Spontaneous regression of a postpartum pituitary mass demonstrated by computed tomography.
An 18-year-old woman had postpartum thyrotoxicosis, hypercalcemia, and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency. A pituitary mass with suprasellar extension was demonstrated on computed axial tomography (CT). The patient subsequently became hypothyroid and normocalcemic, and repeated CT scanning showed that the pituitary mass had undergone a spontaneous regression in size. Computed axial tomographic scanning is an important modality for the evaluation of postpartum pituitary masses and their natural history. This case suggests that some patients with postpartum hypopituitarism and a pituitary mass need not have early surgical intervention but may be closely observed and treated by hormone replacement alone.
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000209:etiology; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000209:etiology; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed