New causes of hypophysitis.
Department
Neuroendocrinology
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Hypophysitis is a rare entity characterized by inflammation of the pituitary gland and its stalk that can cause hypopituitarism and/or mass effect. Etiology can be categorized as primary or secondary to systemic disease, but may also be classified according to anatomical and hispathological criteria. Newly recognized causes of hypophysits have been described, mainly secondary to immunomodulatory medications and IgG4-related disease. Diagnosis is based on clinical, laboratory and imaging data, whereas pituitary biopsy, though rarely indicated, may provide a definitive histological diagnosis. For the clinician, obtaining a broad clinical and drug history, and performing a thorough physical examination is essential. Management of hypophysitis includes hormone replacement therapy if hypopituitarism is present and control of the consequences of the inflammatory pituitary mass (e.g. compression of the optic chiasm) using high-dose glucocorticoids, whereas pituitary surgery is reserved for those unresponsive to medical therapy and/or have progressive disease. However, there remains an unmet need for controlled studies to inform clinical practice.
Medical Subject Headings
Autoimmune Hypophysitis; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hypophysitis; Hypopituitarism; Immunoglobulin G; Inflammation; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Gland
Publication Date
4-1-2019
Publication Title
Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism
ISSN
1878-1594
Volume
33
Issue
2
First Page
101276
Last Page
101276
PubMed ID
31078416
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/j.beem.2019.04.010
Recommended Citation
Yuen, Kevin C J; Popovic, Vera; and Trainer, Peter J, "New causes of hypophysitis." (2019). Neurology. 304.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurology/304