Severe Hypothyroidism-Induced Volvulus

[helvella]

Given the number of hypothyroid cases that have been available for medicine to investigate, even just since thyroid treatment became available, why do we so often read the words not well documented?

J Clin Med Res. 2015 Dec; 7(12): 995–997.

Published online 2015 Oct 23. doi: 10.14740/jocmr2357w

PMCID: PMC4625821

Severe Hypothyroidism-Induced Volvulus

Rafay Khan, Amar Ahmed, Sunil Tulpule, Kalyani Regeti, Shuvendu Sen, and Teena Mathewa

Abstract

Thyroid disorders have been found to be associated with multiple organ systems and thus have a broad spectrum of presenting symptoms and clinical conditions. Certain aspects of the gastrointestinal (GI) system have yet to be fully understood and documented. Hypothyroidism and even hyperthyroidism have been identified in patients with motility symptoms involving the GI tract. These symptoms can vary and can be a complication of undertreated or undiagnosed condition involving the thyroid.

Unfortunately, the mechanism in which these hormones can impact intestinal motility remains poorly understood and not well documented. In this case report, we discuss the presentation of a 71-year-old female with poorly managed hypothyroidism presenting with significant abdominal distention and pain secondary to underlying volvulus formation. By better understanding the complications induced by hypothyroidism, physicians may be able to prevent further life-threatening outcomes with early management and intervention.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Gastrointestinal, Motility, Volvulus, Thyroid

Full article freely available here:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

A volvulus is a subtype of malrotation, in which a loop of bowel is twisted about a focal point along the mesentery attached to the intestinal tract, that may result in a bowel obstruction.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvulus

[Clutter]

Helvella,

"Given the number of hypothyroid cases that have been available for medicine to investigate, even just since thyroid treatment became available, why do we so often read the words not well documented?"

Probably because body parts are treated, not the whole patient-body, and even when researchers join up some of the dots, the endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, nephrologist and hepatologist are still only interested in their own sphere of influence and not how it impacts on the other specialities. Basically, they don't consider knock-on effects.

[helvella in reply to Clutter]

If even some of those specialties actually properly documented the signs and symptoms in their own areas, it would be a start.

[Clutter in reply to helvella]

Helvella, Modern medicine seems to have gone backwards. Chinese and Indian medicine has known for centuries how sickness of one organ or area of the body causes sickness and symptoms in others.

[shaws in reply to Clutter]

Clutter I definitely agree with you.

The professionals are uninterested particularly Endocrinologists who are quick to give 'another' explanation for the remaining symptoms rather than undertreatment.

[wavedancers]

I had no idea that a "kink" in my transverse colon (found over a year ago) could possibly have been related to Hypo and/or Hashi! I am hoping to be referred by my GP to a Gastro next week, but I doubt my GP will accept this possible connection. Ongoing slow motility has caused years of constipation and now piles and pain, so my GP is finally starting to realize that throwing laxatives and softeners at me aren't helping. Fingers crossed I'll get some answers.

[helvella in reply to wavedancers]

Am always surprised when ancient posts get replies!

Glad it is of some interest and, hopefully, use to you.

[wavedancers]

It came up out of the blue when I was searching in the IBS group... so I was surprised as well!

[wavedancers]

Just a follow-up to the 'kink, loop, GI' link... turns out that I not only had a loop in the sigmoid colon that was contributing to my constipation, but now I have rectal cancer. No one seems to want to make the connection... by I know in my gut (no pun intended... well maybe a little bit) that they ARE ALL RELATED!

[helvella in reply to wavedancers]

Wish you well with your treatment.