Consumptive hypothyroidism in a two months old infant secondary to hepatic haemangiomas

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Hepatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Infantile hypothyroidism can have various etiologies.
• Hepatic hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors of the liver, typically presenting in infancy.

Observation:

• A two-month-old boy presented with severe hypothyroidism and multiple hepatic hemangiomas.
• The hypothyroidism was attributed to the hemangiomas actively consuming thyroid hormone.

Findings:

• High-dose thyroxine therapy and medical treatment for hemangiomas were initiated.
• The patient achieved complete resolution of hepatic hemangiomas and hypothyroidism over a three-year follow-up.
• All treatments were successfully discontinued post-recovery.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare mechanism of acquired hypothyroidism in infancy.
• It underscores the importance of considering vascular tumors as a potential cause of endocrine dysfunction.
• Successful management demonstrates the potential for complete reversal of both conditions with appropriate intervention.