Myxedema is a condition of severe hypothyroidism characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides) in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, causing swelling, thickening, and puffiness of the face and extremities. While myxedema itself is not primarily a finding on ultrasound, the underlying thyroid pathology causing it may be visible on thyroid ultrasound. Hashimoto thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism leading to myxedema, typically shows diffuse hypoechoic echogenicity and micronodular pattern on thyroid ultrasound. Understanding the relationship between thyroid disease and myxedema helps sonographers interpret thyroid findings in the clinical context of patient symptoms and laboratory values.
Sonography Term