Atrial fibrillation associated with a thyroid stimulating hormone-secreting adenoma of the pituitary gland leading to a presentation of acute cardiac decompensation: A case report
2008

Atrial Fibrillation and Pituitary Adenoma: A Case Report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): George Jyothis T, Thow Jonathan C, Matthews Bruce, Pye Maurice P, Jayagopal Vijay

Primary Institution: York Hospital, York, UK

Hypothesis

Can a TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma cause atrial fibrillation and cardiac decompensation?

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of evaluating thyroid function in patients with atrial fibrillation, as TSH-secreting adenomas can lead to serious complications.

Supporting Evidence

  • Thyroid function tests showed elevated TSH and thyroid hormones, indicating a pituitary cause for hyperthyroidism.
  • The patient underwent successful trans-sphenoidal excision of the pituitary macroadenoma.
  • Post-operative follow-up showed normalization of thyroid hormone levels.

Takeaway

A man with a pituitary tumor caused his heart to beat irregularly, but after treatment, he got better and returned to work.

Methodology

The patient was treated with antithyroid medication and underwent neurosurgical removal of the tumor.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

63-year-old Caucasian man.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-2-67

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