Can MS cause pituitary gland problems?

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is common in MS [17–20], yet its underlying etiology is poorly understood. Possibilities include damage to the hypothalamus or a secondary effect of a global stress response to the disease.

Is hypopituitarism an autoimmune disease?

Anterior hypopituitarism is rare and autoimmune disease is common in adults with idiopathic central diabetes insipidus. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf).

What is Hypopituitary?

Hypopituitarism is a rare disorder in which your pituitary gland fails to produce one or more hormones, or doesn’t produce enough hormones. The pituitary gland is a kidney-bean-sized gland situated at the base of your brain.

Does multiple sclerosis affect the endocrine system?

Alterations in endocrine function in MS include hyperactivity of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-producing neurons, dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and altered basal or stimulated cortisol concentrations (10–16).

What body systems does MS affect?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS , the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body.

What is lymphocytic Hypophysitis?

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a rare inflammatory disease in which lymphocytic infiltration of the pituitary gland can potentially lead to panhypopituitarism. This entity was first recognised in 1962 by Goudie and Pinkerton.

What is autoimmune Hypophysitis?

Autoimmune hypophysitis, often referred to as lymphocytic hypophysitis, is defined as an inflammatory condition of the pituitary gland of autoimmune etiology that leads to pituitary dysfunction.

What is the prognosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis?

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is usually self-limiting and spontaneous recovery can occur. Corticosteroids are sometimes given and deficient hormones can be replaced 8. The differential diagnosis is primarily that of other pituitary region masses. Considerations include: 1. Loevner LA. Brain imaging, case review.

What is pathology of hypophysitis?

Pathology. It is characterized by infiltration of the pituitary stalk with lymphocytes, as the name would suggest. Importantly, there is a paucity of plasma cells or granulomas, differentiating it from IgG4-related hypophysitis and granulomatous hypophysitis (e.g. due to neurosarcoidosis) respectively.

What is lymphocytic hypophysitis (pituitary lymphoma)?

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is an uncommon non-neoplastic inflammatory condition that affects the pituitary gland. It is closely related to other inflammatory conditions in the region, namely orbital pseudotumour and Tolosa-Hunt syndrome.

What does an MRI of the pituitary region show?

MRI of the pituitary region demonstrates enhancing soft tissue mass involving the anterior and posterior pituitary as well as the infundibulum which is markedly expanded. The superior component severely compresses and elevates the optic chiasm. Incidental note is made of a cavum septum pellucidum et vergae.