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Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis
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Lymphocytic hypophysitis with associated thyroiditis in a man with aseptic meningitis
Sarina Lim1, Marianne S Elston, Michael J Swarbrick
1Department of Endocrinology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. lims@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Pituitary
|April 11, 2008
Summary
This case study reports lymphocytic hypophysitis and subacute thyroiditis in a man without autoimmunity, suggesting a viral cause for these rare conditions. The patient recovered with hormone replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is a rare pituitary disorder, often linked to autoimmunity and typically seen in women.
- The pathogenesis of LH is not fully understood, with limited data on non-autoimmune cases.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old man presented with symptoms of aseptic meningitis, hypopituitarism, and thyrotoxicosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an enlarged pituitary gland, which normalized after treatment.
- The patient had negative tissue antibodies, including thyroid antibodies.
Findings:
- The case was diagnosed as lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) co-occurring with subacute thyroiditis in the absence of autoimmunity.
- This is the first report of LH and thyroiditis with aseptic meningitis without autoantibodies.
- A possible viral etiology is proposed for this rare combination of conditions.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of lymphocytic hypophysitis.
- It highlights the possibility of viral triggers for autoimmune-like endocrine disorders.
- Further research into non-autoimmune causes of hypophysitis and thyroiditis is warranted.
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