Central diabetes insipidus with Behçet's disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Endocrinology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Behçet's disease is a rare multisystem vasculitis.
• Hypothalamopituitary dysfunction is an infrequent complication of Behçet's disease.
• Only three prior cases of Behçet's disease with hypothalamopituitary dysfunction exist.

Observation:

• A patient presented with Behçet's disease and central diabetes insipidus.
• Brain MRI revealed a dilated left Sylvian vein and thickened pituitary stalk.
• These findings suggested intracranial vasculitis and lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare association between Behçet's disease and central diabetes insipidus.
• Neuroimaging findings point towards vasculitic involvement of the hypothalamus and pituitary.
• Lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis is implicated as a potential mechanism.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of Behçet's disease neurological and endocrine manifestations.
• It suggests a potential autoimmune link between Behçet's disease and lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis.
• Further research into autoimmune pathways in Behçet's disease is warranted.