Hoffmann's disease: MR imaging of hypothyroid myopathy

Skeletal Radiol. 2015 Nov;44(11):1701-4. doi: 10.1007/s00256-015-2226-1. Epub 2015 Aug 7.

Abstract

Hoffmann's syndrome is a hypothyroid myopathy presenting as muscle stiffness and hypertrophy. It is a rare complication of hypothyroidism. MRI features of this syndrome have seldom been described in the literature. We present a case of Hoffmann's syndrome in a 34-year-old man who underwent lower extremity contrast-enhanced MRI. MRI can demonstrate the hypertrophic configuration, T2 hyperintensity, and enhancement of the involved muscles in Hoffmann's syndrome. Along with clinical, laboratory, and electromyography findings, MRI may be helpful in distinguishing between inflammatory myopathy, myonecrosis, subacute muscle denervation, and infectious myositis.

Keywords: Hoffmann’s syndrome; Hypothyroidism; Magnetic resonance imaging; Myopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Contrast Media
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / complications*
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Hypothyroidism / pathology*
  • Image Enhancement
  • Leg / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Myositis / complications*
  • Myositis / drug therapy
  • Myositis / pathology*
  • Syndrome
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Thyroxine