Key result
Incidental pediatric pericardial effusion uncovers myxedema with the highest reported serum thyrotropin concentration.
Case Report (n=1)
Highlights the importance of recognizing pericardial effusion as a potential presentation of severe hypothyroidism and emphasizes annual screening in patients with Down syndrome.
Pericardial effusion may signal severe hypothyroidism in children; this case leaves open broader screening implications and TSH thresholds.
We report the first child presenting to the emergency department with undiagnosed myxedema in whom incidental detection of pericardial effusion led to diagnosis. Moreover, this patient presented with the highest serum thyrotropin concentration reported to date, a phenomenon that caused the hook effect during laboratory analysis. We discuss key elements of the recognition and management of hypothyroidism in the pediatric population and emphasize the importance of annual screening for hypothyroidism in all patients with Down syndrome.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pinsker et al. (2004) conducted a case report in Undiagnosed myxedema (n=1). Incidental detection of pericardial effusion in a pediatric patient led to the diagnosis of myxedema with the highest serum thyrotropin concentration reported to date.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: