scholarly journals Pituitary hyperplasia: an uncommon presentation of a common disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
C P Neves ◽  
E T Massolt ◽  
R P Peeters ◽  
S J Neggers ◽  
W W de Herder
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
List Type ◽  
Pituitary Mass ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia ◽  
Pituitary Enlargement

Summary A 21-year-old woman presented with amenorrhea, bilateral galactorrhea and fatigue. Visual acuity and visual fields were normal. Laboratory examination demonstrated hyperprolactinemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary showed a 19×17×12-mm sellar mass with supra- and parasellar extension, causing compression of the pituitary stalk and optic chiasm. Further examinations confirmed mild hyperprolactinemia, strongly elevated TSH (>500 mU/l), low free thyroxine (FT4), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone and l-T4 replacement therapy was started. Three months later, the galactorrhea had disappeared, thyroid function was normalized and MRI revealed regression of the pituitary enlargement, confirming the diagnosis of pituitary hyperplasia (PH) due to primary hypothyroidism. Subsequently, the menstrual cycle returned and the hypocortisolism normalized. This case demonstrates that severe primary hypothyroidism may have an unusual presentation and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pituitary enlargement associated with moderate hyperprolactinemia. Learning points One should always try to find one etiology as the common cause of all the clinical findings in a pathologic process. Amenorrhea, galactorrhea and fatigue may be the only presenting clinical manifestations of primary hypothyroidism. Not every patient with galactorrhea, hyperprolactinemia and a pituitary mass has a prolactinoma. Primary hypothyroidism should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia associated with pituitary enlargement and pituitary hormone(s) deficiency(ies). When PH due to primary hypothyroidism is suspected, thyroid hormone replacement should be started and only regression of pituitary enlargement on MRI follow-up can confirm the diagnosis. Examination of thyroid function in patients with a pituitary mass may avoid unnecessary surgery.

scholarly journals Pituitary Hyperplasia: To Operate or Not to Operate, That Is the Question

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A599-A599
Author(s):  
Aakash Rajwani ◽  
Luma Ghalib
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Absolute Increase ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pituitary Enlargement

Abstract Pituitary hyperplasia is defined as an absolute increase in the number of one or more adenohypophyseal cell subtypes, manifesting radiologically as pituitary enlargement beyond what is considered normal. It has been noted in certain physiological conditions like pregnancy however can also be seen in pathological conditions with end organ insufficiency like severe hypothyroidism. 21- year old female with a past medical history of Primary Hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis presented initially for evaluation of worsening headache and blurry vision. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 10 years of age and had an extensive family history of hypothyroidism. At the time of presentation, she was 11 months post- partum and had been on and off her levothyroxine supplementation, having stopped it completely for a few months after delivery. MRI brain showed an 18 mm homogeneously enhancing intrasellar mass with suprasellar extension. She was referred to Neurosurgery for further evaluation. Workup revealed a TSH >100 (0.27 - 4.2 mIU/L) and FT4 <0.4 (0.8 - 2 ng/dL). In the context of severe untreated hypothyroidism and MRI findings consistent with pituitary hyperplasia with abutment but no mass effect on the optic apparatus, initial plan was to treat the hypothyroidism medically and observe closely. Patient was started on levothyroxine supplementation. Her TSH improved to 3.367 (0.550 - 4.780 uIU/mL) and FT4 to 2.00 (0.89 - 1.76 ng/dL), ηοωεϖερ she continued to have worsening of visual symptoms. Surgery was considered to decompress the optic nerve, but pre-operative MRI showed a significant decrease in size of the pituitary gland with decreased suprasellar bulging and no mass effect on the optic chiasm. Surgery was subsequently cancelled. Prolonged primary hypothyroidism leads to pituitary hyperplasia due to loss of negative feedback from lack of circulating T4 and T3, leading to excessive TRH secretion from the hypothalamus. The high TRH can lead to thyrotroph as well as lactotroph hyperplasia. Subsequently patients can present with headache, vision changes along with signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and increased prolactin secretion. It is important to differentiate hyperplasia from other sellar lesions like pituitary macroadenoma or hypophysitis. Patients with hypothyroidism, who have pituitary enlargement diagnosed on brain imaging, should be promptly diagnosed and treated with thyroid hormone replacement. With a higher frequency and improved quality of imaging techniques, we are increasingly coming across scenarios of abnormal findings on imaging. Correlation of radiographic imaging results with a thorough history and biochemical testing is essential prior to proceeding with surgical intervention.

