Lymphocytic Hypophysitis Research Articles

SAT327 A Curious Case of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Hypophysitis with Transient ACTH-dependent Hypercortisolism

Abstract Disclosure: M. Shi: None. F. AlRubaish: None. N. Gupta: None. V. Larouche: None. S. Christopoulos: None. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has increased exponentially over the last decade as these agents have shown to substantially improve the prognosis in multiple advanced malignancies. Despite these important clinical benefits, ICI are associated with many immune-related adverse events (irAE). Endocrinopathies are the most frequent irAE and include autoimmune thyroid disorders, hypophysitis and primary adrenal insufficiency. These endocrinopathies often require long-term surveillance and hormone supplementation. We report a relatively novel irAE case of transient central hypercortisolism that progressed to hypopituitarism. A 72-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma on combined ICI therapy of nivolumab-ipilimumab developed subclinical hyperthyroidism (TSH <0.02 mU/L [reference range (RR) 0.40-4.50 mU/L]; FT4 20.2 pmol/L [RR 9.0-26.0 pmol/L]) eight weeks following initiation of her immunotherapy. At week 11, she was found to have refractory hypokalemia (initial potassium at presentation 2.3 mmol/L RR 3.5-5.5 mmol/L) and metabolic alkalosis (pH 7.57 [RR 7.35-7.45]; bicarbonate 39 mmol/L [RR 22-31 mmol/L]). Physical exam was unremarkable for Cushingoid features. Subsequent investigations revealed central hypothyroidism (TSH 0.02 mU/L [RR 0.40-4.50 mU/L]; FT4 8.1 pmol/L [RR 9.0-26.0 pmol/L]) and levothyroxine replacement was started. She also had evidence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (FSH 4.2 U/L [postmenopausal RR 25.8-143.9 U/L]; LH 1.5 U/L [postmenopausal RR 13.2-45.7U/L]) and central hypercortisolism with a morning cortisol of 1082 nmol/L [RR 172-497 nmol/L] and an ACTH level of 18.3 pmol/L [RR 1.6-13.9 pmol/L]. The low dose dexamethasone suppression test was not suppressed (morning cortisol at 983 nmol/L). She underwent imaging studies of her abdomen and brain which revealed normal adrenal and pituitary glands, respectively. Close pituitary function monitoring during endocrinology follow-up revealed persistent elevation of cortisol and ACTH levels until week 15, then a subsequent decline in both cortisol and ACTH levels for which she started hydrocortisone replacement. Further follow-up blood work revealed morning cortisol levels below 50 nmol/L [RR 172-497 nmol/L] with undetectable ACTH levels from week 16 onwards. The hydrocortisone and levothyroxine replacement were continued, and the patient remained asymptomatic throughout her follow-ups. This case highlights that a transient episode of ACTH dependent hypercortisolism may be an early marker prior to the development of central adrenal insufficiency from ICI-related destructive immune hypophysitis. Furthermore, our report highlights that physicians and other healthcare professionals should remain vigilant in monitoring laboratory progression in these patients, as early recognition facilitated timely management in our patient and prevented complications. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

THU093 Pituitary Enlargement And Hypopituitarism In Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Two Sides Of The Same Coin?

