Lack of TSH inhibition by exogenous L-T4 in a patient with follicular thyroid carcinoma

J Endocrinol Invest. 2005 Jul-Aug;28(7):663-6. doi: 10.1007/BF03347268.

Abstract

We report a case of a male patient thyroidectomized for follicular thyroid carcinoma and presenting extremely elevated serum thyrotropin levels under L-T4 suppressive therapy. Administration of L-T3 in increasing amounts resulted in a significant decrease of serum TSH levels. The nature of the possible molecular defects underlying this unusual condition and pitfalls arising from the failure of L-T4 therapy to inhibit TSH secretion in a patient in post-surgical follow-up for follicular carcinoma are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Thyrotropin / blood*
  • Thyroxine / blood*
  • Triiodothyronine / blood

Substances

  • Triiodothyronine
  • Thyrotropin
  • Thyroxine