A new complication of hypothyroid coma: neurogenic dysphagia: presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
We report the case of a patient with severe hypothyroid coma in whom hypothyroid-related neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia was suspected, videoscopically confirmed, and successfully treated. This complication has not previously been described, and may have contributed to the historically high mortality associated with severe cases of hypothyroid coma. In the future, the early detection and aggressive treatment of this complication and its sequelae should ensure a further reduction in mortality from hypothyroid coma.
Urquhart
A D
AD
Belfast City Hospital, United Kingdom. ADJUrquhart@netscape.net
Rea
I M
IM
Lawson
L T
LT
Skipper
M
M
D000368:Aged; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications*; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy