Multicystic ovaries and pituitary pseudo-adenoma associated with primary hypothyroidism

Abstract

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a well known but poorly understood iatrogenic complication of superovulation. Spontaneous OHSS has been reported with pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary hypothyroidism and pituitary adenoma. Only a few cases of massive ovarian enlargement in non-pregnant women with primary hypothyroidism have been reported in the English literature. A definitive pathophysiology remains uncertain, although several postulations were proposed. A 23-year-old nulliparous woman presented with transient bloating of her abdomen associated with menstruation for the last four cycles. She had nausea, headache, faintness, galactorrhoea and clinical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism (swelling in the hands and feet, cold intolerance, decreased activity, excessive sleepiness, loss of hair and dry skin) for 6 months. Thyroid stimulating hormone and serum prolactin levels were highly elevated (> 100 μg/l and 4,095 μg/l, respectively) and free thyroxine level was low. Abdominal ultrasound showed bilateral multiple thin-walled ovarian cysts. Contrast enhanced CT of brain showed a pituitary macroadenoma. Treatment with levothyroxine was started and showed marked clinical improvement with return to normal menstruation within 4 months. Serial ultrasound showed gradual regression of the ovarian cysts within 6 months. Serum prolactin level was gradually diminished. Awareness that ovarian and pituitary enlargement may be associated with severe hypothyroidism which can be managed successfully, will spare patients dangerous and unnecessary operative intervention for ovarian cysts or pituitary adenoma.