COVID-19 Induced Myxedema Madness

Abstract

Background: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was first reported in December 31st, 2019 in Wuhan, China. The clinical presentation is variable, including a variety of neuropsychiatric related symptoms. Myxedema Madness is a rare and severe neuropsychiatric complication of hypothyroidism manifested as psychosis. Case Presentation: A 25-year-old female with past medical history significant for treated Papillary Thyroid Cancer, presented with near syncopal event associated with weakness, lower extremity swelling, constipation, cold intolerance and dry skin. The patient was not compliant with her thyroid replacement therapy. Upon collateral history taken from the patient’s mother; the patient became dysphoric and tearful. On examination, patient had slightly decreased blood pressure and non-pitting edema on lower extremities. On neurological evaluation she exhibited forgetfulness and retardation of speech and motoric activity. Lab was remarkable for TSH greater than 100 uU/mL (reference range 0.30-4.20 uU/mL), FT4 0.4 ng/dL (reference range 0.6-1.5 ng/dL), and FT3 0.7 pg/mL (reference range 2.3-4.2 pg/mL). Patient tested negative for COVID-19 PCR. She was started on her home dose of Levothyroxine 150 mcg daily. Patient was discharged home after she was assessed by a psychiatrist, with no further interventions. Three days later, the patient was readmitted for confusion, disorientation and memory loss. Patient was found to be positive for COVID-19 PCR and negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. She was found to be disoriented with paranoid delusions. Laboratory studies showed negative urine drug screen, syphilis and NMDA antibodies. CSF analysis were within normal ranges. Brain Magnetic resonance imaging was only positive for pituitary hyperplasia. Patient was started on T4 and T3 replacement therapy (Levothyroxine 50 mcq Intravenous, Liothyronine 5 mcg daily orally, respectively) followed by Risperdal 1 mg nightly. Aftersignificant improvement in her mood and delusions, patient was discharged home on Levothyroxine 150 mg daily and Risperdal 1mg for two weeks. Patient and family members were counseled on medications compliance. In a two-week follow-up visit, patient reported to be compliant with medications and improvement of mood. She denied hallucination or delusions. Her lab work was significant for TSH 5.57 uU/mL, FT4 1.3 ng/dL and FT3 3.2 pg/mL. Conclusion: Both psychosis secondary to COVID-19 and Myxedema Madness are rare conditions. Appropriate and timely supplementation of thyroid hormone facilitated speedy return of patient’s cognitive and psychiatric functions to appropriate baseline. This case report may increase physician’s awareness for potentially increased susceptibility of patients with severe hypothyroidism to neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19.