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Roux A, Rosso D, Cuboni D, Maccario M, Grottoli S, Arvat E, Gasco V. Pituitary Hyperplasia Due to Longstanding Primary Hypothyroidism: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1368. [PMID: 38927575 PMCID: PMC11202140 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a frequently diagnosed endocrine disorder. Common signs and symptoms include fatigue, cold intolerance, hoarseness, dry skin, constipation, a slow relaxation phase of deep tendon reflexes, and bradycardia. However, some patients may exhibit atypical signs and symptoms, which can result in diagnostic confusion. Pituitary hyperplasia resulting from longstanding primary hypothyroidism was first described by Niepce in 1851. It is usually asymptomatic, but sometimes, in addition to symptoms of overt hypothyroidism, patients may complain of headaches, hypopituitarism, visual field impairment, and hyperprolactinemia. Furthermore, on imaging, pituitary hyperplasia can be mistaken for a pituitary adenoma. Distinguishing between the two is crucial, as their management differs; the former often responds to thyroid hormone replacement therapy, while the latter might need treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Here we describe a patient who developed pituitary hyperplasia in the setting of longstanding uncompensated primary hypothyroidism due to a lack of compliance with levothyroxine replacement therapy. We also review the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings of the case reports available in the literature up to now in order to improve the knowledge and the care of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Roux
- Division of Oncological Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (D.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Daniela Rosso
- Division of Oncological Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (D.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Daniela Cuboni
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (D.C.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Mauro Maccario
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (D.C.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Silvia Grottoli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (D.C.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Emanuela Arvat
- Division of Oncological Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (D.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Valentina Gasco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (D.C.); (M.M.); (S.G.)
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Marques P, Sapinho I, Korbonits M. Pseudoacromegaly-A challenging entity in the endocrine clinic: A systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:542-557. [PMID: 38549284 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pseudoacromegaly encompasses conditions with features of acromegaly/gigantism, but no growth hormone (GH) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) excess. We aimed to review published pseudoacromegaly cases evaluated due to clinical suspicion of acromegaly. DESIGN/PATIENTS PubMed/Medline search was conducted to identify reported pseudoacromegaly cases, which were systematically reviewed to ensure they met eligibility criteria: (1) presentation suggestive of acromegaly; (2) acromegaly excluded based on normal GH, IGF-1 and/or GH suppression on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT-GH); (3) diagnosis of the pseudoacromegaly condition was established. Data were retrieved from each case and analysed collectively. RESULTS Of 76 cases, 47 were males, mean ages at presentation and at first acromegaloid symptoms were 28 ± 16 and 17 ± 10 years, respectively. Most common conditions were pachydermoperiostosis (47%) and insulin-mediated pseudoacromegaly (IMP) (24%). Acromegaloid facies (75%) and acral enlargement (80%) were the most common features. Measurement of random GH was reported in 65%, IGF-1 in 79%, OGTT-GH in 51%. GH excess was more frequently excluded based on two tests (53%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 30 patients, with pituitary adenoma or hyperplasia being reported in eight and three patients, respectively. Investigations differed between cases managed by endocrine and non-endocrine specialists, the former requesting more often IGF-1, OGTT-GH and pituitary MRI. CONCLUSIONS Pseudoacromegaly is a challenging entity that may be encountered by endocrinologists. Pachydermoperiostosis and IMP are the conditions most often mimicking acromegaly. Adequate assessment of GH/IGF-1 is crucial to exclude acromegaly, which may be better performed by endocrinologists. Pituitary incidentalomas are common and require careful judgement to prevent unnecessary pituitary surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Sapinho
