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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:38
Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis in SJL Mice
Published on: December 17, 2010
Lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis and infundibulo-panhypophysitis regarded as lymphocytic hypophysitis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Showa University School of Medicine, 5-8 Hatanodai 1, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan. takumi@med.showa-u.ac.jp
Brain Tumor Pathology
|November 7, 2008
Summary
Lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis (LINH) is an inflammatory condition causing diabetes insipidus. This review highlights its self-limiting nature, recommending conservative treatment over surgery for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroimmunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis (LINH) is a recognized cause of idiopathic central diabetes insipidus.
- Early descriptions focused on neurohypophyseal lesions, but recent cases show combined hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus.
Observation:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reveals pituitary stalk thickening and/or neurohypophyseal enlargement with homogeneous enhancement.
- Histological examination shows significant lymphocytic infiltration of the posterior pituitary.
Findings:
- LINH, often presenting with diabetes insipidus, can also manifest as partial or complete hypopituitarism.
- Lymphocytic infundibulo-panhypophysitis (LIPH) is now considered a variant of lymphocytic hypophysitis.
- Both LINH and LIPH are generally self-limited conditions.
Implications:
- Conservative management, including steroids and hormone replacement, is recommended for LINH and LIPH.
- Surgical intervention should be avoided due to the self-limiting course of the disorder.
- The pathophysiology of LINH and LIPH remains largely unknown, warranting further investigation.
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