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Review
. 2011 Aug 23:9:119.
doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-119.

Ignored adult primary hypothyroidism presenting chiefly with persistent ovarian cysts: a need for increased awareness

Jing Shu  1 , Lili Xing, Lingyan Zhang, Suhua Fang, Hefeng Huang
Affiliations
Review

Ignored adult primary hypothyroidism presenting chiefly with persistent ovarian cysts: a need for increased awareness

Jing Shu et al. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. .

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cysts are a common cause for gynecological surgery. However, some cysts are a direct result of endocrine disorders and do not require surgery. This report describes an unusual case in which persistent ovarian cysts are associated with primary hypothyroidism in a young woman. The data were collected by history-taking, physical examination, laboratory tests, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and a histo-pathological study. In addition, the exons of the gene encoding the human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor were sequenced.

Discussion: The patient had markedly elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone and an enlarged pituitary gland. After treatment with thyroid hormone replacement, regression of the enlarged pituitary and the ovarian cysts was observed. The possible mechanisms of the pathophysiology are discussed below.

Summary: It is necessary to consider hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders in the differential diagnosis of adult patients with ovarian multiple cyst formation in order to prevent inadvertent ovarian surgery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pelvic ultrasound image showing right ovary before (A) and after thyroxine treatment (B).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Head MRI before (A) and after thyroxine treatment (B).
Figure 3
Figure 3
The ovarian cyst is lined by a simple layer of non-luteinized cells (A) with edematous stroma (B). (HE, original magnification 100×).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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