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Myxedema Coma-associated Pancytopenia: A Case Report
David A Stein1, Orit Twito1,2, Yoav Geva1,3
1Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal
|November 6, 2024
Summary
Myxedema coma, a severe form of hypothyroidism, can cause pancytopenia (low blood cell counts). Prompt treatment of hypothyroidism led to the recovery of blood counts in this rare case.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
Background:
- Pancytopenia presents a diagnostic challenge due to diverse etiologies.
- Myxedema coma is a critical manifestation of severe, untreated hypothyroidism.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old male with untreated hypothyroidism presented with altered mental status and pancytopenia.
- The patient exhibited vital instability upon admission.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with myxedema coma-associated pancytopenia.
- Treatment with levothyroxine, hydrocortisone, and supportive care resulted in gradual clinical improvement and normalized blood counts.
Implications:
- This case highlights myxedema coma as a crucial differential diagnosis for pancytopenia, particularly in elderly patients with limited healthcare access.
- Recognizing this association can improve diagnostic timeliness and patient outcomes, preventing complications of untreated hypothyroidism.
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