Clinical analysis of 32 cases of pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism

Objective To improve the recognition of pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism by analyzing clinical and imaging data. Methods The clinical features, hormone data,imaging findings, and treatment were reviewed in 32 patients with pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism in Huashan Hospital from 1999 to 2008. Results Thirty-two patients, most juvenile,presented clinical and imaging features suggestive of functional primary pituitary adenoma. The dose of levothyroxine was increased to maintain the thyrotropin concentration at normal values. Following adequate thyroxine replacement, pituitary hyperplasia regressed on average within 6 months. Conclusions Pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism seems to be quite prevalent in children and adolescents.Complete regression will be achieved with thyroxine replacement therapy. Key words: Hypothyroidism, primary; Pituitary hyperplasia