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Hyperthyroidism due to familial pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone: successful control with 3, 5, 3′ triiodothyroacetic associated to propranolol

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Abstract

We herein describe a family with thyroid hormone resistance. Thyroid hormones and basal TSH were elevated. Pituitary tumor or abnormality in thyroid hormone binding proteins were ruled out by appropriate tests. Mother and sister of the propositus presented similar abnormal hormonal features but no hyperthyroidism. Initially the patient was treated with Carbimazole (30 mg/day): three months later a dramatic increase in the size of the thyroid gland and in TSH levels (12.5 to 28 mU/l) were noted. Thereafter, dextrothyroxine (D-T4) and 3, 5, 3′-triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) were given consecutively and treatment was accompanied by a decrease of TSH levels (2 mU/l) but thyroid hormone remained elevated. The symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism improved with the addition of propranolol (30–60 mg/day). In conclusion, the present report describes a new family with the syndrome of THR and variable degrees of involvement among relatives. We suggest the usefulness of TRIAC therapy to decrease TSH levels and propranolol to improve thyrotoxicosis due to pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrine and Nuclear Medicine Units, General Hospital, Cádiz, Health Department of Andalusian, San Fernando, Cadiz, Spain

    M. Aguilar Diosdado & A. Garcia Curiel

  2. Endocrine Unit, Army Naval Hospital, San Fernando, Cadiz, Spain

    L. Escobar-Jimenez

  3. Endocrine Department and Cathedra of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, Granada, Spain

    M. L. Fernandez Soto & F. Escobar-Jimenez

Authors
  1. M. Aguilar Diosdado
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  2. L. Escobar-Jimenez
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  3. M. L. Fernandez Soto
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  4. A. Garcia Curiel
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  5. F. Escobar-Jimenez
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Diosdado, M.A., Escobar-Jimenez, L., Soto, M.L.F. et al. Hyperthyroidism due to familial pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone: successful control with 3, 5, 3′ triiodothyroacetic associated to propranolol. J Endocrinol Invest 14, 663–668 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03347890

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03347890

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