Defective Levothyroxine Response in a Patient with Dyshormonogenic Congenital Hypothyroidism Caused by a Concurrent Pathogenic Variant in Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β

Thyroid. 2021 Nov;31(11):1757-1762. doi: 10.1089/thy.2021.0204. Epub 2021 Sep 16.

Abstract

Background: Pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone (PRTH) is often seen in congenital hypothyroidism (CH), presenting as elevated thyrotropin (TSH) values despite (high-)normal thyroid hormone (TH) values achieved by levothyroxine treatment. In this study, we describe a girl with CH who was referred because of difficulties interpreting thyroid function tests. She was thought to have PRTH associated with CH, but genetic studies discovered a pathogenic variant in THRB, causing resistance to TH (RTH-β). Methods: Clinical, genetic, and biochemical data of the proband's family were collected. Results: The 3-year-old girl was diagnosed with CH due to a homozygous pathogenic c.470del p.(Asn157Thrfs*3) SLC5A5 variant in the neonatal period. She needed a notably high levothyroxine dose to normalize TSH, leading to high free thyroxine levels. There were no signs of hyperthyroidism. Sequencing identified a heterozygous pathogenic c.947G>A p.(Arg316His) THRB variant. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant SLC5A5 and THRB variants causing CH and RTH-β.

Keywords: congenital hypothyroidism; resistance to thyroid hormone; sodium-iodide symporter; thyroid hormone receptor-β.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / drug therapy*
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism / genetics*
  • Consanguinity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pedigree
  • Symporters
  • Thyroid Hormone Receptors beta / genetics*
  • Thyroid Hormone Resistance Syndrome / genetics*
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use*
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Symporters
  • Thyroid Hormone Receptors beta
  • sodium-iodide symporter
  • Thyroxine