J Korean Med Sci.  2011 Apr;26(4):580-582. 10.3346/jkms.2011.26.4.580.

A Case of Sheehan's Syndrome that Manifested as Bilateral Ptosis

• Lee YS
• Moon SS

• KMID: 1777892
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2011.26.4.580

Abstract

Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of signs and symptoms of the neuromuscular system. However, ptosis in a patient with hypothyroidism is very rare. We report here on a case of central hypothyroidism that was due to Sheehan's syndrome and it manifested as bilateral ptosis in a 51-yr-old woman. She complained of exertional dyspnea and weakness. About 25-yr ago, she had a history of severe postpartum vaginal bleeding. The laboratory studies demonstrated hypopituitarism with secondary hypothyroidism. The ptosis was improved by replacement of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who manifest with ptosis and that prompt replacement of hormone can lead to a complete recovery.

Keyword

Hypothyroidism; Hypopituitarism; Ptosis

MeSH Terms

Blepharoptosis/complications/*diagnosis/drug therapy
Electromyography
Female
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
Humans
Hypopituitarism/complications/*diagnosis/drug therapy
Hypothyroidism/complications
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Muscular Diseases/etiology
Neuromuscular Junction/physiopathology
Prednisolone/therapeutic use
Thyroxine/therapeutic use

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Bilateral ptosis before (A) and 3 months after (B) replacement of thyroid hormone.

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  Fig. 2 The sagittal noncontrast T1 weighted magnetic resonance image of the brain shows an enlarged sella turcica and a nonvisualized gland.

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