Autoimmune diseases of the adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, gonads, and hypothalamic-pituitary axis

Autoimmunity directed against the adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, gonads, and hypothalamic-pituitary axis can arise in isolation or as part of a polyglandular autoimmune syndrome. Affected patients can be asymptomatic, but they may also suffer significant morbidity or even mortality. Currently, treatment is restricted largely to hormone replacement when end-organ destruction is almost complete. As our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrinopathies improves, it is probable that early patient detection will become practical and trials of protective immunotherapies entertained.