Abstract:
Hypothyroidism is known to affect breathing by reducing respiratory drive. Near total narrowing of naso-
oropharynx and larynx due to myxedema of upper airway in an undiagnosed severe hypothyroidism is a
rare phenomenon. We report a case of non goitorous severe hypothyroidism presenting with upper airway
obstruction in a 60 year old male- a diagnostic challenge in acute onset airway obstruction. An upper
airway myxedema and hypertrophic myopathy of pharyngeal dilator muscles in hypothyroidism can present
with severe acute airway compromise in absence of goitorous enlargement of the thyroid gland.
