scholarly journals MON-261 Pituitary Abscess Presenting as Pituitary Macroadenoma Causing Hypopituitarism and Acute Meningitis; A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Jalil ◽  
Sidra Azim ◽  
Vitaly Kantorovich
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenoma ◽  
Pituitary Abscess ◽  
Free T4 ◽  
High Grade Fever ◽  
Mri Brain ◽  
Cystic Component ◽  
Secondary Hypothyroidism

Abstract Background: Pituitary abscess (PA) is a rare but life-threatening cause of suprasellar (SS) lesion and pituitary hormonal deficiencies with an incidence of 0.2% - 1.1%. Clinical Case: A 65-year woman with history of transient ischemic attacks, presented with double vision for 3 months (mon) and sudden onset, severe headache. She was diagnosed with cranial nerve (CN) VI palsy. MRI brain showed 1.7 cm SS mass suggestive of pituitary macroadenoma abutting optic chiasm. Visual field testing was unreliable due to underlying visual defects. She had progressive improvement in her diplopia. She was referred to Endocrinology for worsening fatigue. Physical exam was unremarkable. Pituitary hormonal work up showed secondary hypothyroidism with TSH 1.17 mIU/L (0.4-4.5), free T4 0.6 ng/dL (0.8-1.8); hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with FSH 12 mIU/ml (23-116.3), LH 1.7 mIU/ml (10-54.7), estradiol <15 (<31); elevated prolactin due to stalk affect with prolactin level of 83.3 ng/mL (3-30). She had normal IGF-1 of 154 ng/mL (41-279), ACTH 12 pg/mL (6-50), cortisol 14.1 mcg/dL (4-22) and mildly low sodium 134 mmol/L (135-146). Levothyroxine 50 mcg daily was started. The MRI brain at 2 mon and 6 mon follow up showed stable 1.8 cm peripherally enhancing SS mass. She was planned for elective pituitary adenoma resection but prior to that that was emergently admitted to ICU with high grade fever, confusion, seizures, severe hyponatremia with sodium of 122 mmol/L (135-146) and a concern for meningitis. She had a dental crown placed 3 weeks ago. MRI brain showed increase in size of the cystic component of SS mass. She was started on empiric IV antibiotics and high dose steroids. She underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery (TSS), and actually found to have a pituitary abscess. Gram stain of purulent material was positive for neutrophils. Pathology showed pituitary gland with focal infarct and surrounding acute on chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The intra-operative abscess cultures grew Cutibacterium (Proprionibacterium) acnes. She is planned to receive 6 weeks of IV antibiotics. Conclusion: We present a case of pituitary abscess presenting as a SS mass causing hypopituitarism. It was presumed pituitary macroadenoma due to the sub-acute onset and lack of progression. She developed acute deterioration in sensorium leading to concern for meningitis and PA requiring timely diagnosis and management with trans-sphenoidal resection and IV antibiotics. Definitive diagnosis of PA is usually made post-operatively. 60% of patients with PA and new onset hypopituitarism may require long term hormone replacement. References: 1. Agyei JO, Lipinski LJ, Leonardo J. Case Report of a Primary Pituitary Abscess and Systematic Literature Review of Pituitary Abscess with a Focus on Patient Outcomes. World Neurosurg. 2017 May;101:76-92

scholarly journals Corticosteroids Replacement in a Patient With Panhypopituitarism and COVID-19 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A578-A579
Author(s):  
Gowri Karuppasamy ◽  
Zaina Abdelhalim Alamer ◽  
Samman Rose ◽  
Ibrahim Abdulla Al-Janahi
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
Adrenal Crisis ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Secondary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Stress Dose