Abstract Disclosure: S. Menotti: None. S. Chiloiro: None. A. Giampietro: None. A. Bianchi: None. F. Angelini: None. T. Tartaglione: None. G. Antonini Cappellini: None. F. De Galitiis: None. E. Rossi: None. G. Schinzari: None. A. Scoppola: None. A. Pontecorvi: None. L. De Marinis: None. M. Fleseriu: None. Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors hypophysitis (IIHs) represents an emerging problem in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this study, we aimed to describe the clinical and molecular features, therapeutic management and outcome of a multicentre series of IIHs. Material and Methods: Demographic and clinical features were retrospectively collected for all cases. Patients with new onset of pituitary disfunction during ICI treatment underwent contrasted pituitary magnetic resonance images (MRI). IIH was diagnosed if presence of typical radiological finding of hypophysitis. The immunotherapy induced hypopituitarism was defined as patients without the radiological finding of hypophysitis. Anti-pituitary and anti-hypothalamus autoantibodies were also measured. Results: Nine patients were included; 7 with metastatic melanoma, 1 metastatic lung adenocarcinoma and 1 metastatic kidney adenocarcinoma. Six patients were treated with nivolumab and three with ipilimumab. All patients had new-onset asthenia. Secondary hypoadrenalism was diagnosed in all patients. Pituitary MRI showed pituitary enlargement in 2 cases and no abnormalities in the other 7 cases. APA were positive in 57.1% and AHA in 85.7% of cases. Multidisciplinary treatments were established by neuro-endocrinologist and oncologists: all patients were treated with hydrocortisone replacement; ICI was withdrawn in 2 cases, until the clinical stabilization of the hypoadrenalism. None of the patients were prescribed immunosuppressive high dose glucocorticoids (over 40 mg /day). At follow-up, hypoadrenalism persisted in all cases. Pituitary enlargement (hypophysitis per se) on MRI spontaneously recovered in the two affected patients. We found that the typical features of hypophysitis involved more frequently females in our study and in patients treated with ipilimumab. Conclusion: Although this study did not clarify if autoimmune secondary hypoadrenalism and ICI hypophysitis on brain imaging are two sides of the same disease, our preliminary data underline the need for molecular studies of IIHs and of autoimmune ICIs-related hypopituitarism, especially central hypoadrenalism. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

FRI339 Hypophysitis Secondary To Small Vessel Anca Vasculitistreated With Rituximab

Abstract Disclosure: A. Rivadeneira: None. N. Kumar: None. S. Banerjee: None. M. Gubbiotti: None. D. Yoshor: None. J. Kharlip: None. C.A. White: None. Introduction: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an autoimmune small-vessel vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) that rarely involves the pituitary. Conventional treatment of GPA includes high dose glucocorticoids with cyclophosphamide. Rituximab has been used in refractory cases with high rates of remission. We present a case of pituitary GPA treated with and excellent response to rituximab. Case: 51-year-old woman with hypothyroidism, post I-131 treatment for Graves’ disease. Patient presented with 1 year of worsening fatigue, myalgias, frontal headaches, sinus congestion and epistaxis. CT sinus showed pituitary enlargement and chronic mucosal disease. MRI pituitary showed diffusely enlarged pituitary with non-visualized posterior pituitary bright spot and thickened stalk. CT chest showed 18x11 mm nodular opacity and peribronchial fibrosis. Laboratory evaluation showed ACTH 26.7 pg/mL, cortisol 13.4 mcg/dL, TSH 1.1, T4 9.7, prolactin 53 ng/dL, estradiol <20, LH 4, FSH 23. Sodium 140 and urine osm 488. There was positive p-ANCA staining and elevated serum anti-proteinase 3 antibody (PR3), 74 units (0-20). Myeloperoxidase antibody was not elevated. ESR 73 mm/h (0 - 30) and CRP 7.9 (<7.4). Due to atypical ANCA pattern (p ANCA typically is associated with MPO not PR3), pituitary biopsy was performed and showed adenohypophysis with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with nodularity of the inflammatory infiltrates, some arranged peri vascularly, compatible with involvement of the pituitary gland by GPA. She began rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for four weeks with plan to continue every 6 months. After treatment, the patient experienced resolution of daily frontal headaches, congestion, cough and epistaxis. CT chest showed improvement of prior lung findings, and ESR/CRP normalized. Repeat pituitary MRI is pending. Discussion: Pituitary involvement is uncommon in GPA, occurring in only 3.9% of cases. It may lead to partial or complete pituitary dysfunction, particularly central diabetes insipidus (87.5%) and hypogonadism (75%). Typical MRI abnormalities include diffusely enlarged pituitary gland, thickened pituitary stalk and absence of posterior bright spot. Treatment of GPA includes a combination of corticosteroids, Cyclophosphamide, Azathioprine and Rituximab. Remission is achieved in up to two thirds of patients. Treatment of lymphocytic hypophysitis, another common cause of diffuse pituitary enlargement, relies on high dose glucocorticoids, leading to many side effects and taper is limited by worsening symptoms. This case highlights the critical role in serologic evaluation and targeted pituitary biopsy to identify the specific etiology of pituitary infiltration to help guide alternate treatment options, and the emerging role of Rituximab as a steroid sparing agent for treatment of pituitary inflammation. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

