Pituitary enlargement and primary hypothyroidism: a report of two cases with sharply contrasting outcomes

Primary hypothyroidism may be associated with pituitary enlargement. Two cases of pituitary enlargement with suprasellar extension associated with primary hypothyroidism are presented. In one patient, prompt regression of the pituitary enlargement occurred with replacement doses of L-thyroxine. In t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNeurosurgery Vol. 11; no. 6; p. 792
Main Authors Gup, R S, Sheeler, L R, Maeder, M C, Tew, Jr, J M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.1982
Subjects
Adult
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Humans
Hypertrophy - complications
Hypertrophy - diagnostic imaging
Hypothyroidism - complications
Hypothyroidism - drug therapy
Male
Middle Aged
Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care)
Pituitary Gland - pathology
Pituitary Gland - surgery
Pituitary Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging
Thyroxine - therapeutic use
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
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Summary:Primary hypothyroidism may be associated with pituitary enlargement. Two cases of pituitary enlargement with suprasellar extension associated with primary hypothyroidism are presented. In one patient, prompt regression of the pituitary enlargement occurred with replacement doses of L-thyroxine. In the second patient, there was progressive enlargement of the pituitary gland while the patient was on L-thyroxine therapy with documented normalization of serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. We recommend repeat evaluation of all patients with pituitary enlargement that is thought to be secondary to primary hypothyroidism to document regression of pituitary size after L-thyroxine therapy.
ISSN:0148-396X
DOI:10.1097/00006123-198212000-00013