Development of thyroid storm after surgical resection of a thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma

To describe a patient with a thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma in whom postoperative thyroid storm developed.

We present a case report with details of the initial presentation, laboratory evaluation, surgical and pathologic findings, and subsequent course in a patient with a thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH)-secreting adenoma and postoperative thyroid storm.

An 18-year-old male patient presented with severe headaches and was found to have a large suprasellar tumor and a mildly elevated level of TSH. Thyroid storm developed immediately after surgical resection of the pituitary mass. Results of laboratory evaluation undertaken preoperatively became available after the patient had undergone the surgical procedure and revealed thyroid hormone levels 2 to 3 times the upper limit of normal. Propylthiouracil and beta-adrenergic blocking agents controlled the postoperative thyrotoxicosis and were subsequently discontinued as his TSH and thyroid hormone levels normalized.

This case demonstrates the rare case of a TSH-secreting adenoma in a young patient, which was complicated by the development of postoperative thyroid storm. In addition, this case emphasizes the importance of preoperative pituitary hormonal evaluation and treatment of hormonal abnormalities in all patients presenting with sellar or suprasellar tumors.