THU369 A Rare Case Of IgG4-related Autoimmune Pancreatitis And Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Disclosure: M. Zahid: None. J. Shakil: None. Introduction: IgG4 related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare multiorgan inflammatory condition characterized by dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, presence of IgG4+ plasma cells and fibrosis. Here we present a case of young male with painless jaundice and hyperglycemia diagnosed with IgG4 related autoimmune pancreatitis and DM. Clinical Case: 46-year-old male with no significant history presented to outpatient clinic for pruritis and dark-colored urine of 2-week onset. He reported 17-pounds weight loss in the preceding month. While undergoing outpatient workup, patient developed epigastric pain prompting visit to the hospital. On examination, patient was afebrile, tachycardiac, icteric and had epigastric tenderness. Labs revealed normal electrolytes and renal function. LFTs were significant for total protein 7.6 g/dl (n=6.3-8.3 g/dl), AST 77 U/L (n = 10-50 U/L), ALT 127 U/L (n = 5-50 U/L), alkaline phosphatase 458 U/L (n = 40-129 U/L) and direct bilirubin >10.0 (n = 0-0.3 mg/dl). Lipase was 99 U/L (n - 13-60 U/L), blood glucose was 292 mg/dl and A1C was 6.5% (n = 4.0-5.6%). US abdomen revealed diffuse gallbladder wall thickening with moderate sludge and intrahepatic and extrahepatic distal biliary obstruction and dilatation. MRCP showed common bile duct and intrahepatic biliary ductal dilation. Pancreas was diffusely irregular with areas of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. ERCP showed dilatation of upper and middle third of main bile duct, left and right hepatic ducts and all intrahepatic branches with a stricture in distal bile duct. Biliary sphincterotomy and placement of temporary plastic biliary stent was performed and ampullary biopsies were taken. IgG4 level was checked due to suspicion for IgG4-RD and was 293 mg/dl (n: 1-123 mg/dl). Pathology revealed mucosa with epithelial reactive changes. CD138 stain showed several mature plasma cells within the inflammatory infiltrate. In addition, immunostain for IgG4 shows several IgG4 positive plasma cells forming small clusters confirming diagnosis of IgG4-RD. Post procedure, his abdominal pain and LFTs started improving. Patient was started on prednisone for IgG4-RD and insulin for persistent hyperglycemia. His prednisone dose was later tapered after starting methotrexate. Patient’s most recent LFTs have normalized except mildly elevated ALT and A1C improved to 6.2%. Conclusion: Autoimmune pancreatitis and cholangiopathy are the pancreatobiliary manifestation of IgG4-RD and most often present as painless jaundice mimicking pancreatic cancer. Endocrine insufficiency usually manifests as diabetes mellitus/pre-diabetes and may also lead to autoimmune hypophysitis and Reidel’s fibrosis. Other organ systems that may also get involved include lacrimal and salivary glands, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and lymphatic/vascular system. Early recognition and ongoing surveillance are key to appropriate management of this condition. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Lymphocytic Infundibuloneurohypophysitis Diagnosis Owing to Positive Anti-rabphilin-3A Antibody Test Result in an 8-year-old Boy with Early-onset Central Diabetes İnsipidus.

Childhood-onset lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis (LINH) has rarely been reported. Pathological evaluation via pituitary biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of LINH. However, pituitary biopsy is a highly invasive procedure. Recently, anti-rabphilin-3A antibody (RPH3A-Ab) has been reported as a promising diagnostic marker for LINH in adults; however, there are few such reports in the pediatric population. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) who was clinically diagnosed with LINH based on RPH3A-Ab positivity. He was diagnosed with CDI using a water deprivation test combined with desmopressin administration. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor markers were negative, and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the absence of high signal intensity in the posterior pituitary gland and an enlarged pituitary stalk. Anterior pituitary function tests revealed no abnormalities. No pituitary biopsy was performed because of its invasive nature, and desmopressin treatment was initiated. Three months after CDI onset, the patient tested positive for RPH3A-Ab. MRI performed 9 months after CDI onset revealed amelioration of the pituitary stalk enlargement, and the clinical course corroborated our diagnosis of LINH. RPH3A-Ab may be useful as an early diagnostic tool for LINH in the pediatric population.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis in dogs infected with Leishmania spp.

