The Role of Hypothyroidism in the Etiology of Hyponatremia - Case Report and a Short Review

Hyponatremia induced by hypothyroidism is a rare phenomenon and a correlation between them can be argued only with possible mechanisms. Hyponatremia often results from the concomitant development of several overlapping pathological events. The association between hypothyroidism and hyponatremia should be considered only if explanations for any other etiological causes have been exhausted. We present the case of a female patient aged 67 years who has previously undergone surgery for a meningioma and who presented with symptoms such as nausea, biliary vomiting, headache and epigastric pain. Laboratory results indicated multiple electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia, but the brain imaging studies did not confirm cerebral edema or the presence of tumor development. Under electrolytic correction treatment which was supplemented with L-thyroxine, the biochemical parameters were corrected and normalized and the patient was relieved of her symptoms. This case thus raises the possibility that hyponatremia could be induced or at least precipitated by hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction tests should be targeted in cases of hyponatremia with non-specific causes, even if hypothyroidism is rarely the cause.