Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

What organ dysfunction leads to myxedema?

1. Thyroid

2. Thymus

3. Liver

4. Kidney

The correct answer is: Thyroid

Myxedema is a condition that results from severe hypothyroidism, which is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. In this state, the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential for regulating metabolism and various bodily functions. In cases of myxedema, the lack of these hormones leads to an accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (such as hyaluronic acid) in the extracellular tissues. This accumulation results in the characteristic swelling seen in myxedema. The skin and other tissues become thickened and can exhibit a puffy appearance. Myxedema can also cause a wide range of systemic symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, and cognitive impairment. Thus, dysfunction of the thyroid gland is directly linked to the development of myxedema, making it the correct answer in this context.