title: Primary hypothyroidism presenting as a pituitary mass.
abstract: Pituitary enlargement secondary to primary hypothyroidism is a known but uncommon occurrence, which can be difficult to distinguish on computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from primary pituitary tumors. We describe a 33 year old female who was referred to a neurosurgeon for removal of a pituitary mass. The markedly elevated thyrotrophin stimulating hormone (TSH), absence of clinical features of hyperthyroidism, and low thyroid hormone values led to a diagnosis of pituitary enlargement secondary to primary hypothyroidism. The pituitary gland returned to normal size with thyroxine replacement therapy. Surgery was not indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Nicholas
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000473:pathology*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*