Lymphocytic hypophysitis mimicking pituitary macroadenoma

J Clin Neurosci. 2002 Sep;9(5):586-9. doi: 10.1054/jocn.2001.0992.

Abstract

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is an uncommon disease with a variable presentation and unclear pathophysiology. We present the case of a 30 year old woman who presented with features typical of a pituitary macroadenoma. She underwent a transphenoidal resection of the mass and histopathological examination revealed lymphocytic hypophysitis. This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating pituitary macroadenoma and lymphocytic hypophysitis and the variable presentations of lymphocytic hypophysitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis
  • Adenoma / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD3 Complex / immunology
  • Cortisone / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Pituitary Diseases / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • CD3 Complex
  • Cortisone