Surgical management of TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas

Two patients with hyperthyroidism due to a thyrotropin (TSH)-secreting pituitary tumor have been observed of a total of 172 patients (1.2%) with pituitary adenomas over a period of 10 years (1986-1995). The serum TSH elevated in spite of high thyroid hormone levels in these two patients. They underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomies to remove the TSH-secreting pituitary tumors with excellent results. Tumors secreting TSH are very rare and are less easily cured by surgery than other types of pituitary adenomas because of large size and invasive features. Our experience with these two patients suggested the importance of early diagnosis and surgery for successful treatment of TSH-secreting pituitary tumors.