Lymphocytic Hypophysitis

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About Lymphocytic Hypophysitis

General Information

  • Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the front portion of the pituitary gland and the pituitary stalk, or the connection between the back of the gland and the brain.
  • Most reported cases are in women and occur during late pregnancy or in the weeks after childbirth.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms include varying degrees of pituitary failure; diabetes insipidus, which causes increased thirst and urination; and growth of the pituitary and neighboring bone structure.

Diagnosis

  • This condition is diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans.

Treatment

  • Treatment usually requires high-dose steroids but on occasion may require surgery to remove expanding tissues and ease pressure on surrounding structures.