Abstract Background: Hypopituitarism refers to complete or partial insufficiency of pituitary hormone secretion and patients require lifelong hormone replacement. Those with ACTH deficiency rely on exogenous glucocorticoids and at times of intercurrent illness require stress doses to prevent an adrenal crisis. The benefits and adverse effects of corticosteroids for treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia are currently under investigation. We report our experience in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia who received high dose corticosteroids for panhypopituitarism. Clinical Case: A 51-year-old man presented with one-week history of fever and generalized weakness. He had been diagnosed with a non-functional pituitary macro-adenoma causing panhypopituitarism 1 year ago when he developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures. He underwent trans-sphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenoma. However, he then discontinued his hormonal therapy and was lost to follow up. He had postural hypotension but was not tachypneic or hypoxemic. He tested positive for COVID-19 and chest x-ray showed prominent bilateral broncho-vascular markings; he was hospitalized as mild COVID-19 pneumonia. Laboratory investigations revealed secondary adrenal insufficiency, secondary hypothyroidism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. MRI of the pituitary now showed persistence of the pituitary macroadenoma, measuring 3.5 x 3.7 x 2.4 cm in dimensions, causing sellar obliteration and left cavernous sinus invasion. Treatment with stress dose steroids, Hydrocortisone 50 mg 4 times daily was initiated, followed by thyroid hormone replacement with Levothyroxine 125 mcg daily. He also received antivirals and supportive care for COVID-19, guided by local hospital protocol. After significant clinical improvement, steroids were tapered down and he was discharged on a maintenance dose of 20 mg hydrocortisone per day in divided doses. The patient was stable at outpatient follow up after one month. He was started on testosterone replacement for erectile dysfunction due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. He was offered surgery for complete resection of the residual pituitary adenoma, but he declined and preferred to continue medical therapy. Conclusion: Hypopituitarism is associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality, a key risk factor being cortisol deficiency. Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening medical emergency and remains an important cause of death in patients with adrenal insufficiency. These patients are also vulnerable to develop severe complications from COVID-19 infection due to the absence of normal cortisol responses to stress. Despite receiving stress dose corticosteroids, this high-risk patient recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia without complications. These findings support the use of corticosteroids when necessary for treatment of coexisting conditions in patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals SUN-281 Pituitary Hyperplasia Secondary to Uncontrolled Primary Hypothyroidism

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Lee Betancourt
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Laboratory Evaluation ◽  
Complete Regression ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenoma ◽  
Free T4 ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Background: There are several recognized causes of hyperplasia of the pituitary gland. These may present as sellar masses and be misdiagnosed as pituitary adenomas. Pituitary hyperplasia can occur in the presence of long standing primary hypothyroidism due to the loss of negative feedback caused by decreased secretion of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland, leading to excessive thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) production by the hypothalamus causing Thyrotroph pituitary hyperplasia Clinical case: 51 y/o female with a past medical history that includes anxiety & depression, obesity, pre-diabetes and uncontrolled hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s, presented to the Endocrinology clinic for recent diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma. Patient reported tiredness, decrease energy, myalgias, weight gain, abnormal menstrual periods and frontal headaches. On physical exam, she had a body mass index of 37.39kg/m2, blood pressure of 130/85mmHg, heart rate of 91 bpm. There was no thyromegaly noted on exam. No abdominal striae was noted. Overall, exam was unremarkable. Her neurological exam was normal and there were no obvious visual field deficits. Initial laboratory tests revealed a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) >150 uIU/mL (0.46–4.7 uIU/mL), free T4 0.3 ng/dL (0.7–1.3 ng/dL) and positive TPO antibodies. Other endocrine work up including ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, FSH, LH and IGF-1, were normal. An MRI of the pituitary revealed a heterogeneous enhancing mass replacing the pituitary gland in the sella that measured 16 x 17 x 11 mm. She was evaluated by Neurosurgery, for presumed diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma. However, prompt recognition of uncontrolled primary hypothyroidism causing pituitary hyperplasia lead to medical management, first. She was started on weight based (1.6mcg/kg/day) levothyroxine at 175 mcg per day. Six weeks after thyroid replacement therapy laboratory evaluation showed improvement in thyroid function test with a TSH of 0.8mIU/mL, free T4 2.8ng/dL and total T3 307ng/dL. A repeat MRI of the pituitary showed decrease in size of the pituitary gland measuring 15 x 4 x 10 mm. Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of early recognition of uncontrolled primary hypothyroidism during the evaluation of a pituitary mass. Complete regression of this pituitary gland abnormality can be achieved with thyroid hormone replacement avoiding the irreversible consequences of inappropriate pituitary surgery.

scholarly journals Idiopathic Hypophysitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A588-A588
Author(s):  
Hafsa Amjed ◽  
Sobia Sadiq
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Bright Spot ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Central Hypothyroidism ◽  
Thyroid Hormone Replacement ◽  
Suprasellar Region ◽  
Secondary Hypothyroidism

