Difficult treatment of consumptive hypothyroidism in a child with massive parotid hemangioma

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2012;25(1-2):153-5. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2011.438.

Abstract

Consumptive hypothyroidism is a rare condition related to massive infantile hemangiomas producing an excess of the thyroid-hormone-inactivating enzyme type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase. We report the first case of consumptive hypothyroidism secondary to a large parotid hemangioma, highlighting the difficulties in selecting an adequate therapeutic strategy. The affected child was initially referred to our center for congenital hypothyroidism with a hypoplastic thyroid gland. L-Thyroxine (L-T4) replacement therapy was started at seven days of life. In the following weeks, the hemangioma rapidly increased in volume and the child developed severe hypothyroidism refractory to high doses of L-T4 therapy. The concentration of reverse triiodothyronine was elevated, suggesting that the underlying cause was an excessive conversion of thyroid hormones by high type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase levels in the tumor. Corticosteroid treatment showed only partial benefit. Introduction of propranolol instead led to normalization of thyroid hormones along with a dramatic involution of the hemangioma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Hemangioma / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy*
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Parotid Neoplasms / complications*
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Propranolol
  • Thyroxine