Multiple ovarian cysts in a young girl with severe hypothyroidism

Huge Bilateral Ovarian Cysts With Concurrent Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

A 19-year-old girl with a short stature and presenting low intelligence quotient, illegible speech, and a greatly distended abdomen was seen at the gynecological outpatient department. She underwent investigation and was found to have large abdominopelvic multicystic ovaries with no malignant features and CA125 levels within the normal range for premenopausal women. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was markedly elevated. She received a diagnosis of untreated severe hypothyroidism with benign giant ovarian cysts, posing a grave risk of cyst rupture and imminent complications. The parents were counseled, and they accepted the risk, agreeing to conservative therapy. Levothyroxine replacement therapy was initiated, and after one month, her TSH levels normalized. Follow-up ultrasonography after one month of her therapy revealed a marked decrease in ovarian cyst size. Thyroid replacement therapy was continued, and at the end of three months, the cysts disappeared, and the ovaries, much smaller, showed polycystic ovarian morphology. Careful analysis of clinical signs, investigations, and appropriate therapy helped avoid unnecessary surgery.

The role of the thyroid in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disease in women of childbearing age and can cause metabolic disorder, infertility, and increased anxiety and depression; as a result, it can seriously affect the physical and mental health of fertile women. PCOS is a highly clinically heterogeneous disease with unclear etiology and pathogenesis, which increases the difficulty of treatment. The thyroid gland has complex regulatory effects on metabolism, reproduction, and emotion, and produces hormones that act on almost all cells of the human body. The clinical manifestations of PCOS are similar to some thyroid diseases. Furthermore, some thyroid diseases, such as subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), not only increase the incidence rate of PCOS, but also exacerbate its associated metabolic abnormalities and reproductive disorders. Interestingly, PCOS also increases the incidence of some thyroid diseases. However, the role of the thyroid in PCOS remains unclear. This review is intended to thoroughly explore the critical role of the thyroid in PCOS by summarizing the comorbidity of PCOS and thyroid diseases and their combined role in metabolic disorders, related metabolic diseases, and reproductive disorders; and by analyzing the potential mechanism through which the thyroid influences the development and progression of PCOS and its symptoms. We hope this review will provide a valuable reference for the role of the thyroid in PCOS.

Van Wyk Grumbach Syndrome and Ovarian Hyperstimulation in Juvenile Primary Hypothyroidism: Lessons From a 30-Case Cohort

Context

Prolonged hypothyroidism in children commonly causes short stature with delayed bone maturation, and delayed puberty. However, a paradoxical occurrence of peripheral precocious puberty and pituitary enlargement in chronically untreated juvenile hypothyroidism was first reported by Van Wyk and Grumbach in 1960.

Objective

To create increased awareness and a better understanding of this clinical entity among emergency room physicians, pediatricians, surgeons, gynecologists and oncologists.

Methods

Case records of children diagnosed with Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome (VWGS) were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Twenty-six girls and 4 boys were identified (2005-2020). All had profound primary hypothyroidism (total thyroxine [T4]: 2.5-33.5 nmol/L, thyrotropin: > 75-3744 μIU/mL). Hypothyroidism was not the referral diagnosis in any of the girls. Among them, 17 were referred for precocious puberty, 5 with a diagnosis of pituitary tumor on magnetic resonance imaging, and others for acute surgical abdomen in 7 girls (painful abdominal mass-2, ovarian tumor-2, ovarian torsion-2, ruptured ovarian cyst-1), acute myelopathy in 1, and menorrhagia with headache in another. All girls were successfully managed with levothyroxine replacement alone, except for the 2 with ovarian torsion, who required surgery. Menstruation ceased promptly with T4 therapy in all girls, occurring at an age-appropriate later date. All boys had testicular enlargement at presentation that regressed partially after T4 treatment. Catch-up growth was remarkable during the first treatment year, but the final height was compromised in all.

Conclusion

Increased awareness of varied presentations of VWGS is vital among pediatricians to facilitate early diagnosis and targeted investigations, and to help in the initiation of the simple yet highly rewarding T4 replacement therapy to avoid all possible complications.

Spontaneous Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Associated With Primary Hypothyroidism

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a rare condition in pregnant women. Most cases are associated with the use of ovulation induction and stimulation medications. Some studies have reported cases of this condition in non-pregnant women or women undergoing ovulation therapy. In this case report, we report the case of a 27-year-old pregnant Saudi woman presenting with a picture of severe spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome secondary to severe undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Treatment with Eltroxin (thyroxine) led to complete improvement and regression of ovarian enlargement after empirical titrating thyroxin replacement therapy, which proved the presence of this causation. The diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory and imaging findings, which helped prompt management and prevented complications of unneeded surgical intervention.

