Unusual Manifestations of Myxedema

Eight cases of myxedema with interesting features are presented. Hypertension is common in myxedema and usually persists when the myxedema is treated. Two patients are reported in whom the hypertension improved with the treatment of the myxedema. Other cases presented with ascites, psychosis, recurrent coma with marked hyponatremia and hypochloremia, ataxia, muscular hypertrophy and myotonia. In each patient the abnormalities were corrected by administration of thyroid hormone. In most instances the mechanism whereby symptoms are produced is poorly understood.