Morphological involvement of endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, remain uninvestigated in dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of amastigotes of Leishmania spp. and characterized inflammatory changes, highlighting the involvement of TCD3+ lymphocytes in different regions of the pituitary gland of dogs. Samples were collected from 21 naturally infected dogs and 5 control, uninfected dogs. The different pituitary regions were analyzed in histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) under light microscopy. Inflammation was classified by intensity in a score from 0 to 3, absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2), and marked (3). The immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation was performed in five high-power fields (hot spot) in a 40x objective of each region with manual counting (Image J1.52ª) of the TCD3+ lymphocytes and for amastigotes analyzed in 40x and 100x objectives. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. Differences between groups were determined by the Mann Whitney test. The correlation between variables was assessed by Sperman's correlation test. p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Amastigotes from the pituitary glands of two infected dogs were identified using IHC. The histopathological evaluation stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed greater intensity of inflammation in the pars distalis and pars intermedia regions of infected dogs. IHC for TCD3+ lymphocytes showed a higher median number of immunolabeled cells in pars nervosa in the infected group than in the control group (p < 0.05); and expecting a variation in the distribution and number of these cells in naturally infected dogs, the median of the control group was considered a cut-off point, an increase in T lymphocytes (p < 0.05) was also observed in the pars intermedia and pars distalis of an infected subgroup (n = 10). A moderate significant correlation between the intensity of inflammation and the number of immunolabeled TCD3+ lymphocytes was established in the analyzed pituitary regions, characterizing the occurrence of hypophysitis. These findings presuppose that inflammation and/or the parasite in the pituitary region can result in gland dysfunction, worsening the clinical condition of the patient and compromising the efficiency of treatment and prognosis.

Unveiling the Etiopathogenic Spectrum of Hypophysitis: A Narrative Review.

Hypophysitis, a rare inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland, has seen an uptick in reported cases in recent years. Our objective is to summarize the most recent research on the etiopathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and genetics of both primary and secondary hypophysitis. Primary autoimmune hypophysitis (PAH): During the acute phase of the disease, the pituitary gland in enlarged due to the infiltration of T and B lymphocytes. The chronic phase is characterized by progressive and irreversible pituitary atrophy. APA may play a role in the management, diagnosis, and prognosis of PAH. Specific autoantibodies such as anti-GH, anti-PIT-1, and anti-T-PIT have been found in patients with hypophysitis and hypopituitarism. A recent study suggested that a mechanism of escaping clonal deletion and mounting an immune response against self antigens can explain the unusual nature of the immune response observed in PAH patients. A cytokine array shows the presence of gamma-interferon and interleukin-17. Patients carrying mutations in the PIT1 or PROP1 genes may present PAH. Individuals carrying the HLA DQ8 haplotype are four times more likely to develop PAH. Immune checkpoint inhibitors induce hypophysitis (IIHs): IIHs is an increasingly frequent toxicity of in patients on treatment with inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). ICIs inhibit the CTLA-4 pathway, leading to overactivation of T lymphocytes. The binding of PD-1/PD-L1 suppresses the activity of T cells, promotes the conversion of T-helpers into T-regulatory cells, and activates pro-survival signaling pathways in cancer cells. Cytokines play a crucial role in IIHs. B-cell infiltration has been observed in IIHs, suggesting that antibody-mediated pituitary injury may contribute. Genetic polymorphisms of CTLA-4 and PD-1 genes can increase the risk of IIHs. HLA alleles may also be involved in the onset of IIHs; this HLA association presents a possible alternative mechanistic hypothesis. IIHs may also be linked to a paraneoplastic syndrome triggered by ectopic expression of pituitary specific antigens. SARS-CoV-2-related hypophysitis: Recently, the literature has reported occurrences of hypophysitis associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus; long COVID-19 may also present as infundibulo-neuro-hypophysitis. The virus enters the central nervous system because of its distinct interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors via spike proteins binding the capillary endothelium, and it directly damages the pituitary cells. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 can occur indirectly through inflammation and the release of cytokines. The exact mechanism remains ambiguous. The available data on endocrine complications associated with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are scant. Nonetheless, isolated cases of hypophysitis have been documented. Treatment of hypophysitis: Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone in managing primary hypophysitis, given their targeted action on inflammation. A better understanding of the etiopathogenesis and molecular mechanism of hypophysitis can lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies.

Germinoma Misdiagnosed as Lymphocytic Hypophysitis.

Germinoma Misdiagnosed as Lymphocytic Hypophysitis.

