Recurrent pericardial effusion associated with hypothyroidism in Down Syndrome: a case report

The complex of Down Syndrome-hypothyroidism-pericardial effusion is largely unreported in sub-Sahara.

To present and highlight an unusual manifestation of hypothyroidism.

A 16-year-old girl with confirmed Down Syndrome presented with complaints of generalised body swelling of eight months' duration. Her work-up consisted of full clinical and laboratory evaluation including ECG and echocardiography.

The patient was diagnosed of Down's Syndrome at birth but was lost to follow-up after at eight years of age. Body swelling was associated with clinical features of heart failure. Echocardiography showed massive pericardial effusion. Serum l-thyroxine was less than 0.5mg/dl and TSH >40iu/l. The heart failure and menstrual irregularities responded to l-thyroxine therapy.

This appears to be the first report of the complex of Down syndrome, hypothyroidism and pericardial effusion in a Nigerian child. Thyroid function test is therefore recommended as a part of baseline investigation for Nigerian children with Down syndrome as is the practice.