Lymphocytic Hypophysitis: An Underrated Disease

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is a rare inflammatory disease in which lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the pituitary gland can potentially lead to panhypopituitarism. This entity was first recognized in 1962 by Goudie and Pinkerton. We report the case of a 36-year-old nonpregnant female operated for a presumed nonsecreting pituitary adenoma. On intraoperative squash cytology and histology of excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of LYH. Review of the literature shows that most reported cases have occurred in women during pregnancy or during postpartum period. Many were accurately diagnosed only after biopsy or at necropsy. It is suspected to be an autoimmune endocrinopathy as concomitant lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid and pituitary glands has been noted and antipituitary antibodies have been found in some instances. Clinically and radiologically, LYH may mimic a nonsecretory pituitary adenoma. Intraoperative diagnosis may prevent unnecessary excision of potentially functioning pituitary.