Pituitary macroadenoma due to primary hypothyroidism in a 12-year-old girl

Primary hypothyroidism can result in reactive enlargement of the pituitary gland which is indistinguishable from primary pituitary lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and this results from the loss of thyroxine feedback inhibition and the subsequent over-production of thyroid-stimulating ho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of biomedical science 2011-01, Vol.68 (4), p.208-208
Main Authors: Cekmez, F., Pirgon, O., Bilgin, H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adenoma - diagnosis
Celiac disease
Child
Diagnosis, Differential
Family medical history
Female
Growth hormones
Humans
Hyperplasia - diagnosis
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism - complications
Hypothyroidism - diagnosis
Pituitary Diseases - etiology
Pituitary gland
Pituitary Neoplasms - diagnosis
Thyroid diseases
Thyroid gland
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Summary:Primary hypothyroidism can result in reactive enlargement of the pituitary gland which is indistinguishable from primary pituitary lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and this results from the loss of thyroxine feedback inhibition and the subsequent over-production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).3 Moreover, although not firmly established in humans, the occurrence of an autonomous TSHproducing pituitary adenoma in the context of pituitary hyperplasia remains theoretically possible.4 The case presented here, involving thyroid disease, could cause the presenting symptoms as well as the apparent growth retardation and short stature. If secretion of thyroid hormones is inadequate, the serum TSH level wül increase, eventually resulting in hyperplasia of thyrotrophinproducing ceUs, which correlates with TSH levels.4 Pituitary enlargement associated with hypothyroidism responds well to medical treatment, and complete regression of a pituitary mass can be confirmed by repeat MRI after thyroxine treatment.
ISSN:0967-4845
2474-0896
DOI:10.1080/09674845.2011.11730352