VanWyk-Grumbach syndrome in a male pediatric patient: A rare case report and literature review

Primary hypothyroidism usually leads to retardation of linear growth and delay or even arrest of puberty in juvenile patients. In rare cases, pediatric patients with hypothyroidism may present with signs of VanWyk-Grumbach's syndrome (VWGS), which includes juvenile hypothyroidism, delayed bone age and pseudoprecocious puberty. The present study reported on a rare case of VWGS and other complications, including obesity, short stature, hepatomegaly and pituitary hyperplasia. In addition, a comprehensive literature review was performed to illustrate the treatment and outcome of VWGS in pediatric patients. The present study contributed to the current knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of VWGS in pediatric patients.

Vanishing large ovarian cyst with thyroxine therapy

A 21-year-old female patient recently diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism was found to have a large ovarian cyst. In view of the large ovarian cyst, she was advised to undergo elective laparotomy in the gynaecology department. She was further evaluated in our medical out-patient department (OPD), and elective surgery was withheld. She was started on thyroxine replacement therapy, and within a period of 4 months, the size of the cyst regressed significantly, thereby improving the condition of the patient significantly. This case report highlights the rare and often missed association between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts. Although very rare, profound hypothyroidism that can cause ovarian cysts in an adult should always be kept in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary ovarian surgery.

Case report on spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following natural conception associated with primary hypothyroidism

Spontaneous OHSS is a rare event in pregnancy following natural conception and only a few cases have been reported in the literature so far. This report is a case of spontaneously conceived pregnancy with Spontaneous OHSS and Primary hypothyroidism.

Acute ovarian torsion and primary hypothyroidism

A 12-year-old girl presented with acute abdominal pain due to an acute ovarian torsion. She required an oophorectomy. Clinical and laboratory assessment confirmed severe primary hypothyroidism. In this report, we review this rare complication of untreated primary hypothyroidism and the physiologic mechanisms proposed to explain this phenomenon.

Severe menorrhagia, unilateral ovarian mass, elevated inhibin levels, and severe hypothyroidism: an unusual presentation of Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome

A 10 year old female presented with a 3 week history of persistent vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and generalized fatigue. Further work-up determined that she had severe autoimmune hypothyroidism, precocious puberty, and a large left cystic ovarian mass, consistent with Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome. In addition, the patient had elevated inhibin A and B levels, which may be elevated in granulosa cell tumor. The patient was managed with thyroid hormone replacement therapy and careful observation. Complete resolution of the ovarian mass and interval normalization of the inhibin levels were achieved. In females with severe primary hypothyroidism, ovarian masses, and elevated tumor markers, operative resection may be avoided with appropriate thyroid replacement therapy and close observation.

Male Child with Van Wyk-Grumbach's Syndrome and Other Complications of Long-Standing Primary Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

Primary hypothyroidism in the juvenile population generally leads to retardation of linear growth and delay or even arrest of puberty. However, in rare conditions, children with long-standing hypothyroidism present with signs of Van Wyk-Grumbach's syndrome (VWGS) which include juvenile hypothyroidism, delayed bone age, and pseudoprecocious puberty. We report a rare case of prepubertal male child from Asian origin, presented with long-standing untreated hypothyroidism complicated with VWGS and other complications including obesity, short stature, hepatomegaly, asymptomatic mild pericardial effusion, and pituitary hyperplasia.

Ovarian Cyst Enlargement in a 14 Year Old Female with Persistent Ascities, Severe Hypothyroidism and Elevated Serum CA-125 Level

A 14 year old female complained of abdominal pain and distention with vomiting. The physical exam showed thyroid enlargement and ascites. The imaging evaluation demonstrated a large ovarian cyst. Laboratory tests depicted hypothyroidism and marked elevation of Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) levels. As the bone age was 10 years, more retarded than the chronological age, Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome was suspected. Treatment with thyroid hormone was initiated and the condition improved dramatically with disappearance of symptoms and signs 5 weeks later.

An unusual presentation of acquired hypothyroidism: the Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome

The association in young females of long-standing primary hypothyroidism, isosexual precocious pseudopuberty and multicystic enlarged ovaries was first described in 1960 by Van Wyk and Grumbach. Since then, sporadic case reports have contributed to clarifying the key features of this syndrome. The unique elements that lead to this diagnosis are FSH-dominated sexual precocity combined with a delayed bone age in the presence of hypothyroidism. It is important to recognise this syndrome because initiating simple thyroid hormone replacement completely resolves symptoms and hormone abnormalities, avoiding unnecessary investigations for malignancies or surgical intervention. We describe an 8-year-old girl with autoimmune thyroiditis and severe long-standing hypothyroidism presenting with the clinical features of Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome, a secondary TSH-secreting adenoma and hyperprolactinaemia. In addition, this girl presented with microcytic anaemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and two unusual features - a newly developed streaky hyperpigmented skin lesion and parathyroid hormone suppression despite vitamin D deficiency. Thyroxine replacement normalised all hormone abnormalities and shrunk the pituitary adenoma within 9 months, but the new skin lesion persisted. We review the literature and explore the pathophysiology of known and new features that give rise to speculation indicating stimulation of the FSH G protein-coupled receptor by excessive TSH, but LH suppression by hyperprolactinaemia.

