Painless thyroiditis induced by pembrolizumab leading to depleted pituitary hypothyroidism: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Cases of hypothyroidism (referred to as hypothyroidism) induced by PD-1 inhibitor therapy are common in clinical practice, but cases of pituitary hypothyroidism induced by thyrotoxicosis have not been reported. Case Report We report a case of painless thyroiditis induced by the PD-1 inhibitor pablizumab in a patient with esophageal cancer with Hashimoto's disease combined with mild pituitary hypothyroidism, followed by depleting pituitary hypothyroidism induced by persistent severe thyroidal hypothyroidism. Discussion/Conclusion It is especially important to pay attention to the evolution of the disease in patients with pre-existing dual primary lesions, which are more complex.