UNUSUAL PRESENTATIONS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is a commonly diagnosed endocrine disorder, Typical sig ns and symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, cold intolerance, hoarseness, dry skin, constipation, delayed relaxation phase of deep t endon reflexes, and bradycardia.(1) Hypothyroidism, presenting with su ch classic manifestations, usually is readily recognized and, therefor e, easy to diagnose, Occasionally patients have less commonly emphasiz ed symptoms, making the diagnosis less apparent, Such atypical present ations may suggest other diseases as the primary problem and, therefor e, the initial focus of attention is on a diagnosis other than hypothy roidism. We have observed patients with hypothyroidism with rare manif estations, The diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism was established in all patients by thyroid function tests, and initiation of thyroid horm one therapy resulted in significant improvement of the presenting symp tom, We considered it instructive to report about these patients becau se it shows the need to be aware of the unusual presentations of hypot hyroidism and to consider hypothyroidism when confronted with atypical clinical manifestations.