Abstract

Background: Somatostatin analogs (SSA) are efficiently used to control central hyperthyroidism in patients with thyrotropin-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (TSH-PitNET). The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of thyrotropin (TSH) deficiency under SSA in patients with TSH-PitNET. Methods: We retrospectively recruited patients presenting a central hyperthyroidism due to TSH-PitNET. Inclusion criteria were patients treated in first, second or third line by short or long-acting SSA, with central hyperthyroidism before SSA. Patients treated by radiotherapy or dopamine agonist were excluded. TSH deficiency was defined by either a low FT4 or low FT4 and FT3, associated with non-elevated TSH concentrations during SSA therapy. We analyzed the frequency of TSH deficiency and the characteristics of patients with or without TSH deficiency. Results: 46 patients were included in the study. SSA were used as the first-line therapy in 21 of 46 patients (46%). Central hyperthyroidism was controlled in 36 of 46 patients (78%). TSH deficiency appeared in 7 of 46 patients (15%), after a median time of 4 weeks (4–7) after the starting of SSA, and for a median duration of 3 months (2.5–3). The TSH deficiency occurred after 1 to 3 injections of long-acting SSA. There were no differences in terms of clinical and hormonal features and size of adenomas between patients with or without TSH deficiency. Conclusions: In patients with central hyperthyroidism due to TSH-PitNET, SSA can induce TSH deficiency. Thyrotropic function should be assessed before each injection of SSA in order to adapt the frequency of injection when control of thyrotoxicosis rather than tumor reduction is purpose of the treatment.

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