Characteristics of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pituitary gland in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery

PurposeInflammatory and infectious diseases of the pituitary gland (IIPD) are rare lesions often misdiagnosed preoperatively. Immediate surgery is indicated especially in cases of neurological impairment. However, (chronic) inflammatory processes can mimic other pituitary tumors, such as adenomas, and data on the preoperative diagnostic criteria for IIPD are sparse.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of 1317 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery at our institution between March 2003 and January 2023. A total of 26 cases of histologically confirmed IIPD were identified. Patient records, laboratory parameters, and postoperative course were analyzed and compared with an age, sex, and tumor volume-matched control group of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.ResultsPathology confirmed septic infection in ten cases, most commonly caused by bacteria (3/10) and fungi (2/10). In the aseptic group, lymphocytic hypophysitis (8/26) and granulomatous inflammation (3/26) were most frequently observed. Patients with IIPD commonly presented with endocrine and/or neurological dysfunction. No surgical mortality occurred. Preoperative radiographic findings (cystic/solid tumor mass, contrast enhancement) did not significantly differ between IIPD and adenomas. At follow-up, 13 patients required permanent hormone substitution.ConclusionIn conclusion, correct preoperative diagnosis of IIPD remains challenging, as neither radiographic findings nor preoperative laboratory workup unequivocally identify these lesions. Surgical treatment facilitates decompression of supra- and parasellar structures. Furthermore, this low-morbidity procedure enables the identification of pathogens or inflammatory diseases requiring targeted medical treatment, which is crucial for these patients. Establishing a correct diagnosis through surgery and histopathological confirmation thus remains of utmost importance.

Lymphocytic Hypophysitis - many faces of the same disesase. Watchful waiting could be suggested therapeutic approach in majority of patients

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Diabetes Insipidus caused by autoimmune lymphocytic hypophysitis resulting in diagnosis and cure of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Lymphocytic hypophysitis simulating a pituitary adenoma

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Case Series of Cranial Diabetes Insipidus secondary to Presumed Lymphocytic Hypophysitis Presenting During Pregnancy

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Abstract #1398468: Lymphocytic Hypophysitis Successfully Treated with Prednisone

Lymphocytic Hypophysitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland that has classically been described in pregnant and postpartum women. It is the most common type of Primary Hypophysitis which refers to inflammation of the pituitary gland that is not secondary to other systemic diseases or drugs. This is a rare group of disorders with an estimated annual incidence of 2.4 in 10 million. We present the case of a young woman diagnosed with Lymphocytic Hypophysitis and successfully treated with prednisone. A 27-year-old previously healthy female presented with daily headaches and fatigue that began 4 months after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. She was amenorrheic despite cessation of breast milk production. Physical exam was within normal limits. Laboratory evaluation revealed an AM cortisol of 1 mg/dl (4-22), Free T4 of 0.4 ng/dL (0.8-1.8), LH of 0.5 mIU/mL (1.9-12.5), and estrogen of 30 pg/ml (12.5-166, follicular), consistent with adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism. Prolactin was normal. She had no evidence of Diabetes Insipidus. MRI pituitary with and without contrast revealed an intensely and homogenously enhancing sellar mass measuring 2 x 2 x 1.3 cm with suprasellar extension and mass effect on the optic chiasm. She did not have any abnormalities in her visual fields or acuity. Lymphocytic Hypophysitis was felt to be the most likely diagnosis based on her clinical presentation and imaging features. Via shared decision-making, she was started on 40 mg of oral prednisone daily in addition to levothyroxine and oral combined contraceptive pills. On reevaluation 2 months later, her symptoms improved and a repeat MRI revealed a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the lesion following which prednisone was reduced to 30 mg with a plan for revaluation after 2 more months. Lymphocytic Hypophysitis should always be suspected in pregnant and postpartum women with neurological complaints of headaches or visual abnormalities and pituitary hormonal deficiency. The investigation involves obtaining an anterior pituitary hormonal profile including TSH with free T4, ACTH with cortisol, FSH, LH, estradiol, and prolactin. Serum sodium with plasma and urine osmolality can be used to evaluate diabetes insipidus in suspected cases. MRI pituitary with and without contrast frequently reveals a symmetric sellar lesion that enhances intensely and homogeneously with gadolinium. A pituitary adenoma, in contrast, enhances less than the normal pituitary tissue. A tool based on clinical and radiological features called the Gutenberg score can also aid in differentiating lymphocytic hypophysitis from an adenoma. Treatment involves management of hormonal deficiencies including Diabetes Insipidus and relief of symptoms of mass effect. Glucocorticoids can induce remission and possible recovery of hormonal function. Follow-up with serial imaging in a few months after initiation of glucocorticoids is essential. Diagnosis needs to be reconsidered if there is no improvement in the appearance of the lesion and a pituitary biopsy may be indicated.

