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Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis
Published on: December 17, 2010
An Atypical Case of Lymphocytic Panhypophysitis in a Pregnant Woman
Emma C Davies1, Frederick A Jakobiec, Anna M Stagner
1Department of Ophthalmology (ECD, JFR), Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology (ECD, FAJ, AMS), David G. Cogan Laboratory of Ophthalmic Pathology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Ophthalmology (ECD, FAJ, AMS, JFR), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
We describe a case of lymphocytic panhypophysitis (LPH) in a 30-year-old woman presenting with throbbing headaches and vision changes during her third trimester. LPH is the rarest subclassification of lymphocytic hypophysitis; it is typically found in males and has not previously been associated with pregnancy. Anterior and posterior pituitary deficits together with headaches should raise a high degree of suspicion regarding the possibility of LPH. The atypical magnetic resonance imaging finding of a heterogeneous pituitary mass additionally raised concern about pituitary apoplexy. Tissue from a transsphenoidal biopsy permitted diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis. There was infiltration of the pituitary gland by small B and T lymphocytes. Resolution of the visual symptoms occurred after the biopsy and treatment with intravenous steroids.
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