Primary idiopathic hypothalamic hypothyroidism. Report of four cases

Am J Med. 1987 Jul;83(1):171-4. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(87)90515-8.

Abstract

One man and three women with hypothalamic hypothyroidism are described; they had isolated thyrotropin-releasing hormone deficiency, otherwise normal pituitary function, and no identifiable central nervous system anatomic abnormality. Serum thyrotropin levels were low and thyrotropic response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone was uniformly present, consistent with a hypothalamic cause of hypothyroidism. In two patients, hypothyroidism was transient and spontaneously resolved; in one of them, it was recurrent. Because hypothalamic hypothyroidism is mild and potentially reversible, it is suggested that such patients have follow-up evaluation before therapy is initiated in order to avoid unnecessary treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / complications
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis*
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Recurrence
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / deficiency
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Thyroxine