| Popis: |
Introduction: Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is an autoimmune condition in which pituitary gland is infiltrated by lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. It is more common in pregnant and postpartum women, presenting with headache, visual field changes and one or more pituitary hormone impairment. Case Presentation: 32year-old female recently diagnosed with RA complicated by uveitis, presented to our facility with headache, shortness of breath, blurred vision and dysphagia. MRI head revealed a 1.9cm sellar mass with suprasellar extension displacing the optic chiasm. There was clear thickening of the pituitary stalk which raised suspicion for autoimmune hypophysitis. Exam in the ED revealed an anxious female wit hypertension, tachycardia and BMI 30. The rest of the physical exam was unremarkable. Her pituitary gonadal axis workup revealed panhypopituitarism with TSH 0.01uIU/ml, FSH Discussion: LYH is a neuroendocrine disorder characterized by autoimmune inflammation of the pituitary gland with various degrees of pituitary dysfunction. Associated autoimmune diseases are seen in 18%– 50% of cases of AH. The most commonly-associated disease is autoimmune thyroid disease (15%–25%), while concurrent autoimmune conditions including RA are reported as well. Homogenous symmetrical enlargement of the pituitary gland, a thickened non deviated stalk, and a prompt, intense and homogenous enhancement of the mass after gadolinium contrast are the characteristic findings on MRI. Spontaneous resolution is the usual course and surgery is indicated only when the symptoms of sellar compression are serious and progressive. Conclusion: LYH is predominantly a disease of young females. We present this case in order to create awareness about the co-existence of LH with other autoimmune conditions and its usual course of regression with steroids. |
