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01 · ABSTRACT

Abstract

Myxedema coma is a rare life-threatening clinical condition in patients with longstanding severe untreated hypothyroidism, wherein adaptive mechanisms fail to maintain homeostasis. We report a rare case involving a 35-year-old male with an intellectual disability, who arrived at our intensive care unit in a comatose state. Following a thorough examination of numerous potential differential diagnoses, the patient was determined to be suffering from myxedema coma a rare presentation. The patient responded well to tablet levothyroxine administered via a nasogastric tube, achieving the desired positive outcome. Due to the exceptionally low incidence of this condition in our country, we were initially diverted into considering more frequent causes of coma. The coexistence of a pre-existing intellectual disability, coupled with factors like Herpes Zoster infection, hyponatremia, and bradycardia, posed hurdles in promptly diagnosing this condition, which was further complicated by its rarity. This case report describes the management of myxedema coma and depicts the clinical and logistic challenges faced while managing this case. This case also emphasizes the importance of readiness and the ability to adapt treatment to individual circumstances.

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02 · PUBLICATION RECORD

Article details

JournalMedical Research Archives
IssueVol 13 No 7 (2025): Vol.13, Issue 7, July 2025
SectionCase Reports
Published25 July 2025
DOI10.18103/mra.v13i7.6719
ISSN2375-1924
03 · RIGHTS & REUSE

Rights & reuse

This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 3.0) and may be shared or distributed by anyone as long as attribution is given to the journal.

Authors & affiliations

PN

Prasanth NVSN

Senior Resident, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamilnadu, India.

BK

BabySailaja K

Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamilnadu, India.

RM

Renuka MK

Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamilnadu, India.

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