Lymphocytic hypophysitis with normal pituitary function mimicking a pituitary adenoma: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland usually affecting young women, often in pregnancy or post partum period. It is rare in non-pregnant females and in men. Patients present with symptoms of an expanding pituitary mass and/or varying degrees of pituitary dysfunction. We, hereby report a case of lymphocytic hypophysitis in a 28-year-old non-pregnant female who presented with clinical and radiological features of a pituitary tumor with normal pituitary hormones which on histopathological examination revealed features of lymphocytic hypophysitis. The case is presented here for its rarity and its unique presentation as an expanding pituitary mass with normal pituitary function. Peculiar clinical, radiological and histopathological features of this uncommon entity are discussed.