Primary hypothyroidism mimicking a pituitary macroadenoma: regression after thyroid hormone replacement therapy

Abstract

We report a 9-year-old girl with pituitary hyperplasia due to primary hypothyroidism. She presented with growth arrest, abnormal thyroid function studies, and a pituitary mass on MRI. With thyroxine therapy, the pituitary mass regressed and her symptoms resolved. Primary hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of solid mass lesions of the pituitary gland.

Dermatitis herpetiformis, primary hypothyroidism and pituitary mass mimicking macroadenoma regression after treatment with thyroxin, corticosteroids and dapsone

“…The presence of pituitary mass mimicking macroadenoma in a case of primary hypothyroidism responding to thyroxin therapy has been reported earlier. [3–7] Our case presented with pituitary mass, was found to have primary hypothyroidism and later developed DH, successfully treated with thyroxin, corticosteroids and dapsone. This combination has not been reported in the literature so far.…”

“…[12] Pituitary mass mimicking as pituitary macroadenoma has also been reported in cases of primary hypothyroidism. [3–6] We report here a case which had a combination of primary hypothyroidism, pituitary mass mimicking macroadenoma and DH.…”

Male Child with Van Wyk-Grumbach's Syndrome and Other Complications of Long-Standing Primary Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

“…Pituitary enlargement secondary to hypothyroidism is a known but uncommon occurrence, with long-standing hypothyroidism; thyrotroph hyperplasia can result in the expansion of the sella turcica and the enlargement of the pituitary gland [20]. Unlike adults, children rarely have neurologic presentations secondary to sellar expansion [21].…”

Hiperplasia hipofisaria secundaria a hipotiroidismo primario

“…El hipotiroidismo primario está relacionado dentro de estas posibilidades con la presencia de 'masas' selares debidas a hiperplasia hipofisaria, en ocasiones con extensión supraselar (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) . Se producen como resultado de la falta de inhibición hipotálamo hipofisaria por la tiroxina, lo que origina sobreproducción de hormona liberadora de tirotropina (TRH) y consecuentemente incremento de tirotropina (TSH), la cual puede generar hiperplasia hipofisaria.…”

“…En estos casos, repetir la RM después del tratamiento con levotiroxina puede proporcionar un diagnóstico definitivo y descartar la cirugía, ya que, a diferencia del adenoma hipofisario, la hiperplasia se resuelve con la terapia de reemplazo de hormona tiroidea (3)(4)(5) . La escasa frecuencia de presentación y el tiempo de seguimiento del presente caso nos motiva a reportarlo.…”