What is lymphocytic hypophysitis?

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is a neuroendocrine disorder characterized by autoimmune inflammation of the pituitary gland with various degrees of pituitary dysfunction.

How rare is lymphocytic hypophysitis?

Lymphocytic hypophysitis seems to be related to an autoimmune process . It is a rare entity that may mimic pituitary adenoma and occurs mostly in women in the peripartum period. Only seven cases, including this one, have been reported in men.

How do you treat lymphocytic hypophysitis?

Treatment is conservative with high-dose pulse corticosteroids and hormone replacement, which can be long-term. Desmopressin is indicated in the setting of diabetes insipidus.
In refractory cases, immunosuppressant therapy such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclosporine can be utilized.

What are the symptoms of hypophysitis?

The most common symptoms of lymphocytic hypophysitis result from compression of the gland or optic structures: Headache….Symptoms of these conditions can include:

Polyuria (excessive urination)
Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Decreased libido.
Erectile dysfunction.
Weight loss.
Galactorrhea.
Amenhorrhea.
Hyponatremia.

Is hypophysitis curable?

Hypophysitis can resolve spontaneously, relapse may occur, and some cases can be refractory to treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism?

Signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism vary from person to person, depending on which pituitary hormones are affected and to what degree….Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) deficiency

Hot flashes.
Irregular or no periods.
Loss of pubic hair.
An inability to produce milk for breast-feeding.

How is hypophysitis treated?

Treatment of hypophysitis is typically with hormone replacement therapy and with high dose glucocorticoids (steroids) to reduce inflammation. Despite long-term treatment with steroids, most patients do develop some degree of permanent pituitary gland failure.

What causes hypophysitis?

Based on etiology, hypophysitis may be caused by primary/idiopathic inflammation confined to the pituitary gland, whereas secondary hypophysitis is a consequence of drugs, autoimmune conditions, systemic inflammatory processes such as sarcoidosis, infections such as tuberculosis, and pituitary adenomas.

What foods are good for the pituitary gland?

Foods rich in vitamins B5 and B6 will help to regulate the pineal gland, while aiding in the production and distribution of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the all-important circadian rhythms. These foods include: lentil beans, avocados, sweet potatoes, tuna and turkey.

What happens if your pituitary gland isn’t working properly?

Hypopituitarism is an underactive pituitary gland that results in deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones. Symptoms of hypopituitarism depend on what hormone is deficient and may include short height, infertility, intolerance to cold, fatigue, and an inability to produce breast milk.

Is hypopituitarism curable?

Hypopituitarism (an underactive pituitary gland) is rare in children. When a child has hypopituitarism, the pituitary gland has lost its ability to make one, some or all pituitary hormones. The condition is often permanent, but very treatable.

What is the cause of lymphocytic hypophysitis ( LH )?

The exact cause of lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is still under debate and remains unclear. It has been suggested that LH has an autoimmune etiology. This has generally been supported by the frequent postpartum occurrence and the lymphocytic infiltration, as well as several histopathological,…

What causes hypophysitis in the pituitary gland?

Which is the most common type of hypophysitis?

Inflammation can also cause destruction of pituitary gland tissue and transient or permanent endocrine dysfunction. There are two main types of primary hypophysitis: lymphocytic hypophysitis and giant cell granulomatous inflammation. Lymphocytic hypophysitis is the more common of these two conditions and is more common in women than men.

Is there a cure for lymphocytic hypophysitis?

Although a relatively rare phenomenon, lymphocytic hypophysitis can represent a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This condition was initially thought to be an autoimmune phenomenon occurring primarily in women in the postpartum state.