Abstract Introduction: Hypophysitis is a heterogeneous condition that leads to inflammation of the sella / suprasellar region, potentially resulting in hormonal deficiencies or mass effects. Prevalence of hypophysitis ranges from 0.2% to 0.88%. Annual incidence of hypophysitis is 1 case per 9 million individuals. We present an interesting case of idiopathic hypophysitis. Clinical Case: A 52-year-old female was evaluated for secondary hypothyroidism. Patient complained of excess fatigue, weight gain, headaches, polyuria with nocturia and vision changes. She was seen by ophthalmology for formal visual field testing revealing right superior quadrantanopia. Labs significant for TSH 4 uIU/mL (ref range 0.27-4.2uIU/mL), FT4 0.72ng/dL (ref range 0.93-1.7 ng/dL), Anti TPO ab negative, AM cortisol 8.9UG/dL, ACTH 18pg/mL, IGF1 127ng/mL, prolactin 7ng/mL, FSH 102MIU/mL, LH 41 MIU/mL. MRI sella revealed homogenous enhancement of the pituitary with convex superior margin - 0.8*1*0.9cm concerning for hyperplasia. Due to the concern for hypophysitis, an extensive inflammatory workup was pursued which was negative. She was started on thyroid hormone replacement and DDAVP. An empiric trial of high dose steroids failed to provide any relief. During workup, patient complained of transient right sided face and arm tingling, diagnosed with TIA and started on aspirin. Due to worsening headaches, a pituitary biopsy was pursued. Pathology significant for glandular tissue ruling out inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious etiologies. Neurology diagnosed the patient with hemicrania continua. Patient is currently maintained on thyroid hormone replacement and DDAVP with close follow-up. Discussion: The incidence of hypophysitis has recently increased due to increased awareness and also due to the use of medications like ICI. Primary hypophysitis is mostly due to autoimmune etiology. Secondary hypophysitis could result from infections, neoplastic conditions or an adverse effect of medications. Clinical presentations ranges from being asymptomatic to having features of hypopituitarism. Usually presents with mass effect, visual symptoms due to the upward expansion of the pituitary gland impinging the dura mater and optic chiasm. This is followed by symptoms of hormone deficiency, central DI and hyperprolactinemia. Central AI has been reported in 20%-75%, central hypogonadism in 15%-60%, central hypothyroidism in 25%-58%, GH deficiency in 5%-41%, and prolactin deficiency in 13%-25%. Typical MRI findings include, homogeneous pituitary contrast enhancement, pituitary stalk thickening and loss of posterior pituitary bright spot, ‘figure of 8’ appearance, ‘dural tail’. Treatment consists of surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, and radiotherapy. Glucocorticoid treatment is the cornerstone for medical management; however, the overall recurrence rate is high.

scholarly journals An Unusual Case of Hypopituitarism in a 68 Year Old Man With a Normal Appearing Pituitary Gland and a Remote History of Severe Headache Attributed to Possible Apoplexy

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A572-A572
Author(s):  
Sai Rohit Reddy ◽  
Sravani Konatham Reddy ◽  
Lubna Mirza
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Free T4 ◽  
Morning Cortisol ◽  
Severe Hypotension ◽  
History Of

Abstract A 66-year-old previously healthy man was admitted to the hospital with severe hypotension and gastroenteritis symptoms, which were attributed to food poisoning. No one else who ate with him got sick. Random morning cortisol was found to be 0.6, which was followed by the Cortrosyn stimulation test. Baseline cortisol was 0.9, which went up to 2.0 mcg/dL in 30 minutes after Cortrosyn stimulation and 2.9 mcg per dl after an hour. He was treated with high dose steroids during his inpatient stay and sent home on physiologic steroid doses. He followed up in the Endocrinology clinic after hospital discharge. A review of old records showed he was prescribed testosterone about ten years prior for symptoms of hypogonadism, but he never took it. Detailed workup revealed hypopituitarism. Serum prolactin, growth hormone, IGF-1, LH, FSH, Testosterone, TSH, and free T4 were all decreased. Brain/pituitary MRI, however, showed no pituitary abnormalities. All pituitary hormones were checked multiple times and were found to be consistently low. He was given hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine and testosterone in addition to continuing steroids resulting in marked improvement. He gave a remote history of the worst headache of his life about twenty years ago. He stayed awake all night but never went to the hospital for an evaluation. A possible pituitary apoplexy several years ago was suspected in this case. We have not found any such case in the medical literature with hypopituitarism with a completely normal-appearing pituitary gland. This case illustrates the importance of detailed history, physical examination, hormonal testing, and appropriate hormone replacement in patients where an obvious acute cause may not be ascertained.

