Hypophysitis: Defining Histopathologic Variants and a Review of Emerging Clinical Causative Entities

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 21;24(6):5917. doi: 10.3390/ijms24065917.

Abstract

Inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland is known as hypophysitis. There are multiple histological subtypes, the most common being lymphocytic, and the pathogenesis is variable and diverse. Hypophysitis can be primary and idiopathic or autoimmune related, or secondary to local lesions, systemic disease, medications, and more. Although hypophysitis was previously accepted as an exceedingly rare diagnosis, a greater understanding of the disease process and new insights into possible etiologic sources have contributed to an increased frequency of recognition. This review provides an overview of hypophysitis, its causes, and detection strategies and management.

Keywords: adrenocorticotrophic hormone; hypophysitis; immune checkpoint inhibitors; pituitary; pituitary gland.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypophysitis* / diagnosis
  • Hypophysitis* / etiology
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Pituitary Gland

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.