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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis
Published on: December 17, 2010
A case of apoplectic lymphocytic hypophysitis complicated by polymyalgia rheumatica
Yasuko Tanaka1, Tomohito Hirao, Keisuke Tsutsumi
1Department of Rheumatology and General Internal Medicine, NHO National Nagasaki Medical Center, Kubara 2-1001-1 Omura, Nagasaki 856-8562, Japan.
Abstract:
A case of apoplectic lymphocytic hypophysitis complicated by polymyalgia rheumatica (PMA) is described. A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to severe headache. Two months prior to admission, the patients had exhibited recent-onset stiffness and myalgia of shoulder and pelvic girdle that was compatible with PMR. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion in the pituitary fossa with focal hemorrhage. Endocrinologic studies demonstrated hypopituitarism. The headache and myalgia were improving with corticosteroid treatment; however, a trans-sphenoidal surgery was performed due to visual field loss. A white-colored mass was resected, and histologic examination showed diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells consistent with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Post-operatively, the headache and visual field loss resolved completely. This is the first documented case of apoplectic lymphocytic hypophysitis complicating PMR, and a possible mechanism for this rare association was discussed.
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