SERUM PRECIPITABLE IODINE IN PATIENTS WITH TUMORS OF OR NEAR THE PITUITARY*

Abstract

The endocrine functions of 20 patients, 19 of whom actually or presumably had tumors or other lesions in or adjacent to the pituitary gland, were assessed. The concn. of precipitable iodine in the serum, SPI, was frequently reduced to levels characteristic of hypothyroidism, whereas the functions of the gonads and the adrenal cortices were less frequently affected. Basal metabolism, when it was measured, was usually also low, but serum cholesterol was usually within normal limits and clinical symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism were lacking. SPI did not respond or responded only transiently to admn. of thyroid substance. The significance of the deficiency of serum I is discussed.