October - December 2021, Volume 17, Issue 4

Altay FP, Kulaksizoglu M, Fenkci SM, Yalcin N, Sagtas E

Ectopic TSH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma in Nasopharyngeal Region

Acta Endo (Buc) 2021, 17 (4): 521-527
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2021.521

Objective. TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSH-omas) are very rare disorders. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a thyroid-stimulating hormonesecreting ectopic pituitary adenoma in the nasopharyngeal region. Subjects and Methods. We report a 37-year-old male patient with thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma in nasopharyngeal region. Results. A patient suffering from sweating, palpitations, dizziness and abnormality in thyroid tests was referred to our clinic. Thyroid function tests showed high basal levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), and serum TSH. TRH stimulation test results indicated blunted response. Scintigraphy showed increased radionuclide uptake (iodine-123), and a thyroid ultrasound scan revealed diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland. A pituitary MRI indicated a normal pituitary. However, MRI showed a mass in the nasopharynx that was confirmed with endoscopy. Endoscopic total endonasal resection was done and the mass was removed. The pathology reported a TSHsecreting pituitary adenoma. Conclusion. In this report, an identified case of thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma in nasopharyngeal region is reported and it is the only tenth case in the literature indicated in the nasopharyngeal region. Ectopic TSH-omas should be considered during inappropriate secretion of TSH as a candidate cause to enable correct diagnosis and improve the treatment of patients.

Keywords: TSH-oma, nasopharyngeal region, ectopic pituitary adenoma.

Correspondence: Feride Pinar Altay MD, “Baskent” University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Bahcelievler, Ankara, 06490, Turkey, E-mail: fpaltay@gmail.com