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Unexplained increase in serum corticosteroid-binding globulin levels in a patient with chronic thyroiditis, pituitary

K Tojo1, Y Ohno, M Kawamura

  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Endocrine Journal
|December 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a case of unexplained high corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) in a woman with thyroiditis and pituitary adenoma. The elevated CBG was not linked to known causes, suggesting a novel association.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) levels are typically influenced by estrogen and pregnancy.
  • Understanding factors affecting CBG is crucial for interpreting hormonal status.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with markedly elevated serum CBG concentrations (74.1 +/- 12.1 micrograms/dl) compared to normal women (32.5 +/- 5.6 micrograms/dl).
  • The patient was unmarried, not pregnant, and not taking exogenous estrogens.
  • She had co-existing conditions: subclinical chronic thyroiditis, pituitary adenoma, and empty sella.

Findings:

  • The elevated CBG in this patient could not be attributed to any known factors.
  • Consistently high basal serum growth hormone (GH) levels were observed.
  • Unusual GH responses to growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) and L-dopa were noted.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential novel association between pituitary and thyroid conditions and elevated CBG.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind unexplained CBG elevation.
  • This finding may necessitate re-evaluation of diagnostic criteria for conditions involving CBG abnormalities.

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