myxoedema coma
Last reviewed 01/2018
A depressed conscious level or coma is a rare but serious complication of hypothyroidism, typically in the elderly. Often, the condition is precipitated by exposure to cold, usually in poorly heated houses, infection, or sedative drugs e.g. phenothiazines, narcotics, anaesthetics.
Hypothermia is present in 80% of cases and about half of cases die.