Abstract
Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the pituitary gland commonly affecting women during pregnancy or post-partum period. The pathogenesis remains uncertain, however an autoimmune process is frequently implicated. There is limited data on the occurrence of LH outside the setting of autoimmunity. We describe a 37-year-old man presenting with diarrhoea, nausea, weight loss, low-grade fever, headache and cerebrospinal fluid analysis consistent with aseptic meningitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a homogenously enlarged pituitary gland with biochemical testing revealing partial hypopituitarism with adenocorticotrophic hormone and gonadotrophin deficiency. Notably, his free thyroid hormone levels were elevated with a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone and a suppressed thyroid technetium scan consistent with thyroiditis. Tissue antibodies including thyroid antibodies were negative. Following introduction of hydrocortisone, he developed transient diabetes insipidus which spontaneously resolved after 4 months. Thyrotoxicosis resolved after 5 weeks and thyroxine was commenced as he developed secondary hypothyroidism. Repeat MRI 3 months l...Continue Reading
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