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Lymphocytic hypophysitis
- Source :
- Endocrine; November 2004, Vol. 25 Issue: 2 p85-90, 6p
- Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is an inflammatory disease of the anterior pituitary. The varying clinical presentation and the short-term outcome of LH have been extensively described in several case reports or small cohort studies. However, little is known about the long-term outcome of this disease. It is currently believed that if left untreated it may run a self-limited course followed by full resolution of the mass with or without persisting pituitary failure. We describe a 29-yr-old female who presented with secondary amenorrhea, headaches, visual defects, and a pituitary mass, which was removed by transsphenoidal surgery. Histology was consistent with the diagnosis of LH. Following surgery the patient demonstrated a gradual recovery of gonadotroph function with restoration of menses and a successful pregnancy. However, 3 yr after delivery and 6 yr following her initial presentation she developed amenorrhea, headaches, and a pituitary mass. Institution of steroid therapy resulted in resolution of the pituitary mass. In summary, this case illustrates that similarly to many other disorders of autoimmune origin LH may run a fluctuating course and late recurrence is possible even after the successful removal of the inflammatory mass, thus necessitating long-term follow-up of these patients.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1355008x and 15590100
- Volume :
- 25
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Endocrine
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- ejs12753762
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1385/ENDO:25:2:085