Ignored adult primary hypothyroidism presenting chiefly with persistent ovarian cysts: a need for increased awareness

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cysts are a common cause for gynecological surgery. However, some cysts are a direct result of endocrine disorders and do not require surgery. This report describes an unusual case in which persistent ovarian cysts are associated with primary hypothyroidism in a young woman. The data were collected by history-taking, physical examination, laboratory tests, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and a histo-pathological study. In addition, the exons of the gene encoding the human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor were sequenced.

DISCUSSION

The patient had markedly elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone and an enlarged pituitary gland. After treatment with thyroid hormone replacement, regression of the enlarged pituitary and the ovarian cysts was observed. The possible mechanisms of the pathophysiology are discussed below.

SUMMARY

It is necessary to consider hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders in the differential diagnosis of adult patients with ovarian multiple cyst formation in order to prevent inadvertent ovarian surgery.

Van wyk and grumbach syndrome: an unusual case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The syndrome consisting of primary hypothyroidism, precocious puberty, and massive ovarian cysts was termed Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome in 1960. Little is known about the effect of the cysts on ovarian tumor markers.

CASE

A 12-year-old Caucasian female presented with headaches and fatigue. Imaging to evaluate her headaches revealed a pituitary macroadenoma. Soon after her macroadenoma was discovered, she presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain. Imaging at that time revealed massive bilateral ovarian masses with the left measuring 17 × 13 × 8.5 cm and the right measuring 18 × 11 × 10 cm. Ovarian tumor markers were drawn at this time, most of which were highly elevated. Subsequent evaluation revealed extreme hypothyroidism. Given these findings of a pituitary macroadenoma, bilateral ovarian masses, and severe hypothyroidism, the patient was diagnosed with Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome. We followed the cyst conservatively and the ovaries and tumor markers returned to normal after adequate thyroid replacement.

COMMENTS

This case supports conservative treatment as the first-line approach to massive ovarian cysts caused by hypothyroidism. In addition this case shows that tumor markers can be abnormal in the absence of a malignancy in this setting. Before proceeding with surgical evaluation, exclusion of hypothyroidism to exclude this rare but treatable syndrome should be undertaken. The most important diagnostic clue that the cyst may be caused by an endocrine source is the finding of bilateral ovarian cysts rather than one ovary affected as seen in most ovarian malignancies in this age group.

Ovarian tumors with elevated CA-125 levels and severe juvenile hypothyroidism: a need for increased awareness

A 15-yr-old girl presented with bilateral gross ovarian tumors, clinical features of long-standing unrecognized hypothyroidism and markedly elevated CA-125 levels. Ovarian resection was avoided, as the presentation was consistent with the Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome; and the patient was treated with replacement of thyroid hormone. Regression of the ovarian tumors occurred 6 months after initiation of the treatment. The authors emphasise the need for increased awareness and screening for hypothyroidism in patients with ovarian tumors, in order to prevent inadvertent operative interventions.

Ovarian tumor in a 12-year old female with severe hypothyroidism: A case of Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome

We report a 12-year-old female presenting with an abdominal tumor. Diagnostic workup revealed giant bilateral ovarian cysts, severe hypothyroidism as well as an elevation of CA 125. We refrained from ovariectomy, which would be necessary for a malignant tumor, in view of an evident Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome. The patient promptly responded to L-thyroxine with complete regression of all symptoms. Hypothyroidism should be considered in the evaluation of ovarian cysts. Although the Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome is rare, it is crucial to rule it out in order to avoid unnecessary ovarian surgery when thyroid replacement is completely sufficient.

Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome revisited: imaging and clinical findings in pre- and postpubertal girls

BACKGROUND

In 1960 Van Wyk and Grumbach described a syndrome of juvenile hypothyroidism, precocious puberty and ovarian enlargement. These findings undergo complete regression with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This diagnosis can be made on the basis of imaging findings and thyroid function analysis, avoiding surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To relate the distinctive clinical and imaging features and putative pathophysiological mechanism of a series of patients with Van Wyk and Grumbach syndrome (VWGS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with VWGS diagnosed at two large children's hospitals over a 6-year period beginning in 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. A literature review was also conducted.

RESULTS

Five female patients were diagnosed with cystic ovarian enlargement and hypothyroidism at ages ranging from 9 to 17 years. Isosexual precocious puberty was found in prepubescent patients. Associated findings included delayed bone age, ascites, and pleural and pericardial effusions. Ovarian cyst involution occurred following treatment of the hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSION

The association of primary hypothyroidism with cystic ovarian enlargement and precocious puberty is important to recognize. In the absence of suspected ovarian torsion, surgery is unnecessary, as cyst regression occurs after appropriate thyroid hormone replacement. Noncompliance with hormone replacement therapy should be considered when cystic ovarian enlargement is noted in patients with a history of hypothyroidism.