Chronic Uncontrolled Hypothyroidism Associated With Dysphonia and Concurrent Pericardial Effusion

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is a commonly encountered pathology within internal medicine. It commonly presents with symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin. Long-standing uncontrolled hypothyroidism can manifest with atypical symptoms of dysphonia and even pericardial effusion. This constellation of findings is not often encountered concurrently. While likely a consequence of uncontrolled hypothyroidism, it is prudent to ensure appropriate protection of the patient's airway and rule out other obstructive causes of dysphonia, such as malignancy. We present the case of a patient with uncontrolled hypothyroidism who presented with dysphonia. While treating hypothyroidism, the patient was found to have pericardial effusion. Other causes of obstruction such as vocal cord dysfunction and malignancy were ruled out via imaging studies and multidisciplinary discussion with other subspecialties.

Keywords: echocardiography; hypothyroid myxedema coma; hypothyroid pericardial effusion; hypothyroid-related dysphonia; pericardial effusion; vocal fold edema.