Lymphocytic hypophysitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2000 Jan-Feb;18(1):78-80.

Abstract

A case of lymphocytic hypophysitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus is described. A 20-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with generalized myalgia and facial rash in May 1998. The patient had a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory findings compatible with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Headache and nausea had developed 3 months previously and worsened over the following months. Hormonal investigation showed hypopituitarism except for prolactin. A magnetic resonance image of the brain showed a mass lesion in the pituitary fossa. A trans-sphenoidal surgical procedure was performed which revealed a dark-yellowish hematoma. Microscopic examination showed diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells with fibrosis in the anterior pituitary. Post-operatively the patient's headaches and nausea resolved. This indicates that lymphocytic hypophysitis may be associated with SLE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hematoma / complications
  • Hematoma / diagnosis
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism / complications
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / diagnosis
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pituitary Diseases / complications*
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Diseases / pathology*
  • Pituitary Gland / blood supply
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology