Lymphocytic panhypophysitis in a young man with involvement of the cavernous sinus and clivus

Diffuse Basisphenoid Enhancement: Possible Differentiating Feature for Granulomatous Hypophysitis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Granulomatous hypophysitis is a rare inflammatory condition of the pituitary gland with an imaging appearance that can overlap with that of pituitary adenoma. Differentiating the two before surgical resection can have important treatment implications. The purpose of our study was to determine whether it was possible to differentiate between granulomatous hypophysitis and pituitary adenoma on the basis of diffuse enhancing infrasellar basisphenoid bone marrow.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present 3 cases, initially thought to be pituitary adenomas, that were pathology-proved granulomatous hypophysitis. The preoperative MR images were reviewed for diffuse, enhancing infrasellar basisphenoid bone marrow. For comparison, we reviewed 100 cases of pathology-proved pituitary adenoma for the same finding. Additionally, imaging findings including the sphenoid sinus pneumatization pattern, clinical history, laboratory values, and pathology results were reviewed.

RESULTS

All 3 cases of granulomatous hypophysitis had diffuse enhancing infrasellar basisphenoid bone marrow. Conversely, this was not seen in any of the 100 pituitary adenomas. The patients with granulomatous hypophysitis were all women. Two patients had idiopathic granulomatous hypophysitis, and 1 had secondary granulomatous hypophysitis with sarcoidosis. Of the 100 patients with pituitary adenomas, 67 were women. The basisphenoid pneumatization patterns was as follows: 15 (type 2), 40 (type 3), and 45 (type 4).

CONCLUSIONS

We present 3 cases of granulomatous hypophysitis with diffuse enhancement of the infrasellar basisphenoid bone marrow that was not seen in our 100 cases of pituitary adenomas. This imaging feature may be valuable for suggesting a diagnosis of granulomatous hypophysitis and avoiding surgical resection of what might otherwise be misdiagnosed as a pituitary adenoma.

A clinical approach to parasellar lesions in the transition age

Many reviews have summarised the pathology and management of the parasellar region in adult patients, although an analysis of these aspects in the transition years, from puberty onset to the age of peak bone mass, has been lacking. A comprehensive search of English-language original articles, published from 2000 to 2020, was conducted in the MEDLINE database (December 2019 to March 2020). We selected all studies regarding epidemiology, diagnosis and management of the following parasellar lesions: germinoma, craniopharyngioma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, optic glioma, hypothalamic hamartoma, tuber cinereum hamartoma, cranial chordoma, Rathke cleft cyst, hypophysitis and hypothalamitis during the transition age from childhood to adulthood. In the present review, we provide an overview of the principal parasellar lesions occurring in the transition age. Symptoms are usually a result of the mass effect of the lesions on nearby structures, as well as anterior pituitary deficits. Diabetes insipidus occurs frequently in these patients. In this age group, pubertal developmental disorders may be more evident compared to other stages of life. Parasellar lesions in the transition age mostly include neoplastic lesions such as germinomas, hamartomas, optic gliomas, craniopharyngiomas Langerhans cell histiocytosis and chordomas, and rarely inflammatory lesions (hypophysitis, hypothalamitis). There are limited data on the management of parasellar lesions in the transition age. Endocrine evaluation is crucial for identifying conditions that require hormonal treatment so that they can be treated early to improve the quality of life of the individual patient in this complex age range. The clinical approach to parasellar lesions involves a multidisciplinary effort.

MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Hypophysitis: diagnosis and treatment

Hypophysitis is a rare condition characterised by inflammation of the pituitary gland, usually resulting in hypopituitarism and pituitary enlargement. Pituitary inflammation can occur as a primary hypophysitis (most commonly lymphocytic, granulomatous or xanthomatous disease) or as secondary hypophysitis (as a result of systemic diseases, immunotherapy or alternative sella-based pathologies). Hypophysitis can be classified using anatomical, histopathological and aetiological criteria. Non-invasive diagnosis of hypophysitis remains elusive, and the use of currently available serum anti-pituitary antibodies are limited by low sensitivity and specificity. Newer serum markers such as anti-rabphilin 3A are yet to show consistent diagnostic value and are not yet commercially available. Traditionally considered a very rare condition, the recent recognition of IgG4-related disease and hypophysitis as a consequence of use of immune modulatory therapy has resulted in increased understanding of the pathophysiology of hypophysitis. Modern imaging techniques, histological classification and immune profiling are improving the accuracy of the diagnosis of the patient with hypophysitis. The objective of this review is to bring readers up-to-date with current understanding of conditions presenting as hypophysitis, focussing on recent advances and areas for future development. We describe the presenting features, investigation and diagnostic approach of the patient with likely hypophysitis, including existing conventional techniques and those in the research/development arena. Hypophysitis usually results in acute and persistent pituitary hormone deficiency requiring long-term replacement. Management of hypophysitis includes control of the inflammatory pituitary mass using a variety of treatment strategies including surgery and medical therapy. Glucocorticoids remain the mainstay of medical treatment but other immunosuppressive agents (e.g. azathioprine, rituximab) show benefit in some cases, but there is a need for controlled studies to inform practice.

Microsurgical management of benign lesions interior to the cavernous sinus: A case series

Background:

Benign lesion interior to the cavernous sinus (CS) is very rare.

Objective:

In this series we found nonneoplastic lymphatic aggregation and osteoclastoma inside the CS which is very rare and probably not reported in literature. One interesting postoperative complaint of feeling of tickling down of warm water under the skin forehead was found in the patient of inflammatory disease of CS which is not reported in literature. Here we also describe our experiences of microsurgical management of series of benign lesions inside the CS.

Materials and Methods:

Benign mass originated from the content of CS or inner side of walls of CS, confirmed peroperatively were included in this series. Prospectively recorded data of microsurgical management was retrogradely studied.

Results:

Total number of patient was 12. Patient's age range was 30–60 years. Follow-up range was 60 months to 19 months. Three was nonneoplastic lesion (tuberculosis, inflammatory and nonneoplastic lymphoid infiltration). Among the 9 neoplastic lesions, two hemangiomas, two meningiomas, three 6^th nerve schwannomas, one osteoclastoma and one epidermoid tumor. Middle cranial fossa-subtemporal extradural approach was used in 9 cases and in two cases extended middle fossa zygomatic approach. New postoperative 3^rd nerve palsy developed in 5 cases all recovered completely except one. In seven patients 6^th nerve palsy developed after operation; only one recovered. Postoperatively simultaneous 3^rd, 4^th and 6^th nerve palsy developed in four cases. One interesting postoperative complaint of feeling of tickling down of warm water under the skin of left sided forehead was found in the patient of inflammatory disease of CS. Mortality was nil. Total resection was done in 9 cases. There was no recurrence till last follow-up.

Conclusion:

Though decision for microsurgical removal of such lesions is not straight forward. Probably microsurgery is the best option in treating such benign lesions though it may associate with some permanent cranial nerve palsy.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis associated with pediatric multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland and infundibulum most often observed in the setting of autoimmune disease with a variety of clinical and endocrine presentations. The association between lymphocytic hypophysitis and multiple sclerosis has not been reported.

PATIENT AND RESULTS

We describe an adolescent boy with polyfocal neurological signs including optic neuritis as well as hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus related to lymphocytic hypophysitis. His imaging met 2010 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis. This diagnosis was further supported by cerebrospinal fluid analysis and a negative evaluation for an alternate diagnosis. Imaging features of lymphocytic hypophysitis include an absent posterior pituitary bright spot with an enlarged cystic pituitary gland, stalk thickening, and improvement with corticosteroid therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphocytic hypophysitis and multiple sclerosis share a common autoimmune pathogenesis, perhaps explaining the co-occurrence of the diseases. The presentation of endocrinologic disturbances such as diabetes insipidus with typical features of a multiple sclerosis attack should prompt further investigation of possible comorbid inflammatory disease involving the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Autoimmune hypophysitis presenting with intracranial multi-organ involvement: three case reports and review of the literature

Background

Autoimmune hypophysitis very rarely spreads to nearby organs outside the pituitary tissue, for unknown reasons, with only 5 reported cases of hypophysitis spreading over the cavernous sinus.

