myxedema

myxedema
myxedematous /mik'si dem"euh teuhs, -dee"meuh-/, adj.myxedemic /mik'si dem"ik/, adj.
/mik'si dee"meuh/, n. Pathol.
a condition characterized by thickening of the skin, blunting of the senses and intellect, and labored speech, associated with hypothyroidism.
Also, myxoedema.
[1875-80; MYX- + EDEMA]

* * *

Physiological reaction to low levels of thyroid hormone in adults, either due to thyroid-gland removal, lack of function, or atrophy, or secondary to a pituitary-gland disorder.

Gradual changes include enlarged tongue, thick, puffy skin, drowsiness, cardiac enlargement, and slow metabolism. Low thyroid hormone affects levels of other hormones, and may result in low blood sodium and disorders of the reproductive system (including reduced fertility), adrenal glands, and circulatory system. Treatment is with thyroid hormone.

* * *

      physiological reaction to lack of sufficient thyroid (thyroid gland) hormone (hypothyroidism) in the adult. It can be brought about by removal of the thyroid for any cause, by a cessation of function of the gland, or simply by glandular atrophy.

      The changes come on gradually: enlarged tongue; thickened skin with underlying fluid causing puffiness, particularly in the face around the eyelids and in the hands; drowsiness; apathy; sensitivity to cold; failure to menstruate ( amenorrhea) or excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia); cardiac enlargement; and lowering of the basal metabolic rate. The outlook for recovery, when treatment (therapeutics) is with dessicated thyroid, is excellent. Therapy must be maintained permanently.

      Other endocrine glands may be affected by the shortage of thyroid hormone: the gonadotropins, adrenocorticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone) (ACTH), and growth hormone may be decreased. Ovarian dysfunction in myxedema is different in the primary and secondary types. In the former, menstrual flow may be more frequent, prolonged, and excessive. In the latter, if associated losses of gonadotropins are present, the menses cease. In the male, sexual activity and sperm production decrease. Fertility is reduced in both sexes. Myxedema may also cause delayed sexual maturation (which can be corrected by thyroid replacement), but sexual precocity can also occur. At times, the myxedema is accompanied by permanent primary hypofunction of the adrenal cortices ( Addison disease; also called Schmidt syndrome).

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • myxedema — n. (Med.) A pathological condition due to severe hyperthyroidism, marked by dry skin and swellings around lips and nose as well as mental and physical deterioration. [Also spelled {myx[oe]dema}.] [WordNet 1.5 +PJC] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • myxedema — [mik΄sə dē′mə] n. [ModL: see MYXO & EDEMA] a disease caused by failure of the thyroid gland and characterized by a drying and thickening of the skin and a slowing down of physical and mental activity myxedematous [mik΄sə dē′mətəs] adj …   English World dictionary

  • Myxedema — Myxoedema Classification and external resources Hyaluronan, an example of a mucopolysaccharide. ICD 10 E …   Wikipedia

  • myxedema — Myxoedema Myx [oe]*de ma, n. [NL. fr. Gr. ? mucus + [oe]dema.] (Med.) A disease producing a peculiar cretinoid appearance of the face, slow speech, and dullness of intellect, and due to failure of the functions of the thyroid gland. [Also spelled …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • myxedema — Hypothyroidism characterized by a relatively hard edema of subcutaneous tissue, with increased content of mucins (proteoglycans) in the fluid; characterized by somnolence, slow mentation, dryness and loss of hair, increased fluid in …   Medical dictionary

  • Myxedema coma — Classification and external resources ICD 10 E03.5 Myxedema coma is state of decompensated hypothyroidism. The patient may have lab values identical to a normal hypothyroid state, but a stressful event (infections, MI, CVA, drugs, etc.)… …   Wikipedia

  • Myxedema, infantile — Hypothyroidism (subnormal activity of the thyroid gland) that starts after birth and is manifest by features including delays in growth and development and myxedema surfacing during infancy. Myxedema is a dry waxy type of swelling, often with… …   Medical dictionary

  • myxedema madness — psychiatric disturbances resulting from hypothyroidism and myxedema, ranging from mental slowness and loss of memory to agitation and psychosis …   Medical dictionary

  • myxedema — noun Etymology: New Latin, from Greek myxa lamp wick, nasal mucus + New Latin edema edema more at mucus Date: 1877 severe hypothyroidism characterized by firm inelastic edema, dry skin and hair, and loss of mental and physical vigor •… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • myxedema — noun A form of cutaneous and dermal edema that is secondary to increased deposition of connective tissue components in subcutaneous tissue …   Wiktionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”