PSAT362 Hypothyroidism Associated Colonic Rupture

A 59 year old female with history of thyroid cancer status post thyroidectomy presented with sudden onset severe and diffuse abdominal pain. CT Abdomen Pelvis with contrast showed extensive pneumoperitoneum suggestive of perforated viscus. The patient was taken to emergent diagnostic laparoscopy showing sigmoid perforation with fecal contamination and multiple large stool balls. Sigmoidectomy and end colostomy was performed for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis with feculent peritonitis. On admission, tests evaluating for thyroid function were consistent with hypothyroidism (TSH 39.700, n 0.400 - 4.500 uIU/mL). Over the previous two years, thyroid function studies were variable with both elevated and low TSH values (range 0.221-117 uIU/ml), although TSH values over the prior 12 months were not elevated. The patient reported adherence to taking levothyroxine 137 mcg daily in the outpatient setting. Furthermore, she endorsed appropriate administration of levothyroxine prior to food and was not taking the medication with any offending vitamins or minerals. Review of systems was negative for alternative causes of colonic rupture including trauma or chronic constipation. A thorough literature review was performed and revealed only 10 cases between 2004-2007 of spontaneous perforation of the colon in the absence of tumors, diverticulosis, or external injury.(1) Only two reports were found linking spontaneous perforation of the colon with hypothyroidism, and proposed the causative mechanism as intestinal motility dysfunction causing chronic constipation, megacolon, or even pseudo-obstruction eventually leading to stercoral perforation.[2-3] Hypothyroid status was addressed by increasing levothyroxine dosage to 150 mcg daily. The patient recovered from septic shock and performed a 2 week course of inpatient rehabilitation from which she was discharged home with good functional status. Follow up labs evaluating thyroid status will be performed 4-6 weeks after initial testing and are still pending. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.