scholarly journals Pituitary hyperplasia: case series and literature review of an under-recognised and heterogeneous condition

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunita M C De Sousa ◽  
Peter Earls ◽  
Ann I McCormack
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
List Type ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Gnrh Analogues ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia ◽  
Pituitary Enlargement ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Trophic Hormone

Summary Pituitary hyperplasia (PH) occurs in heterogeneous settings and remains under-recognised. Increased awareness of this condition and its natural history should circumvent unnecessary trans-sphenoidal surgery. We performed an observational case series of patients referred to a single endocrinologist over a 3-year period. Four young women were identified with PH manifesting as diffuse, symmetrical pituitary enlargement near or touching the optic apparatus on MRI. The first woman presented with primary hypothyroidism and likely had thyrotroph hyperplasia given prompt resolution with thyroxine. The second and third women were diagnosed with pathological gonadotroph hyperplasia due to primary gonadal insufficiency, with histopathological confirmation including gonadal-deficiency cells in the third case where surgery could have been avoided. The fourth woman likely had idiopathic PH, though she had concomitant polycystic ovary syndrome which is a debated cause of PH. Patients suspected of PH should undergo comprehensive hormonal, radiological and sometimes ophthalmological evaluation. This is best conducted by a specialised multidisciplinary team with preference for treatment of underlying conditions and close monitoring over surgical intervention. Learning points Normal pituitary dimensions are influenced by age and gender with the greatest pituitary heights seen in young adults and perimenopausal women. Pituitary enlargement may be seen in the settings of pregnancy, end-organ insufficiency with loss of negative feedback, and excess trophic hormone from the hypothalamus or neuroendocrine tumours. PH may be caused or exacerbated by medications including oestrogen, GNRH analogues and antipsychotics. Management involves identification of cases of idiopathic PH suitable for simple surveillance and reversal of pathological or iatrogenic causes where they exist. Surgery should be avoided in PH as it rarely progresses.

scholarly journals Hypothyroidism presenting with development delay, failure to thrive, and pituitary adenoma

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 1906
Author(s):  
Jatinder Singh ◽  
Vaneeta Bhardwar ◽  
Daaman Mittal
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Pituitary Tumors ◽  
Failure To Thrive ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia ◽  
Development Delay ◽  
Pituitary Enlargement ◽  
Ct And Mri

Pituitary enlargement secondary to primary hypothyroidism (PH) is a known but uncommon occurrence, and is also difficult to distinguish on CT and MRI from primary pituitary tumors. Following adequate hormone replacement with L-thyroxine, both symptoms and pituitary hyperplasia are reported to regress within a few months. It is important to recognize this condition so as to avoid unnecessary surgery.

scholarly journals Persistence of hyperprolactinemia after treatment of primary hypothyroidism and withdrawal of long term use of estrogen: are the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons permanently lesioned?

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 468-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Augusto Casulari ◽  
Fábio Celotti ◽  
Luciana A. Naves ◽  
Lucília Domingues ◽  
Carla Papadia
Keyword(s):  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptive ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Trh Test ◽  
Pituitary Mass ◽  
Thyroid Hormone Replacement ◽  
Before And After ◽  
High Doses

Long term use of high doses of estrogen and the presence of chronic hyperprolactinemia may, at least in the rat, provoke lesions in the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons responsible for the control of prolactin (Prl) secretion. This occurrence, which is not yet well documented in humans, may have taken place in a patient on chronic oral hormonal contraceptive (OC) treatment who was seen for primary hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia and a pituitary mass. After thyroid hormone replacement, OC withdrawn and bromocriptine treatment, this patient could not maintain normal Prl levels, unless continuously treated with a dopaminergic agonist even when MRI was indicative of a normal situation. Function of TIDA neurons was investigated by TRH test (200µg IV) performed before and after treatment with 25mg carbidopa plus 250mg L-dopa every 4 hours for one day. Basal TSH was normal (3.9µU/mL) whereas basal Prl was high (67.5 ng/mL); both TSH and Prl levels appropriately increased after TRH: peaks 31.8µU/mL and 157.8 ng/mL, respectively. After treatment with carbidopa/L-dopa, basal TSH (1.6µU/mL) and Prl (34ng/mL) decreased and the response to TRH was partially blocked (10.3µU/mL and 61ng/mL, respectively). In spite of a normal response, we discuss the possibility that the persistence of hyperprolactinemia is due to lesion of the TIDA neurons produced by the long term use of high doses of estrogens and by the presence of chronic hyperprolactinemia.