Case presentation

Three patients presented with cases of non-infectious hypophysitis spreading outside the pituitary tissue over the cavernous sinus. All three cases were diagnosed with histological confirmation by transsphenoidal surgery, and the patients showed remarkable improvement with postoperative pulse dose steroid therapy, including disappearance of abnormal signal intensities in the bilateral hypothalami on magnetic resonance imaging, resolution of severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery, and normalization of swollen pituitary tissues. Two of 3 cases fulfilled the histological criteria of immunoglobulin G4-related disease, although none of the patients had high serum immunoglobulin G4 level.

Conclusion

The true implications of such unusual spreading of hypophysitis to nearby organs are not fully understood, but the mechanism of occurrence might vary according to the timing of inflammation in this unusual mode of spreading. Pulse dose steroid therapy achieved remarkably good outcomes even in the patient with progressive severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery and rapid visual deterioration.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis in a patient presenting with sequential episodes of optic neuritis

A 41-year-old man presented with left optic neuritis (ON) without evidence of other autoimmune disease or hormonal imbalance. MRI showed enlargement of the left optic nerve but no sellar lesion. The patient recovered after steroid therapy but later developed right ON and required treatment again. Follow-up MRI revealed an ill-defined, enlarging sellar lesion with enhancement extending into the right cavernous sinus, and the patient developed symptoms of fatigue and loss of libido. Hormonal studies revealed hypogonadism and hypocortisolism. All laboratory investigation for autoimmune and infectious diseases remained negative. A transsphenoidal biopsy of the lesion revealed lymphocytic hypophysitis. The concomitant development of lymphocytic hypophysitis and optic neuritis suggests a common and likely autoimmune etiology. Visual loss in patients with LYH can sometimes be due to ON rather than compression of the optic apparatus, with significant implications for treatment strategies.

Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hypophysitis: a short review

Medical therapy of autoimmune hypophysitis with immunosuppressive drugs can be effective to induce remission of the disease by treating both pituitary dysfunction and compression symptoms. We describe the case of a 41-yr-old man with autoimmune hypophysitis in whom prednisone therapy induced remission of the disease but was followed by a sudden relapse after withdrawal. A second trial of corticosteroid was started and succeeded in inducing remission of the disease. Eight months after the second withdrawal pituitary function was restored, pituitary mass had disappeared, only partial diabetes insipidus remained unchanged. Review of the literature identified 30 articles, among case reports and case series, reporting a total of 44 cases of autoimmune hypophysitis treated with glucocorticoids and/or azathioprine. Combining all the cases, medical therapy resulted to be effective in reducing the pituitary mass in 84%, in improving anterior pituitary function in 45%, and in restoring posterior pituitary function in 41%. Clinical aspects of autoimmune hypophysitis are discussed and a possible algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease is proposed.

[A case of optic neuritis associated with lymphocytic hypophysitis revealed by pattern-reversal VEP]

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is a rare neuroendocrine disorder characterized by autoimmune inflammation of the pituitary gland. Visual disturbance is one of the most common and serious symptoms of LYH. Most of the visual symptoms in LYH are secondary to compression of the optic chiasm and some reports have described direct inflammatory involvement of the optic pathways. We describe a 30-year-old man with a 9-day history of bilateral blurred vision. Ophthalmic examination demonstrated severely impaired vision without temporal hemianopsia. Hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, and hypogonadism were detected in laboratory tests. Central diabetes insipidus was diagnosed by a hypertonic saline infusion test. MRI revealed thickening of the pituitary stalk and enlargement of the hypophysis, which was enhanced with gadolinium. High intensity of the posterior lobe was not recognized on T1-weighted images. These findings established a clinical diagnosis of lymphocytic panhypophysitis. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was introduced and his visual acuity gradually recovered. The anterior pituitary function improved, but desmopressin was still required. Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP) have been widely used to detect optic nerve lesions caused by multiple sclerosis and brain tumors. However, there have been no previous reports of their usefulness for LYH. The P100 latency in our case was slightly prolonged and the amplitude was markedly reduced. These findings are similar to ischemic optic neuropathy and other conditions in which axonal damage is prominent. The prolonged latency and low amplitude on VEP examination in this case showed rapid improvement in parallel with the recovery of visual acuity. Taken together, our case implies the usefulness of pattern-reversal VEP for the diagnosis of optic neuritis in LYH, especially for the evaluation of its pathogenic mechanisms.

