Gross ascites as a first manifestation of primary hypothyroidism due to post-treatment of radioiodine therapy for Graves' disease.

We report herein a case with myxedema (primary hypothyroidism) associated with marked ascites that was found during the course of examination for a suspected decompensated state of liver cirrhosis or malignant disease. Aspirated ascitic fluid was found to have the characteristics of the exudate. Thyroid hormone replacement resulted in rapid clinical improvement with resolution of the ascites.