Disease or Syndrome
myxedema Audio
myx·e·de·ma [ mik-si-dee-muh ]
Subclass of:
Hypothyroidism; Mucinoses
Etymology:
Greek myxa = mucus + oidema = a swelling
This manifestation of hypothyroidism is not due to mucus, but the old term clings.
Definitions related to myxedema:
  • A condition characterized by a dry, waxy type of swelling (EDEMA) with abnormal deposits of MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES in the SKIN and other tissues. It is caused by a deficiency of THYROID HORMONES. The skin becomes puffy around the eyes and on the cheeks. The face is dull and expressionless with thickened nose and lips.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • A condition characterized by severe hypothyroidism that is caused by autoimmune thyroid gland disorders, surgical reduction of thyroid tissue, radiation exposure, and viral infections. Signs and symptoms include generalized fatigue, lethargy, increased body weight, pale, edematous and thickened skin, low blood pressure, constipation and cold intolerance.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Condition characterized by a dry, waxy type of swelling with abnormal deposits of mucin in the skin and other tissues; it is produced by a functional insufficiency of the thyroid gland, resulting in deficiency of thyroid hormone.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • Myxedema, physiological reaction to lack of sufficient thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) in the adult. It can be brought about by removal of the thyroid for any cause, by a cessation of function of the gland, or simply by glandular atrophy. The changes come on gradually: enlarged tongue; thickened...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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