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Perić I, Zamolo G, Bezak B, Klen J, Jurišić-Eržen D. The Importance of Acromegaloid Physical Features for Clinical Practice. Case Rep Endocrinol 2023; 2023:5583344. [PMID: 38023692 PMCID: PMC10676274 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5583344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acromegaly and gigantism are hormonal disorders which develop as a consequence of chronic growth hormone hypersecretion. The prefix pseudo- is used to describe a certain clinical condition without a clearly proven characteristic of pathophysiological mechanism and basic biochemical features; pseudoacromegaly or acromegaloidism match the definition from above. In this case reports, we will try to provide a concise overview of diagnostic evaluation of acromegaloid physical appearance, while discussing two cases of patients who have similar clinical acromegaloid features as the first sign of the disease but have completely different etiologic backgrounds of their acromegalic appearance. The first case is of a 57-year-old male who presented with a marked acral growth and coarse facial features, but the diagnosis of secondary amyloidosis caused by multiple myeloma was confirmed just after biopsy of tongue and buccal mucosa. The second case is that of a 63-year-old male with an acromegaloid appearance caused by ectopic secretion of GH secreting lung carcinoma. The early diagnosis of ectopic acromegaly and pseudoacromegaly is still a challenging process. The key task is to confirm the GH axis abnormalities and establish the underlying disease, as a crucial step for faster treatment and need to avoid unnecessary therapeutic procedures to decreased mortality and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Perić
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Centre, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Gordana Zamolo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Centre, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Boris Bezak
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Centre, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jasna Klen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Division of Surgery, Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Dubravka Jurišić-Eržen
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Centre, Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Marques P, Korbonits M. Approach to the Patient With Pseudoacromegaly. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1767-1788. [PMID: 34792134 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoacromegaly encompasses a heterogeneous group of conditions in which patients have clinical features of acromegaly or gigantism, but no excess of GH or IGF-1. Acromegaloid physical features or accelerated growth in a patient may prompt referral to endocrinologists. Because pseudoacromegaly conditions are rare and heterogeneous, often with overlapping clinical features, the underlying diagnosis may be challenging to establish. As many of these have a genetic origin, such as pachydermoperiostosis, Sotos syndrome, Weaver syndrome, or Cantú syndrome, collaboration is key with clinical geneticists in the diagnosis of these patients. Although rare, awareness of these uncommon conditions and their characteristic features will help their timely recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
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Pituitary Hyperplasia in Severe Primary Hypothyroidism: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Rep Endocrinol 2019; 2019:2012546. [PMID: 31341683 PMCID: PMC6614958 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2012546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary hyperplasia is commonly present but remains largely undiagnosed in primary hypothyroidism. It is easily reversible with thyroid replacement therapy. If imaging is performed prior to biochemical evaluation, then patients may undergo pituitary surgery. We present the case of a 34-year-old female with profound primary hypothyroidism and secondary pituitary hyperplasia that resolved after thyroid hormone supplementation. We will discuss the current literature regarding pituitary hyperplasia in primary hypothyroidism in adults.
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Marques P, Korbonits M. Pseudoacromegaly. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:113-143. [PMID: 30448536 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with acromegaloid physical appearance or tall stature may be referred to endocrinologists to exclude growth hormone (GH) excess. While some of these subjects could be healthy individuals with normal variants of growth or physical traits, others will have acromegaly or pituitary gigantism, which are, in general, straightforward diagnoses upon assessment of the GH/IGF-1 axis. However, some patients with physical features resembling acromegaly - usually affecting the face and extremities -, or gigantism - accelerated growth/tall stature - will have no abnormalities in the GH axis. This scenario is termed pseudoacromegaly, and its correct diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity and variability of these conditions, as well as due to significant overlap in their characteristics. In this review we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of pseudoacromegaly conditions, highlighting their similarities and differences with acromegaly and pituitary gigantism, to aid physicians with the diagnosis of patients with pseudoacromegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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Chakraborty PP, Bhattacharjee R, Roy A, Chowdhury S. Pseudoacromegaly: an unusual presenting manifestation of long-standing undiagnosed primary hypothyroidism. Postgrad Med J 2017; 93:639-640. [PMID: 28500245 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2017-134963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Partha Pratim Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Rana Bhattacharjee
