Pituitary Gland Enlargement in Primary Hypothyroidism: A Report of 5 Cases with Follow-Up Data

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Abstract

Five female patients with primary hypothyroidism and radiological evidence of a pituitary enlargement were studied before and after a mean of 30 months (range 12–83 months) treatment with thyroxine (T4). Before treatment, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were elevated in every patient (mean 392 mU/l, range 240–475) and prolactin levels in 4 (mean 79 µg/l, range 48–143 µg/l). CT scanning confirmed the presence of pituitary enlargement in the 4 patients studied, which was suprasellar in 3. The remaining patient had an enlarged fossa on a lateral skull radiograph. During treatment with T4, TSH and prolactin levels were normal in all. Complete disappearance of the enlargement was seen on follow-up scans in all patients and 1 developed an empty sella. The induction of a pituitary enlargement by primary hypothyroidism results from reversible hyperplasia of both the TSH and prolactin-secreting cells in most instances. Occasionally, however, hyperplasia of the thyrotrophs can occur in isolation and an empty sella can occur after successful treatment with T4. Thyroid function tests should be obtained in all hyperprolactinemic patients.

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Author and article information

Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): HRE

Journal ID (nlm-ta): Horm Res Paediatr

Journal ID (doi): 10.1159/issn.1663-2818

Title: Hormone Research in Paediatrics

Publisher: S. Karger AG

ISSN (Print): 1663-2818

ISSN (Electronic): 1663-2826

Publication date Subscription-year: 1989

Publication date (Print): 1989

Publication date (Electronic): 02 December 2008

Volume: 32

Issue: 5-6

Pages: 188-192

Affiliations

Departments of ^aMedicine, ^bRadiology, and ^cPediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Article

Publisher ID: 181287 Other ID: Horm Res 1989;32:188–192

DOI: 10.1159/000181287

PubMed ID: 2634612

SO-VID: f70160e2-07b5-4856-8264-f50da5fff4b0

License:

Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

History

Date received : 10 March 1989

Date accepted : 10 October 1989

Page count

Pages: 5

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