Endocrinology >>>> Myxedema of the thyroid gland

Myxedema of the thyroid gland.

Unlike hypothyroidism, in which there is a decrease in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, myxedema of the thyroid gland refers to dysfunction of the thyroid gland, in which thyroid hormones are produced at critically low rates, or the production of thyroid hormones ceases altogether.

A primary myxedema is distinguished, which develops as an independent pathology, for example, when the thyroid gland is removed, thyroid trauma, during surgery and other factors provoking a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Secondary myxedema is a consequence of pathologies affecting the pituitary gland. As a result of a violation of the pituitary function for the production of thyroid hormones (for example, with a tumor, with surgical intervention in the pituitary gland, with a brain injury involving the pituitary gland in the process of injury, with tumors that provoke disturbances in the functions of the pituitary gland and similar disorders), myxedema develops as a consequence pituitary dysfunction.

In people with hypothyroidism, about 3% of cases end with the development of myxedema. Women with thyroid disease are especially prone to myxedema, in which the level of production of thyroid hormones decreases. The reasons for the development of myxedema of the thyroid gland are multifactorial, but the most frequent cases of the development of myxedema are the presence of untreated or poorly treated hypothyroidism in the anamnesis.

Other reasons for the development of myxedema against the background of hypothyroidism may refer to general hormonal disorders, which is especially noticeable in women after fifty years. a provoking factor in the development of myxedema against the background of hypothyroidism can be infection, extreme effects on the body (hypothermia, overheating, radiation), side effects of drugs.

Signs of myxedema:

Swelling under the eyes and upper eyelids;
Swelling in the neck at the level of the collarbones;
Increased dryness of the skin in the soles of the feet, knees, elbows, facial skin;
Swelling on the legs can in the area of the legs (below the knee) may have a local appearance, the skin above them thickens and changes color, which indicates the development of pretibial myxedema;
Puffiness of the face appears;
The tongue and / or larynx may swell, which interferes with the sound of the voice to the point of hoarseness;
The clinic of myxedema may include a violation of general well-being, weakness, low body temperature in the morning, cramps, ascites, muscle pain, decreased sweating.

Diagnosis and treatment of myxedema is similar to diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism. Hormone replacement therapy is prescribed (Thyreoidinum, Levothyroxine sodium). In the area of the subcutaneous layer, in order to prevent the deposition of glycosaminoglycans and their cleavage, hyaluronidase is injected. Inflamed skin lesions are treated with corticosteroid ointments. Treatment of myxedema is carried out under the supervision of an endocrinologist.