Myxedema is most accurately described as?

• A. Excess thyroid secretion
• B. Autoimmune thyroid inflammation
• C. Acute overactivity of the thyroid gland
• D. Extreme deficiency of thyroid secretion; also known as adult hypothyroidism

Answer: (D)

Myxedema is a severe deficiency of thyroid hormone in adults, a form of hypothyroidism. When thyroid levels are extremely low, metabolism slows markedly and the body’s tissues accumulate mucopolysaccharides, leading to generalized non-pitting edema, especially in the face and limbs, along with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, and mental slowing. It can result from autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s), iodine deficiency, or stopping thyroid hormone treatment. If untreated, it can progress to a life-threatening myxedema coma. This description matches extreme thyroid hormone deficiency, which is why it’s the best choice. The other options describe too much thyroid activity or an acute inflammatory process, not the severe deficiency characteristic of myxedema.