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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:52
Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis
Published on: December 17, 2010
Hypophysitis presented as inflammatory pseudotumor in immunoglobulin G4-related systemic disease
Shun Wong1, Wai Y Lam, Wai K Wong
1Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong. steveshun@hotmail.com
Human Pathology
|October 24, 2007
Summary
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease can affect the pituitary gland. This study presents the first histopathologically confirmed case of IgG4-related hypophysitis, linked to an intracranial inflammatory pseudotumor.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related systemic disease is a recently identified condition.
- While pancreatitis is a common manifestation, other systemic involvements are recognized.
- Previous reports of hypophyseal involvement in IgG4-related disease were based on clinical diagnoses.
Observation:
- This study details the first histopathologically confirmed case of IgG4-related hypophysitis.
- A 77-year-old man presented with a pituitary tumor, later diagnosed as hypophysitis with inflammatory pseudotumor features.
- The patient had a history of pancreatitis and cholecystitis, with prior biopsies showing similar inflammatory pseudotumor pathology.
Findings:
- Histologic examination revealed hypophysitis with inflammatory pseudotumor characteristics.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed abundant IgG4-positive plasma cells in pituitary, pancreatic, and gallbladder tissues.
- Elevated serum IgG4 levels further supported the diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case establishes a histopathological link between IgG4-related systemic disease and intracranial inflammatory pseudotumor.
- It highlights the importance of considering IgG4-related disease in pituitary lesions, especially with a history of systemic involvement.
- The findings expand the understanding of IgG4-related disease manifestations and diagnostic criteria.
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