scholarly journals High-Dose Thyroid Hormone Replacement in Bexarotene-Induced Central Hypothyroidism

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A933-A933
Author(s):  
Tony Mathews ◽  
Benjamin Gigliottie
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Free T4 ◽  
Hormone Production ◽  
Central Hypothyroidism ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Current Case ◽  
Low T3 ◽  
Selective Ligand

Abstract Background: Central hypothyroidism is a rare disorder characterized by a defect in thyroid hormone production by an otherwise normal thyroid gland due to decreased stimulation by TSH. Medications are an uncommon cause. Case Presentation: A 72-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a low TSH. He had a long history of hypothyroidism, euthyroid on levothyroxine, and was diagnosed with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). Due to disease progression on dapsone, PUVA and TAR baths, he was started on bexarotene. Soon after, he developed recurrent symptoms of hypothyroidism including fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, and myalgias. Workup revealed a TSH of <0.01 ulU/mL (0.27-4.20) with a free T4 of 0.6 ng/dl (0.9-1.7). After evaluation, his levothyroxine dose was increased. Repeat labs 3 months later showed a TSH of <:0.01 with a free T4 0.8 ng/dl and T3 43 ng/dl (80-200). Over several months, levothyroxine titration to a supraphysiologic dose of 800 mcg daily was required, despite optimal administration, to normalize FT4. Given persistent hypothyroid symptoms and a low T3 level, liothyronine 5 mcg BID was added and resulted in clinical and biochemical euthyroidism. Clinical Lessons: Unlike in primary thyroid disorders, the TSH assay is unreliable in central hypothyroidism since values can be low, normal, or even mildly elevated; regardless, TSH has subnormal bioactivity. Ineffectual TSH leads to a low T4, which is a required for diagnosis. Bexarotene, a derivative of Vitamin A, is a retinoid X receptor (RXR) selective ligand approved for the treatment of CTCL. The exact mechanism of bexarotene-induced thyroid dysfunction is not clear, although it involves both central and peripheral effects. Bexarotene inhibits TSH gene expression by decreasing the activity of the thyrotropin β subunit gene promoter in a dose-dependent and thyroxine-independent manner; TSH levels drop as early as 4-8 hours after exposure. Bexarotene also directly lowers T4 and T3 levels, even in athyreotic patients, by negatively impacting deiodinase activity and hepatic conjugation. Stopping bexarotene is often not possible given its effectiveness in CTCL. Therefore, thyroid hormone should be initiated with the goal of achieving a normal FT4, although as the current case demonstrates, massively supraphysiologic doses and/or the addition of liothyronine may be necessary to achieve clinical euthyroidism.

scholarly journals Endocrine Dysfunction in Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Review with Special Reference to GH

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 787-799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Burman ◽  
E. Martin Ritzén ◽  
Ann Christin Lindgren
Keyword(s):  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Lean Body Mass ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
Endocrine Disorders ◽  
Prader Willi Syndrome ◽  
Gh Treatment ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction

Abstract Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder occurring in 1 in 10,000–16,000 live-born infants. In the general population, approximately 60 people in every 1,000,000 are affected. The condition is characterized by short stature, low lean body mass, muscular hypotonia, mental retardation, behavioral abnormalities, dysmorphic features, and excessive appetite with progressive obesity. Furthermore, morbidity and mortality are high, probably as a result of gross obesity. Most patients have reduced GH secretory capacity and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, suggesting hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Replacement of GH and/or sex hormones may therefore be beneficial in Prader-Willi syndrome, and several clinical trials have now evaluated GH replacement therapy in affected children. Results of GH treatment have been encouraging: improved growth, increased lean body mass, and reduced fat mass. There was also some evidence of improvements in respiratory function and physical activity. The long-term benefits of GH treatment are, however, still to be established. Similarly, the role of sex hormone replacement therapy needs to be clarified as few data exist on its efficacy and potential benefits. In summary, Prader-Willi syndrome is a disabling condition associated with GH deficiency and hypogonadism. More active treatment of these endocrine disorders is likely to benefit affected individuals.

