Myxedema ascites in the posttransplant setting: case report.
Ascites is a rare but important complication of hypothyroidism. Because of the rarity of the disease and the inconsistency of symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, patients often go undiagnosed for months. Institution of thyroid replacement hormone results in rapid and complete resolution of ascites. Here we present a case of myxedema ascites that presented in a 52-year-old man 4 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT). Diagnoses initially considered in the differential included the common post-BMT complications, namely, hepatic veno-occlusive disease, graft vs. host disease, and infection. However, posttransplant patients are also at risk for illnesses unrelated to their underlying diagnosis or transplant procedure, including hypothyroidism. This case illustrates the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis in posttransplant patients, especially those in whom the clinical course is atypical.
McDonough
Colleen H
CH
Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. mcdonco@jhmi.edu
Lee
Linda
L
de Beur
S Jan
SJ
Arai
Sally
S
Vogelsang
Georgia B
GB
D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009230:Myxedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*