Pituitary hyperplasia in children with short stature and primary hypothyroidism

Indian Pediatr. 2010 Oct;47(10):877-80. doi: 10.1007/s13312-010-0149-4. Epub 2010 Mar 15.

Abstract

We present eight cases with short stature, pituitary hyperplasia, and hypothyroidism. Pituitary hyperplasia due to primary hypothyroidism was diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations, endocrine examination and MRI. After 2 to 6 months of L-thyroxine replacement therapy, the signs of hypothyroidism disappeared; free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyrotropin and prolactin became normal; and pituitary enlargement regressed. In two children, the growth rate remained low when treated with L-thyroxine, but with additional recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), the height increased by 11 cm per year. No recurrence of lesions was found on follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Body Height*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Growth / drug effects
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis*
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology*
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Thyroxine