Myxedema coma physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

The physical examination findings of myxedema coma will reveal the characteristic signs of hypothyroidism, and not being able to obtain patient’s history, it is often very useful to search for of other signs that guide the diagnosis of myxedema coma such as a cervical scar (history of thyroid surgery), vitiligo, hyperpigmentation, ophthalmopathy.

Physical examination

General appearance

Altered mentation^[1]^[2]^[3]

Vitals

Skin

Dry
Cool
Doughy skin
Alopecia
Coarse, sparse hair

Gastrointestinal

HEENT

Extremities

Nonpitting edema

Neurology

Decreased reflexes
LOC

References

↑ Wartofsky L (2006). “Myxedema coma”. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. 35 (4): 687–98, vii–viii. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2006.09.003. PMID 17127141.
↑ Kwaku MP, Burman KD (2007). “Myxedema coma”. J Intensive Care Med. 22 (4): 224–31. doi:10.1177/0885066607301361. PMID 17712058.
↑ Tsuboi K, Ueshiba H (2006). “[Myxedema coma]”. Nippon Rinsho (in Japanese). Suppl 1: 344–7. PMID 16776161.

[pmid17127141-1] Wartofsky L (2006). “Myxedema coma”. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. 35 (4): 687–98, vii–viii. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2006.09.003. PMID 17127141.

[pmid17712058-2] Kwaku MP, Burman KD (2007). “Myxedema coma”. J Intensive Care Med. 22 (4): 224–31. doi:10.1177/0885066607301361. PMID 17712058.

[pmid16776161-3] Tsuboi K, Ueshiba H (2006). “[Myxedema coma]”. Nippon Rinsho (in Japanese). Suppl 1: 344–7. PMID 16776161.

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