(mik″sĕ-dē′mă)


[myx- + edema]
The clinical and metabolic manifestations of hypothyroidism in adults, adolescents, and children.
myxedematous (mik″sĕ-dem′ăt-ūs) (mik″sĕ-dē′măt-ūs), adj.

SYMPTOMS
The hypothyroid patient often complains of sluggishness, intolerance of cold, apathy, fatigue, and constipation. Findings may include infiltration of the subcutaneous layers of the skin by mucopolysaccharides. The hair may become dry and brittle. If the syndrome is left untreated, hypothermia, coma, and death may result.

TREATMENT
Thyroid hormone replacement reverses the symptoms and reestablishes normal metabolic function.

operative myxedema

SEE: Postoperative hypothyroidism.

pituitary myxedema

Myxedema occurring secondary to anterior pituitary hypofunction.

pretibial myxedema

Infiltration of the skin of the anterior legs by mucopolysaccharides, which give them a waxy or coarsened appearance. Myxedematous skin is seen particularly in patients with Graves disease.