8412 Resolution of Central Hypothyroidism shortly after Transsphenoidal Surgery For Cushing’s Disease

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: L. Esper: None. A. Ibrahim: None. N. El Asmar: None. Background: Cushing's disease is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol production, resulting in various metabolic disturbances. Hypercortisolism is known to cause central hypothyroidism. The mechanism is complex and involves hypercortisolism mediated decreased TRH and TSH secretion in addition to inhibition of peripheral deiodination. This case details the successful management and recovery of a patient with Cushing's disease and reversal of central hypothyroidism after pituitary surgery.Case:A 43-year-old man was evaluated for central hypogonadism, 20 pound weight gain with central weight distribution, and the development of purple abdominal striae for the past year. He had a normal thyroid exam and appeared euthyroid. He was alsodiagnosed with hypertension and prediabetes in the past yearrequiring medical therapy.A low dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST) resulted in AM cortisol of 12.9 mcg/dl. Two adequate 24hr Urinary cortisol measurements showed elevated cortisol excretion at 458 and 378mcg/24. Lab evaluation revealed elevated cortisol levels along with elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels(ACTH of 172 pg/ml with a cortisol level of 23.9 mcg/dl). A high dose DST demonstrated suppression of cortisol to 3.4 mcg/dl. MRI pituitary was performed which showed a clearright sided 7mm pituitary adenoma.Thyroid function tests performed were consistent with central hypothyroidism, with low levels of free thyroxine (FT4) at 0.67ng/dl along with an inappropriately low normal thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) at 0.596 uIU/ml. Total T4 was low at 4 ug/dl in addition to a low total T3 of 66 ng/dl. Remaining labs revealed central hypogonadism along with slightly elevated prolactin of 16 ng/ml. He was not started on thyroid hormone.He then underwent transsphenoidal surgery for tumor removal. He developed post-operative adrenal insufficiency (cortisol 2.12 mcg/dl) 16 hours post-op after which he was started on hydrocortisone replacement, indicating remission. 12 hours post-op, his TSH was 0.656 uIU/ml with a free t4 of 0.79 ng/dl, both in the normal range. 36 hours post-op, TSH was 0.524 uIU/ml and free t4 was 1.15 ng/dl. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma.At 4 weeks post-op, thyroid labs showed normal FT4 (1.07ng/dl) and TSH (2.06uIU/ml). Conclusion: Hypercortisolism causes a global inhibition of the thyroid axis, with decreased levels of TSH, T4, and T3 (1). Previous studies suggest the monitoring of thyroid function at 6 and 12 months after surgical cure of hypercortisolism. Our case suggests that the resolution of hypothyroidism occurs shortly after surgery for Cushing’s disease and the need for earlier monitoring. Presentation: 6/3/2024