Parasellar T2 dark sign on MR imaging in patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MR imaging findings of LYH and pituitary adenomas are similar, but the therapeutic strategies are completely different. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sellar and parasellar MR imaging findings in patients with both diseases, as well as characteristic clinical findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical findings, including endocrinologic study and MR images of 20 patients with LYH and 22 patients with pituitary adenoma, were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the MR images in relation to the following: 1) the PPHI on T1-weighted images, 2) thickened stalk (>3.5 mm), 3) pituitary symmetry, 4) pituitary enhancement pattern, 5) a dural tail, and 6) parasellar signal intensity on T2- and T1-weighted images.

RESULTS

Between patients with LYH and those with pituitary adenoma, a significant difference was identified for the number of patients with loss of PPHI, thickened stalk, pituitary symmetry, homogeneous enhancement, and parasellar dark signal intensity on T2-weighted images by statistical analysis (Fisher exact probability test, P < .05). Among them, only parasellar dark signal intensity on T2-weighted images had no false-positive cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The parasellar T2 dark sign can be a specific finding used to distinguish pituitary adenoma from LYH.

[Watch out for headaches at the end of a pregnancy! Do not miss an autoimmune hypositys]

We report the case of a 21-year-old pregnant women (36 WA) presenting intensive headaches and visual disturbances. Those sellar compression symptoms have made us suppose the diagnosis of autoimmune hypophysitis. MRI has confirmed the typical aspect of symmetric enlargement of the pituitary gland with a strong and homogenous enhancement after gadolinium. This pathology associated to a high morbidity and mortality due to partial or complete deficit of the anterior pituitary hormones, shall be reminded more often.

Gamma Knife surgery for lymphocytic hypophysitis

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a relatively uncommon autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting the pituitary gland. It most frequently occurs in women of child-bearing age. The authors report on their experience with a patient who presented with diplopia and marked enlargement of the pituitary gland. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis. The disease proved refractory to resection, and any attempt at withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy resulted in a return of the patient's symptoms and enlargement of the sellar contents.

The patient underwent Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) to the sella and both cavernous sinuses. After GKS, the patient was able to discontinue steroid therapy without return of her symptoms. Follow-up MR images demonstrated no evidence of recurrence of lymphocytic hypophysitis.

For persistent lymphocytic hypophysitis, GKS is a reasonable treatment option.

A radiologic score to distinguish autoimmune hypophysitis from nonsecreting pituitary adenoma preoperatively

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) mimics the more common nonsecreting pituitary adenomas and can be diagnosed with certainty only histologically. Approximately 40% of patients with AH are still misdiagnosed as having pituitary macroadenoma and undergo unnecessary surgery. MR imaging is currently the best noninvasive diagnostic tool to differentiate AH from nonsecreting adenomas, though no single radiologic sign is diagnostically accurate. The purpose of this study was to develop a scoring system that summarizes numerous MR imaging signs to increase the probability of diagnosing AH before surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a case-control study of 402 patients, which compared the presurgical pituitary MR imaging features of patients with nonsecreting pituitary adenoma and controls with AH. MR images were compared on the basis of 16 morphologic features besides sex, age, and relation to pregnancy.

RESULTS

Only 2 of the 19 proposed features tested lacked prognostic value. When the other 17 predictors were analyzed jointly in a multiple logistic regression model, 8 (relation to pregnancy, pituitary mass volume and symmetry, signal intensity and signal intensity homogeneity after gadolinium administration, posterior pituitary bright spot presence, stalk size, and mucosal swelling) remained significant predictors of a correct classification. The diagnostic score had a global performance of 0.9917 and correctly classified 97% of the patients, with a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 99%, a positive predictive value of 97%, and a negative predictive value of 97% for the diagnosis of AH.

CONCLUSIONS

This new radiologic score could be integrated into the management of patients with AH, who derive greater benefit from medical as opposed to surgical treatment.