TITLE:
A Case Report of Lymphocytic Hypophysitis Related to Pregnancy
AUTHORS:
Estrella Diego, Andreea Ciudin, Olga Simo-Servat, Angel Ortiz, Liliana Gutierrez-Carrasquilla, Jordi Mesa
KEYWORDS:
Hypophysitis, Pregnancy, Panhypopituitarism, Lymphocytic Hypophysitis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases,
Vol.5 No.12,
December
9,
2015
ABSTRACT: A 39-year-old woman
consulted in the postpartum period because of agalactia, polyuria, polydipsia,
and headache and decreased visual acuity. The initial analysis was compatible
with a panhypopituitarism. The magnetic resonance (MRI) showed an expansive
sellar and suprasellar lesion of high density in the basal study and
enhancement after contrast administration, in contact with the optic chiasm, so
urgent surgery was indicated. While waiting for the surgery, intravenous
corticosteroids were initiated and the symptoms rapidly resolved. Most of the
pituitary axes were recovered, except the diabetes insipidus. The control MRI
showed complete resolution of the sellar mass. The surgery was canceled and the
diagnosis of lymphocyte hypohpyisitis was made. Lymphocyte hypophysitis is an
uncommon disease in which inflammation of the pituitary gland occurs. This
results in a permanent or transient hormonal insufficiency. Lymphocyte
hypophysitis is a very rare condition that occurs preferentially in women in
the peripartum period. Early initiation of high doses of systemic
corticosteroids may avoid unnecessary surgery in some cases.