Challenging diagnosis of resistance to thyroid hormone in a patient with COVID-19, pituitary microadenoma and unusual response to octreotide long-acting release test
Authors: Petolicchio Cristian , Brasili Sara , Gay Stefano , Cocchiara Francesco , Campi Irene , Persani Luca , Vera Lara , Ferone Diego , Gatto Federico 
Published: April 2024

The resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome (RTHβ) occurs uncommonly and requires a high level of clinical suspicion and specific investigations to reach a precise diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies. We report a case of a young male patient referred to our unit for SARS-CoV-2 infection and atrial fibrillation with elevated thyroid hormones and non-suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), for which antithyroid therapy was prescribed. A mood disorder was reported in the medical history. The family history was unknown as the patient was adopted. Thyroid-specific antibodies were undetectable, and thyroid ultrasound revealed a normal thyroid gland without nodules. After the resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the diagnostic workup continued, and the pituitary MRI revealed a small area ascribable to a microadenoma. Due to atrial fibrillation, the execution of the T3 test was contraindicated. The octreotide long-acting release (LAR) test showed an initial reduction of free thyroid hormones levels at first administration, which was consistent with the presence of a TSH-secreting pituitary tumour, although an escape from the response was observed after the following two injections of octreotide LAR. Indeed, the genetic investigation revealed a variant in heterozygosity of the THRβ gene (Pro453Ser), thus leading to an RTHβ diagnosis, and, therefore, medical treatment with triiodothyroacetic acid was initiated. After 2 years from the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the patient continues the follow-up at our outpatient clinic, and no other medical interventions are needed.

Learning points

RTHβ is a rare genetic syndrome characterised by discrepant thyroid function tests and by a dissociation between the observed hormone levels and the expected patient signs and symptoms.

Features of thyroid hormone deficiency in TR-ß dependent tissues (pituitary gland, hypothalamus, liver and neurosensitive epithelia), as well as thyroid hormone excess in TR-α-dependent tissues (heart, bone, skeletal muscle and brain), may coexist in the same individual.

Clinical pictures can be different even when the same variant occurs, suggesting that other genetic and/or epigenetic factors may play a role in determining the patient’s phenotype.

Differentiating RTHβ from a TSH-secreting pituitary tumour is very difficult, especially when a concomitant pituitary adenoma is detected during diagnostic workup. The injection of long-acting somatostatin analogues can help differentiate the two conditions, but it is important to detect any interference in the dosage of thyroid hormones to avoid an incorrect diagnosis.

Genetic testing is fundamental to prevent unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies.

Medical treatment with triiodothyroacetic acid was demonstrated to be effective in reducing thyroid hormone excess and controlling symptoms.