Ascites Secondary to Hypothyroidism (Myxedema Ascites)

Description

Some patients with hypothyroidism develop ascites, which may be the first sign of the underlying endocrinopathy. The mechanism for why the ascites forms is uncertain; in some cases it may be due to subclinical heart failure or increased capillary permeability..

Features of hypothyroidism-related ascites:

(1) The patient develops unexplained ascites.

(2) The ascites may be accompanied by pleural and/or pericardial effusions.

(3) The patient is found to have hypothyroidism.

(4) No other explanation for the ascites is found.

(5) The effusions improve with appropriate thyroid hormone replacement.

Other findings:

(1) The serum CA125 may be elevated (related to the ascites).

(2) The protein concentration of the effusions is usually elevated.

(3) The serum to ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is increased.

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10