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 SUN-277 Pituitary Hyperplasia Due to Severe Primary Hypothyroidism: An Uncommon Manifestation of a Common Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilasha Singh ◽  
Massiell German ◽  
Anu Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Visual Field Defects ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia

Abstract Background Pituitary hyperplasia (PH) is a non-neoplastic increase in one or more cell subtype of the adenohypophysis. It is physiologically seen in pregnancy from resultant lactotroph hyperplasia and pathologically in organ dysfunctions that lead to loss of negative feedback on hypothalamus like primary hypothyroidism and primary adrenal insufficiency. Although primary hypothyroidism is common, PH is an under-recognized consequence of long-standing hypothyroidism. Case Description A 26-year-old female with class 3 obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and primary hypothyroidism on replacement presented for evaluation of secondary amenorrhea. Two months prior to presentation, she underwent a brain MRI for new-onset headache which revealed diffusely enhancing homogenous pituitary tissue measuring 2.3 cm with upward lifting of the optic chiasm. Serum prolactin was elevated at 86.2 ng/ml (2.8-26 ng/ml). This was presumed to be secondary to a prolactinoma and cabergoline was started by the referring provider. Subsequent workup revealed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at 494.11 mU/L (0.30- 4.00 mU/L) and a low free thyroxine (FT4) of 0.2 ng/dl (0.8-1.7 ng/dl). Other pituitary hormones were within normal limits. The visual field examination was normal. It was noted she had a persistently elevated TSH over the past five years. On further questioning, the patient ran out of levothyroxine replacement 6 months ago and had been generally non-adherent to therapy for years due to nausea. Improved medication adherence resulted in the normalization of prolactin and reduction in TSH level. Repeat MRI 2 months later revealed a reduction in her pituitary hyperplasia to 2.1 cm. Discussion In severe primary hypothyroidism, there is loss of negative feedback to the hypothalamus due to low circulating FT4 and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations. As a result, there is stimulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) which promotes thyrotroph hyperplasia. A strong correlation exists between TSH concentration and the degree of pituitary hyperplasia. The typical MRI finding is a diffusely enhancing homogenous pituitary mass. Despite optic chiasm contact, physiologic pituitary hyperplasia rarely causes visual field defects. High concentrations of TRH stimulates prolactin release with resultant mild hyperprolactinemia. Although PH is reversible with therapy, rare cases with subsequent development of panhypopituitarism while on therapy have been reported in the setting of longstanding hypothyroidism. Very rarely, chronically untreated primary hypothyroidism can stimulate the growth of a thyrotroph adenoma. Long-term biochemical and radiological monitoring is therefore recommended until resolution. This case highlights the physiologic responses manifested in severe primary hypothyroidism and the fact that these changes improve with adequate replacement.

scholarly journals Vanishing large ovarian cyst with thyroxine therapy

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramila Dharmshaktu ◽  
Aditya Kutiyal ◽  
Dinesh Dhanwal
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Ovarian Cyst ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
Ovarian Cysts ◽  
List Type ◽  
Thyroxine Therapy ◽  
Large Ovarian Cyst

Summary A 21-year-old female patient recently diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism was found to have a large ovarian cyst. In view of the large ovarian cyst, she was advised to undergo elective laparotomy in the gynaecology department. She was further evaluated in our medical out-patient department (OPD), and elective surgery was withheld. She was started on thyroxine replacement therapy, and within a period of 4 months, the size of the cyst regressed significantly, thereby improving the condition of the patient significantly. This case report highlights the rare and often missed association between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts. Although very rare, profound hypothyroidism that can cause ovarian cysts in an adult should always be kept in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary ovarian surgery. Learning points Hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult females presenting with multicystic ovarian tumours. Adequate thyroid hormone replacement therapy can prevent these patients from undergoing unnecessary and catastrophic ovarian resection. Surgical excision should be considered only when adequate thyroid replacement therapy fails to resolve ovarian enlargement. In younger women with ovarian cysts, it is also desirable to avoid unnecessary surgery so as to not compromise fertility in the future.

