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Glite Dictionary
myxedema

myxedema

1 9.9
A serious condition when the thyroid gland works too slowly, causing very dry skin, face swelling, and slow thinking
  • noun
  • /mɪkˈsiːdəmə/
  • Specialized
: mixedema
  • Myxedema
  • patients with myxedema

Examples

  • Orr et al. reported that three patients with profound myxedema experienced a nearly complete resolution of the obstructive apnea after administration of levothyroxine.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The term myxedema is generally used to describe overt manifestations of hypothyroidism.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Patients suffering from myxedema often exhibit swelling around the lips and a noticeable change in skin texture.

  • A diagnosis of myxedema indicates a severe form of hypothyroidism that can lead to serious health complications.

  • The doctor explained that myxedema is characterized by dry skin and excessive swelling due to untreated hypothyroidism.

Synonyms

hypothyroidism
vsmyxedema
  • Specialized
7 6.0

A condition where a small gland in the neck makes too few hormones and slows the body down

is a severe, advanced form with dry skin, facial swelling, and mental decline

Surface Forms

myxedema singular
myxedemas plural

Etymology

Myxedema comes from Greek parts myx- meaning 'mucus' and -edema meaning 'swelling'. So it originally meant a 'mucus swelling', which makes it easier to remember the puffy, dry skin and facial swelling seen in severe thyroid problems.