in patients with history of hypothyroidism, more specifically elderly women. Multiple conditions may present with similar signs and symptoms. Physicians must be aware that myxedema coma must be suspected in a patient with altered mental status, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hypotension, anasarca among others even in the presence of more common conditions and in rare populations like our patient. Opioid Induced Endocrinopathies still remain a complication that is underdiagnosed. The aim of this case is to createmedical awareness on the importanceto consider myxedema coma in patients with Opioid abuse and withdrawal.

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