title: Natural history of primary myxedema.
abstract: It is generally admitted that primary myxedema in adults is the outcome of autoimmune atrophic thyroiditis. The present review traces the natural history of this process from its incipient biologic and genetic anomalies up to its protracted asymptomatic course, clinical development, and eventual lethal complications. The apprehension of preclinical hypothyroidism may change a clinician's outlook on early diagnosis and therapy.
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D005260:Female; D005757:Gastritis, Atrophic / Q000150:complications; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009230:Myxedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D013966:Thyroiditis / Q000150:complications*; D014020:Tissue Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006680:HLA Antigens; D014020:Tissue Extracts; D007455:Iodine