Myxedema: Symptoms, Causes, Skin Findings, Diagnosis & Treatment
MYXEDEMA
Myxedema is seen in patients with untreated severe
hypothyroidism. This condition results from a total lack of thyroid hormone
secretion and resultant deposition of mucopolysaccharides into the skin and
other organs. Many skin and systemic findings are present in severe
hypothyroidism. This is a condition seen in adults. The infantile form, called
cretinism, is still found in parts of the world that do not routinely test
newborn infants. If it is left untreated, mental retardation and various
neurological deficits can occur. Adult myxedema is an uncommon clinical
disease.