Pituitary Enlargement and Hypopituitarism in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Immune checkpoint inhibitor hypophysitis (IIHs) is an emerging problem in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to describe the clinical and molecular features of a multicenter series of IIHs. Demographic and clinical features were retrospectively collected for all cases. Anti-pituitary and anti-hypothalamus autoantibodies were also measured. Nine patients were included. Six patients were treated with nivolumab and three with ipilimumab. Secondary hypoadrenalism was diagnosed in all patients. Pituitary MRI showed pituitary enlargement in two cases and no abnormalities in the other seven. Anti-pituitary antibodies were positive in 57.1% of cases and anti-hypothalamus antibodies in 85.7% of cases. Multidisciplinary treatments were established by a neuroendocrinologist and oncologists: all patients were treated with hydrocortisone replacement; ICI was withdrawn in two cases. At follow-up, hypoadrenalism persisted in all cases. Pituitary enlargement on MRI spontaneously recovered in the two affected patients. We found that the typical features of hypophysitis involved more frequently females and patients treated with ipilimumab. Although this study did not clarify if autoimmune secondary hypoadrenalism and ICI hypophysitis on brain imaging are two sides of the same disease, our preliminary data underline the need for molecular studies of IIHs and of autoimmune ICIs-related hypopituitarism.

Glucocorticoid therapy as first-line treatment in primary hypophysitis: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

High-dose glucocorticoids are associated with improved recovery of deficits in primary autoimmune hypophysitis (PAH), but optimal dosing, route, and duration are unclear. We reviewed literature for first-line glucocorticoid treatment in PAH until December 2021 and performed an individual-patient data meta-analysis to analyze clinical, hormonal, and radiological outcomes with respect to route, dose, and duration (<6.5 vs. 6.5-12 vs. >12 weeks) of glucocorticoid treatment according to disease severity. 153 PAH patients from 83 publications were included. The median age at presentation was 41(32.5-48) years with a female preponderance (70.3%). Visual field recovery was significantly better with intravenous (91.7%) as compared to oral (54.5%) route, high dose (100%) and very-high dose (90.9%) as compared to medium dose (20%) of glucocorticoids. Corticotroph axis recovery was greater in intravenous (54.8% vs. 28.1% oral, p=0.033) route and increasing glucocorticoid dose group (0% vs. 38.1% vs. 57.1%), attaining statistical significance (p=0.012) with very high-dose. A longer duration of treatment (>6.5 weeks) was associated with better corticotroph and thyrotroph recovery. Need for rescue therapy with lower with intravenous route (38% vs 17.5%, p=0.012) and with increasing glucocorticoid doses (53.3% vs. 34.3% vs. 17.3%, p=0.016). In severe disease, visual field and corticotroph axis recovery was significantly higher with intravenous route and very-high dose steroids. The adverse effects of glucocorticoids were independent of dose and duration of treatment. Very high-dose glucocorticoids by intravenous route and cumulative longer duration (>6.5 weeks) lead to better outcomes and could be considered as first-line treatment of severe PAH cases.

