CORRELATIVE OBSERVATIONS ON CEREBRAL METABOLISM AND CARDIAC OUTPUT IN MYXEDEMA 1

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Abstract
Cerebral metabolism was measured by the nitrous oxide technic in 8 patients with myxedema, and cardiac output by the direct Fick method in 7 other patients with myxedema. The reduction in cardiac output is proportional to the reduction in cerebral blood flow in this disease, and there is a considerable reduction in cerebral oxygen and glucose consumption and increase in cerebral vascular resistance. These values returned toward normal following thyroid therapy in the patients restudied. Previously noted electroencephalographic changes in myxedema were observed in this study; alterations in EEG pattern occurred during therapy. The mean arterial O2 saturation is decreased. It is concluded that the mental changes in myxedema are the result of decreased cerebral oxygen and glucose metabolism, and that the reduction in cardiac output is secondary to a generalized reduction in organ blood flow.
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