RESUMO
Myxedema coma is an emergency that develops from non-diagnosed or severe hypothyroidism and requires early recognition and management. Cardiac manifestations are uncommon and pose a challenge in the recognition of myxedema coma. We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a history of thyroidectomy secondary to a follicular carcinoma, who presented with dyspnea, generalized edema, drowsiness, disorientation, memory loss, and episodic generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Antiepileptic and diuretic treatment for seizures and heart failure exacerbation did not improve the symptoms. Further blood analysis revealed a thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine of 163 mUL/L and 0.64 ng/dL, respectively. Treatment with intravenous hydrocortisone and levothyroxine led to progressive clinical improvement. Uncommon clinical manifestations such as cardiac and non-specific neurologic symptoms should be considered as manifestations of myxedema coma. A comatose mental status is not a universal manifestation, and milder symptoms should be considered. An adequate assessment, including diagnostic scores and prompt hormonal supplementation prevents fatal consequences.
RESUMO
RESUMEN PROPÓSITO: La pandemia mundial por covid-19 ha impuesto nuevos retos para la atención de pacientes con infarto cerebral con oclusión de gran vaso, el tratamiento endovascular con trombectomía mecánica es la elección para estos casos. Las recomendaciones que se presentan buscan mantener la eficacia, la celeridad y la seguridad de la intervención siguiendo las nuevas medidas de bioseguridad. METODOLOGÍA: Revisión no sistemática de la literatura de manejo endovascular para el infarto cerebral en época pre covid-19 y durante la pandemia por covid-19. Los aspectos de la intervención, que a juicio de los autores se modificaron, se presentan en forma de recomendaciones narrativas. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron tres fases en el manejo endovascular del infarto cerebral: preintervención, intervención y postintervención. En la primera se incluyen los temas de selección del candidato, la tamización para covid-19, el consentimiento informado, la notificación-preparación del equipo y la modalidad anestésica. En las otras dos fases se hacen recomendaciones generales. Por último, se identifican puntos importantes para la toma de decisiones en el manejo endovascular del infarto cerebral. CONCLUSIÓN: Las recomendaciones pretenden facilitar la adaptación de los protocolos, evitar retrasos y mantener la seguridad de la intervención endovascular en pacientes con infarto cerebral con oclusión de gran vaso candidatos a trombectomía mecánica en época de covid-19.
SUMMARY PURPOSE: The global pandemic of COVID-19 has imposed new challenges for the attention of patients with ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion. Endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy is the therapy of choice for these patients. The recommendations intend to maintain the efficacy, times and safety of the intervention following the new biosafety measures. METHODOLOGY: A non-systematic review of the literature on endovascular management for ischemic stroke in the pre-COVID-19 period and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aspects of the intervention, modified in the author's opinion, are presented in the form of narrative recommendations. RESULTS: Three phases were identified in the endovascular management for cerebral infarction: Pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. The first one includes candidate selection, screening for COVID-19, informed consent, notification-preparation of the team/suite and anesthetic modality. For the other two phases general recommendations were developed. Finally, we identified key points for decision-making in the endovascular management of ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION: These recommendations pretend to facilitate adaptations of protocols, avoid delays and maintain the safety of endovascular intervention in patients with ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion candidates for mechanical thrombectomy during COVID-19 pandemic.