A detailed pituitary profile always matters

Abstract 29-year-old female with known hypothyroidism and positive thyroid auto antibodies, followed up throughout pregnancy for adjusted doses of thyroid replacement therapy, presented 2 months post-partum with gradually increasing fatigue, repeated pre-syncope experience, inability to cope with daily home and family needs and headache. Adequacy of thyroid replacement therapy was questioned, TSH has been performed: 0.18 mIU/ml. Checking the blood pressure in lying and standing position has showed Postural hypotension. An urgent measurement of Cortisol (am) showed a result of1.06 ug/dl. Preliminary Differential Diagnoses have been suggested; Pituitary apoplexy, Pituitary adenoma, Autoimmune adrenalitis (Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome) or Others. On further detailed history, the patient affirmed dizziness and fainting liability on standing from lying position, bitemporal headache more in the morning. However, she denied frequent urination throughout the day, neither repeated times at night. In addition, she confirmed efficient breast feeding. Continued Lab investigations: ACTH (am) (Low); FT4 (Low; on replacement therapy); IGF1 (Normal) Serum osmolality (Normal); Urine osmolality (Normal); E2 / LH / FSH (normal physiological levels) Prolactin (normal for breast feeding) MRI pituitary and sella: Diffuse isointense enlargement of anterior pituitary gland. Homogenous and strong diffuse pituitary enhancement with gadolinium contrast. History and investigations were not fully matching with any of the previously proposed differential diagnoses, especially in regards of selective corticotroph and thyrotroph affection, sparing other pituitary cell types. Moreover, the autoimmune predisposition, the nature of the clinical presentation and its timing during early postpartum period, together with the laboratory and imaging investigations were all matching with the diagnosis of Lymphocytic Hypophysitis. The Patient got pregnant again 14 months post-partum, reflecting spared gonadotroph function and highlighting the importance to identify this uncommon diagnosis and to notify the patient about normal gonadal function and the normal possibility of pregnancy. However, she remained on hydrocortisone and thyroxine replacement. Finally, it is important that this condition should not be misdiagnosed in the first place as postpartum thyroid disturbance and TSH results, especially during and after pregnancy, shall always be interpreted in the clinical context and with the overall thyroid profile.

Pregnancy-related hypophysitis revisited.

The aim of the study is to assess the distinguishing features of pregnancy-related hypophysitis (PR-Hy) compared to non-pregnancy autoimmune hypophysitis and to evaluate the changing therapeutic approaches and outcomes in PR-Hy over time. Retrospective analysis of all published cases with PR-Hy and 6 own cases. A PubMed search was performed and abstracts screened for publications with information on cases with PR-Hy from which full-text review was performed. Clinical features, diagnostic findings, and outcome in relation to treatment modalities in PR-Hy were assessed. One hundred and forty-eight cases with PR-Hy were identified. PR-Hy was significantly delimited from non-PR-Hy by the frequent occurrence of the chiasmal syndrome (50% vs 13%, P < .0001), higher rate of intrasellar origin (94% vs 74%, P = .0005), lower rate of pituitary stalk involvement (39% vs 86%, P < .0001), and low rate of diabetes insipidus (12% vs 54%, P < .0001). The role of surgery in PR-Hy decreased over time while noninvasive treatment modalities increased. The recurrence rate after high-dose glucocorticoid therapy (33%) was high and exceeded that of surgery (2%) and conservative management (2%). In contrast to initial reports on PR-Hy, recent literature regarding outcome of mother's and child's health was positive. The frequency of spontaneous preterm delivery was not increased. Recurrent PR-Hy in a subsequent pregnancy was reported in only two females. PR-Hy has distinct features that delineate the disorder from non-PR-Hy. With increasing experience in diagnosis, availability of adequate replacement therapy, and improved treatment modalities, PR-Hy has lost its threat and the outcome is encouraging.

A Case of Autoimmune Hypophysitis Induced by Ipilimumab/Nivolumab Combination Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma

A Case of Autoimmune Hypophysitis Induced by Ipilimumab/Nivolumab Combination Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma

Two children with lymphocytic hypophysitis presenting with positive anti-rabphilin-3A antibody.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the anterior or posterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus. LYH is subdivided into lymphocytic adenohypophysitis (LAH), lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis (LINH), and lymphocytic panhypophysitis (LPH) depending on the primary site. Most cases occur in adults, with few cases reported in children, and it is especially important to distinguish LYH from suprasellar malignancies, such as germ cell tumors and other neoplastic diseases. Although a biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis, it is desirable to be able to diagnose the disease without biopsy if possible, especially in children, because of the surgical invasiveness of the procedure. Recently, serum anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies have attracted attention as diagnostic markers for LYH, especially in LINH, but there are only a few reports on pediatric patients. In the present study, we experienced two children with LPH and LAH, respectively, who tested positive for anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies. This is the first report of children with LYH other than LINH positive for anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies, and anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies may be a useful non-invasive diagnostic marker not only for LINH but also for LYH in general. We also discuss the sensitivity and specificity of anti-rabphilin-3A antibody testing in cases where histological diagnosis has been made.