Myxedema coma is defined as severe hypothyroidism leading to decreased mental status, hypothermia, and other symptoms related to slowing of function in multiple organs. It is a medical emergency with a high mortality rate.
Can you survive myxedema coma?
Patients in myxedema coma present with very low body temperature, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, change in mental status/unarousable and other symptoms related to poor function of many organs. If not treated promptly, many patients do not survive.
Is myxedema coma fatal?
Myxedema coma, the extreme manifestation of hypothyroidism, is an uncommon but potentially lethal condition. Patients with hypothyroidism may exhibit a number of physiologic alterations to compensate for the lack of thyroid hormone.