Respiratory failure associated with hypoventilation in a patient with severe hypothyroidism

Abstract

A 70-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital because of decreased consciousness due to type II respiratory failure. Severe hypothyroidism was diagnosed and considered to be associated with hypoventilation due to respiratory muscle dysfunction and sleep apnea syndrome. His status was improved partially by replacement of thyroid hormone. Despite maintaining a euthyroid state, improvement of respiratory muscle dysfunction was incomplete.