scholarly journals Estradiol: micrograms or milligrams

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy M W Kirk ◽  
Nalin Wickramasuriya ◽  
Nicholas J Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Turner Syndrome ◽  
Vaginal Bleeding ◽  
Ethinyl Estradiol ◽  
Final Height ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pill ◽  
Practical Reasons ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
List Type ◽  
The Uk

Summary Estrogen is used to induce puberty in peripubertal girls with hypogonadism. Although both synthetic and natural forms are available, along with different routes of administration, in the UK oral ethinyl estradiol and the low-dose oral contraceptive pill are commonly used as hormone replacement therapy for practical reasons. We present five peripubertal girls (aged 12.5–14.9 years) with hypogonadism (two with primary hypogonadism due to Turner syndrome and three with central (secondary) hypogonadism as part of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency) who for a variety of reasons have received milligram doses of estradiol (E2) in error for between 6 weeks and 6 months, instead of the expected microgram doses of ethinyl estradiol. Although there are no direct comparisons in peripubertal girls between synthetic and natural estrogens, all girls had vaginal bleeding whilst receiving the milligram doses and have ended up with reduced final heights, below the 9th centile in 1 and below the 2nd centile in 4. Whilst reduction in final height may be part of the underlying condition (especially in Turner syndrome) the two girls with height predictions performed prior to receiving the estrogen overdose have not achieved their predicted height. Estrogen is one of the few drugs which is available in both milligram and microgram formulations. Clinicians need to be alert to the possibility of patients receiving the wrong formulation and dosage in error. Learning points Girls with primary and secondary gonadal failure require assistance with pubertal induction. Although several different formulations and route of administration are available, for practical reasons, the majority of girls in the UK receive oral ethinyl estradiol. Estrogen preparations are available in both milligram and microgram formulations, with potential for receiving the wrong dose. Girls receiving milligram rather than microgram preparations all had vaginal bleeding and a short final height.

A pituitary tumour with possible ACTH and TSH hypersecretion in a patient with Addison's disease and primary hypothyroidism

1980 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvi Aanderud ◽  
Hans H. Bassøe
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Addison’S Disease ◽  
Pituitary Tumour ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Addison's Disease ◽  
Acth Secretion ◽  
Pituitary Enlargement

Abstract. A patient with Addison's disease, who was inadequately substituted with corticosteroids for twenty-five years, developed a pituitary tumour. The diagnosis of autoimmune thryroiditis with asymptomatic hypothyroidism was also made. ACTH and TSH plasma values were abnormally elevated. The ACTH secretion was suppressed by cortisone administered perorally. It seems possible that the pituitary enlargement is due to prolonged insufficient adrenocortical replacement therapy. The differential diagnosis and possible pathogenetic factors are discussed.

scholarly journals Pituitary Macroadenoma and Severe Hypothyroidism: The Link between Brain Imaging and Thyroid Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Silvia Ciancia ◽  
Silvia Cesari ◽  
Barbara Predieri ◽  
Sergio Bernasconi ◽  
Lorenzo Iughetti
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Growth Hormone Secretion ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenoma ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia

In case of primary hypothyroidism, reactive pituitary hyperplasia can manifest as pituitary (pseudo) macroadenoma. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who was evaluated for impaired growth velocity and increased body weight. Because of low insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and poor response to the growth hormone stimulation test, brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed and a pituitary macroadenoma was found. Treatment with levothyroxine was started, and thyroid function was evaluated approximately every 40 days to titrate the dosage. After few months of therapy, the size of the macroadenoma decreased and growth hormone secretion normalized. The pituitary returned to normal size in approximately 5 years. The boy went through puberty spontaneously and reached a normal adult height. In a patient affected by primary hypothyroidism, reactive pituitary hyperplasia can cause growth hormone deficiency; however, growth hormone secretion usually normalizes after starting levothyroxine treatment. Pituitary macroadenoma can be difficult to distinguish from severe pituitary hyperplasia; however, pituitary macroadenomas are rare in childhood, and our clinical case underlines how the hormonal evaluation is essential to achieve a correct diagnosis and prevent unnecessary surgery in a context of pituitary mass.

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