A pre-eclamptic-like syndrome associated with hypothyroidism during pregnancy

Hypothyroidism presenting during pregnancy is rare, probably due to the lower incidence of hypothyroidism during the reproductive years, and because myxoedema causes anovulatory cycles. We report an unusual case of hypothyroidism during a 34-year-old woman's fifth pregnancy, complicated by hypertension, oedema, pericardial effusion and severe nephrotic syndrome. This is the first report of renal biopsy abnormalities under these circumstances. Review of the literature regarding hypothyroidism presenting during pregnancy leads us to suggest that hypothyroidism during pregnancy may mimic pre-eclampsia.