Case reports in neurology · 2026
Headache as the Primary Manifestation of Pituitary Hyperplasia Secondary to Primary Hypothyroidism: A Case Report.
Клинический случайСтатьяНазвание и аннотация: Перевод в очереди
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
Загрузка состояния…
Ошибки и ограничения
История · было → стало
Состояние обновляется каждые 5 секунд, пока блок открыт. Процент показывается только там, где известен объём работы. Пауза останавливает продолжение этапа; текущий запрос к источнику может завершиться.
Al-Bitar Ahmad, Alassaf Bashar, Asfour Batoul, Isstaif Juman, Al-Hawasli Mohammad
Аннотация
INTRODUCTION: Pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism (PHPH) is a rare condition caused by untreated hypothyroidism, leading to thyrotroph proliferation and pituitary enlargement. Common manifestations include growth disorders, obesity, and hormonal imbalances. PHPH may also present with headaches due to pituitary mass effects, though this is less frequently reported. Despite iodine fortification programs, subclinical hypothyroidism remains prevalent in certain regions. PHPH is often misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma, emphasizing the need for clinical awareness, particularly in adolescents with atypical symptoms like headaches without classic hypothyroid features.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old female presented with severe, medication-resistant headaches, photophobia, and nausea. MRI revealed pituitary enlargement (12 × 11 × 9 mm) and a Rathke's cleft cyst. Laboratory tests confirmed severe primary hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]: 117 mIU/L [reference range 0.4-4.5], free T4: 0.34 ng/dL [RR: 0.8-1.8]) and thyroid atrophy on ultrasound. Levothyroxine therapy normalized TSH (2.6 mIU/L) and free T4 (1.26 ng/dL) within 3 months, resolving galactorrhea and improving headaches. Discontinuing treatment led to headache recurrence and elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies (488 IU/mL), confirming autoimmune thyroiditis as the underlying cause. Reinitiating levothyroxine resolved symptoms, underscoring PHPH's role in her presentation.
CONCLUSION: This case highlights PHPH as a rare cause of secondary headaches in adolescents, even without classic hypothyroid symptoms like menstrual irregularities. Timely diagnosis via MRI and thyroid function testing is critical to avoid mismanagement. Levothyroxine effectively reverses pituitary hyperplasia and alleviates symptoms, but long-term adherence is essential to prevent relapse. Clinicians should consider endocrine etiologies in unexplained headaches, particularly in cases resistant to conventional therapies, to ensure prompt intervention and improved outcomes.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old female presented with severe, medication-resistant headaches, photophobia, and nausea. MRI revealed pituitary enlargement (12 × 11 × 9 mm) and a Rathke's cleft cyst. Laboratory tests confirmed severe primary hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]: 117 mIU/L [reference range 0.4-4.5], free T4: 0.34 ng/dL [RR: 0.8-1.8]) and thyroid atrophy on ultrasound. Levothyroxine therapy normalized TSH (2.6 mIU/L) and free T4 (1.26 ng/dL) within 3 months, resolving galactorrhea and improving headaches. Discontinuing treatment led to headache recurrence and elevated thyroid peroxidase antibodies (488 IU/mL), confirming autoimmune thyroiditis as the underlying cause. Reinitiating levothyroxine resolved symptoms, underscoring PHPH's role in her presentation.
CONCLUSION: This case highlights PHPH as a rare cause of secondary headaches in adolescents, even without classic hypothyroid symptoms like menstrual irregularities. Timely diagnosis via MRI and thyroid function testing is critical to avoid mismanagement. Levothyroxine effectively reverses pituitary hyperplasia and alleviates symptoms, but long-term adherence is essential to prevent relapse. Clinicians should consider endocrine etiologies in unexplained headaches, particularly in cases resistant to conventional therapies, to ensure prompt intervention and improved outcomes.