In myxedema, what is the expected pattern of T3, T4, and TSH?

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Multiple Choice

In myxedema, what is the expected pattern of T3, T4, and TSH?

Explanation:
In myxedema, which is a severe form of hypothyroidism, the thyroid fails to produce enough hormones. The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis responds to the resulting low thyroid hormone levels by increasing TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid. Because the gland can’t supply sufficient thyroid hormones, both T3 and T4 levels fall, while TSH becomes elevated due to the loss of negative feedback. Since most T3 is produced by peripheral conversion from T4, low T4 typically leads to low T3 as well. So the expected pattern is low T3 and T4 with an elevated TSH.

In myxedema, which is a severe form of hypothyroidism, the thyroid fails to produce enough hormones. The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis responds to the resulting low thyroid hormone levels by increasing TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid. Because the gland can’t supply sufficient thyroid hormones, both T3 and T4 levels fall, while TSH becomes elevated due to the loss of negative feedback. Since most T3 is produced by peripheral conversion from T4, low T4 typically leads to low T3 as well. So the expected pattern is low T3 and T4 with an elevated TSH.

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