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ajitesh Roy
- Department of Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Vivekananda Institute of Medical Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhankar Chowdhury
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, IPGME&R/SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Johnstone T, Terzo E, Mooney CT. Hypothyroidism associated with acromegaly and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus in a Samoyed. Aust Vet J 2014; 92:437-42. [PMID: 25290378 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aetiology of insulin resistance (IR) in naturally occurring canine hypothyroidism is poorly understood and likely multifactorial. Excess secretion of growth hormone (GH) by transdifferentiated pituitary cells may contribute to IR in some hypothyroid dogs, but although this has been demonstrated in experimental studies, it has not yet been documented in clinical cases. CASE REPORT A 4-year-old male entire Samoyed presented with an 8-month history of pedal hyperkeratosis and shifting lameness, which had been unresponsive to zinc supplementation, antibiotics and glucocorticoid therapy. The dog also exhibited exercise intolerance and polydipsia of 12 and 2 months duration, respectively. On physical examination, obesity, poor coat condition, widened interdental spaces and mild respiratory stridor were noted. Initial laboratory test results revealed concurrent hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus (DM). Further investigations showed IR, GH excess and a paradoxical increase of GH following stimulation with thyrotropin-releasing hormone. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case that suggests that GH alterations may have clinical significance in naturally occurring hypothyroidism. Among other factors, hypothyroidism-induced GH excess should be considered as a possible cause of IR in patients suffering from hypothyroidism and concurrent DM. In such cases, DM may reverse with treatment of hypothyroidism, as was documented in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Johnstone
- University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital, Department of Small Animal Medicine, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biochemical diagnosis of acromegaly relies on measurement of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH). An elevated IGF-1 level above the age- and gender-specific normal range and nonsuppression of GH to oral glucose load to a nadir < 0.4 ng/ml in sensitive assays are currently considered diagnostic of acromegaly. Lack of normative data for both IGF-1 and GH across a wide range of populations and ethnicities, interassay and intraassay laboratory variability, pulsatility of GH secretion, and effects of medications and hormones may confound interpretation of these biochemical tests. AREAS COVERED Clinical situations in which acromegaly should be suspected and/or investigated. Strengths and limitations of current IGF-1/GH assays are discussed. Clinical scenarios with discordant GH suppression test and IGF-1 levels and, briefly, acromegaly in pregnancy, prolactin-cosecreting tumors, familial acromegaly, and nonpituitary acromegaly are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Serum IGF-1 is the cornerstone and in most cases the stand-alone test in the diagnosis and follow-up in patients with acromegaly. Diagnosis depends on the accurate and reliable measurement of serum IGF-1. GH suppression testing is currently used in limited clinical setting. Standardization of IGF-1 assay and development of normative data across a wide population base are needed. Newer bioassays for IGF-1 hold promise for future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Kannan
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk F20, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Acromegaloid facial appearance: case report and literature review. Case Rep Endocrinol 2013; 2013:970396. [PMID: 23533839 PMCID: PMC3600240 DOI: 10.1155/2013/970396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudoacromegaly is characterized by an acromegalic appearance without any abnormality of growth hormone function. It may be caused by several congenital and acquired conditions. One such condition is the acromegaloid facial appearance (AFA) syndrome. This condition has been described in approximately eight cases/families. It encompasses a spectrum of acromegaloid physical findings, normal growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor one (IGF-1) levels, and variable mode of inheritance. The most common physical findings are coarse facies, bulbous nose, and thickened lips. We present a case and a review of the literature on this illness. The patient is a 57-year-old woman who was referred to the endocrinology division for evaluation of suspected acromegaly. She had an acromegaloid appearance since birth as well as a terminal hypertrichosis. Her endocrine laboratory evaluation and chromosomal analyses were normal. AFA needs to be considered when evaluating any patient with pseudoacromegaly. Additional cases/families need to be identified in order to better understand the clinical spectrum, clinical implications, and mode of inheritance of AFA.
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