scholarly journals Forbes albright syndrome: galactorrhea–amenorrhea associated with a pituitary tumour: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-29
Author(s):  
Rupak Chatterjee ◽  
Prantiki Halder ◽  
Sudeshna Mallik ◽  
Bibhuti Saha
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Prolactin Level ◽  
Pituitary Tumour ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Loss Of Consciousness ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenoma ◽  
Serum Prolactin Level ◽  
Mri Brain ◽  
Menstrual Irregularities ◽  
Albright Syndrome

Forbes Albright syndrome is a hyperprolactinemia syndrome characterised by galactorrhea and amenorrhea associated with a pituitary tumour. Here we report a case of 30 years female who was admitted with menstrual irregularities for 4 months, galatorrhea and headache with recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness for 3months. Her serum prolactin level was highly raised. MRI brain (plain plus contrast) showed enlarged pituitary gland- pituitary macroadenoma. She was diagnosed as a case of Forbes Albright Syndrome and was treated with Tablet Cabergoline. With the medication, size of her tumour markedly reduced and symptoms resolved as she was followed up after 3 months.

Delayed Puberty

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda French
Keyword(s):  
Pubertal Timing ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
Pubertal Delay ◽  
Constitutional Delay

Although common, delayed puberty can be distressing to patients and families.   Careful assessment is necessary to ensure appropriate physical and social development in patients that require intervention to reach pubertal milestones and achieve optimal growth.  Most pubertal delay is from lack of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis which then results in a functional or physiologic GnRH deficiency.  The delay may be temporary or permanent.  Constitutional delay (CDGP), also referred to as self-limited delayed puberty (DP), describes children on the extreme end of normal pubertal timing and is the most common cause of delayed puberty, representing about one third of cases.  Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (primary hypogonadism) results from a failure of the gonad itself, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (secondary hypogonadism) results from a failure of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which is usually caused by another process, often systemic.  Diagnosis is based on history and examination.  Treatment is based on the underlying cause of pubertal delay and may include hormone replacement.  Involving a pediatric endocrinologist should be considered.  Appropriate counseling and ongoing support are important for all patients and families, regardless of underlying disease process.   This review contains 4 figures, 4 tables, and 32 references. Keywords: puberty, delayed puberty, hypogonadism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, menarche, thelarche, constitutional delay and growth in puberty, Turner syndrome

Diagnosis and management of pituitary abscess: a review of twenty-four cases

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Edward Vates ◽  
Mitchel S. Berger ◽  
Charles B. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cystic Mass ◽  
Pituitary Abscess ◽  
Pituitary Mass ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Changes ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Pituitary abscess is a rare but serious intrasellar infection. To better determine the salient signs and symptoms that help in making the diagnosis, and to determine the most appropriate treatment, the authors reviewed their experience in a series of 24 patients treated at the University of California at San Francisco. Methods. Nine of the patients were female and 15 were male, and their mean age was 41.2 years (range 12–71 years). Surprisingly, most patients in our series presented with complaints and physical findings consistent with a pituitary mass, but rarely with evidence of a serious infection. Headache, endocrine abnormalities, and visual changes were the most common clinical indicators; fever, peripheral leukocytosis, and meningismus were present in 33% or fewer of the patients. Imaging tests demonstrated a pituitary mass in all patients, but the features evident on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance studies did not distinguish pituitary abscesses from other, more common intrasellar lesions. Because of the ambiguous clinical features and imaging findings, most abscesses were not diagnosed before treatment; rather, the diagnosis was made during surgical exploration of the sella turcica, when the surgeon encountered a cystic mass containing pus. There were only two deaths in this series (8.3%). Patients presenting with headache and visual changes noted improvement in almost all cases; patients with endocrine dysfunction generally did not recover normal pituitary function, but were easily treated with hormone replacement therapy. Conclusions. Antibiotic therapy is suggested for patients who have symptoms of sepsis, or for patients in whom specific organisms are identified from cultures obtained during surgery. The transsphenoidal approach is recommended over open craniotomy for surgical drainage.

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