Postoperative Treatment in a Patient After Hemithyroidectomy: the Therapeutic Challenges of a Hidden Thyrotropinoma

  • Sabine Vermeersch Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
  • Kris Poppe CHU St-Pierre, Brussel, Belgium
  • David Unuane Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
  • Brigitte Velkeniers Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12890/2015_000217

Keywords

Thyroid nodule, thyrotropinoma, hyperthyroidism, hemithyroidectomy, somatostatin analogues.

Abstract

Objectives: We report the unusual case of a patient with a thyrotropinoma, discovered after a hemithyroidectomy for a suspicious thyroid nodule, and its therapeutic challenges.
Materials and methods: In a patient who underwent hemithyroidectomy for cold thyroid nodule, hyperthyroid symptoms persisted, despite stopping levothyroxine treatment. Further investigation was carried out through the following laboratory tests: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test; free thyroxine (fT4) test; and the thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) test. A pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and genetic analysis was also carried out. The test results confirmed the diagnosis of a thyrotropinoma.
Results: Treatment with long-acting somatostatin analogues normalised thyroid hormones and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Conclusion: The diagnostic approach to the thyroid nodule should include a detailed clinical and biochemical examination. Initial biochemical evaluation by TSH alone does not allow detecting inappropriate TSH secretion that may increase the risk of thyroid malignancy. In case of a thyrotropinoma, the ideal treatment consists of combined care of central and peripheral thyroid disease.

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    • Published: 2015-07-29

    Issue: Vol. 2 No. 5 (2015) (view)

    Section: Articles

    How to cite:
    1.
    Vermeersch S, Poppe K, Unuane D, Velkeniers B. Postoperative Treatment in a Patient After Hemithyroidectomy: the Therapeutic Challenges of a Hidden Thyrotropinoma. EJCRIM 2015;2 doi:10.12890/2015_000217.