The Pituitary-Thyroid Axis after Hemithyroidectomy in Euthyroid Man

Abstract

The pathogenesis of euthyroid goiter is assumed to be TSH dependent, but most studies have not demonstrated elevation of serum TSH. To elucidate the early events involved in thyroid growth, we studied thyroid function in eight euthyroid patients subjected to hemithyroidectomy for solitary cold nodules preoperatively and 2, 15, 60, and 90 days and 36 months, postoperatively. Although within the euthyroid range, serum T4 decreased at 30 days and thereafter up to 90 days (P less than 0.01). Basal serum TSH rose significantly by the 30th day and remained elevated for the entire 90-day period (P less than 0.001). The serum TSH response to TRH was exaggerated from days 15-90 (P less than 0.001). Thirty-six months postoperatively, all parameters of thyroid function were similar to control values, with the exception of one patient who showed an exaggerated response of serum TSH to TRH. We conclude that 1) the dynamic phase of recuperation post hemithyroidectomy is TSH dependent, 2) the serum TSH increase occurs within normal limits and is a temporary event, and 3) 3 yr postoperatively, a new steady state is achieved with normal parameters of thyroid function. Thus, we believe that TSH plays a dominant role in the genesis of goiter.