Hoffman syndrome with the classic sign of myoedema and an unusual finding of systolic heart failure

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Oct 6;16(10):e252795. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-252795.

Abstract

A man in his 20s presented with a 6-year history of calf muscle hypertrophy, proximal muscle weakness and muscle cramps. Along with this, he also had patchy hair loss, facial puffiness and slurring of speech. On examination, he had mild symmetrical proximal muscle weakness, a delayed relaxation phase of his deep tendon reflexes and a rare neurological sign of myoedema. His laboratory investigations revealed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels with high creatine kinase levels, and an echocardiogram showed left ventricular systolic dysfunction. He was diagnosed with Hoffman syndrome, a rare pseudohypertrophic myopathy associated with severe and prolonged hypothyroidism. He had an excellent response to thyroid hormone replacement.

Keywords: Muscle disease; Thyroid disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Heart Failure, Systolic*
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Muscular Diseases* / diagnosis

Supplementary concepts

  • Kocher-Debre-Semelaigne syndrome