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Menotti S, Giampietro A, Raia S, Veleno M, Angelini F, Tartaglione T, Gaudino S, Doglietto F, De Marinis L, Pontecorvi A, Bianchi A, Chiloiro S. Unveiling the Etiopathogenic Spectrum of Hypophysitis: A Narrative Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1210. [PMID: 37623461 PMCID: PMC10455260 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Menotti
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Antonella Giampietro
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Salvatore Raia
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Miriam Veleno
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Flavia Angelini
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Tommaso Tartaglione
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
- Department of Radiodiagnostic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Gaudino
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
- Department of Radiodiagnostic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Doglietto
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura De Marinis
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Antonio Bianchi
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Sabrina Chiloiro
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.G.); (S.R.); (M.V.); (F.A.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.T.); (S.G.); (F.D.)
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Iglesias P, Biagetti B, Guerrero-Pérez F, Vicente A, Cordido F, Díez JJ. Executive summary of the consensus document on hypophysitis of the Neuroendocrinology Area of Knowledge of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2023; 70 Suppl 1:116-125. [PMID: 36894450 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The term hypophysitis is used to designate a heterogeneous group of pituitary conditions characterized by the presence of inflammatory infiltration of the adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis, or both. Although hypophysitis are rare disorders, the most common in clinical practice is lymphocytic hypophysitis, a primary hypophysitis characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, which predominantly affects women. Other forms of primary hypophysitis are associated with different autoimmune diseases. Hypophysitis can also be secondary to other disorders such as sellar and parasellar diseases, systemic diseases, paraneoplastic syndromes, infections, and drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. The diagnostic evaluation should always include pituitary function tests and other analytical tests based on the suspected diagnosis. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice for the morphological assessment of hypophysitis. Glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment for most symptomatic hypophysitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Iglesias
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro - Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Betina Biagetti
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Guerrero-Pérez
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Almudena Vicente
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario de Toledo, Toledo, Spain
| | - Fernando Cordido
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, Universidad de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Juan J Díez
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro - Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypophysitis is considered a rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland. For a long time, primary autoimmune hypophysitis has stood out as the most relevant type of hypophysitis. However, with the advent of immunotherapy for the treatment of malignancies and identification of hypophysitis as an immune-related adverse event, hypophysitis has garnered increasing interest and recognition. Therefore, awareness, early recognition, and appropriate management are becoming important as the indication for immunomodulatory therapies broaden. METHODS In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hypophysitis with a focus on recent data and highlight subtypes of particular interest while recognizing the gaps in knowledge that remain. RESULTS Regardless of cause, symptoms and signs of hypophysitis may be related to mass effect (headache and visual disturbance) and hormonal disruption that warrant prompt evaluation. In the vast majority of cases, a diagnosis of hypophysitis can be made presumptively in the appropriate clinical context with radiologic findings consistent with hypophysitis and after the exclusion of other causes. CONCLUSION Although subtle differences currently exist in management and outcome expectations between primary and secondary causes of hypophysitis, universally, treatment is aimed at symptom management and hormonal replacement therapy.
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Langlois F, Varlamov EV, Fleseriu M. Hypophysitis, the Growing Spectrum of a Rare Pituitary Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:10-28. [PMID: 34528683 PMCID: PMC8684465 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hypophysitis is defined as inflammation of the pituitary gland that is primary or secondary to a local or systemic process. Differential diagnosis is broad (including primary tumors, metastases, and lympho-proliferative diseases) and multifaceted. Patients with hypophysitis typically present with headaches, some degree of anterior and/or posterior pituitary dysfunction, and enlargement of pituitary gland and/or stalk, as determined by imaging. Most hypophysitis causes are autoimmune, but other etiologies include inflammation secondary to sellar tumors or cysts, systemic diseases, and infection or drug-induced causes. Novel pathologies such as immunoglobulin G4-related hypophysitis, immunotherapy-induced hypophysitis, and paraneoplastic pituitary-directed autoimmunity are also included in a growing spectrum of this rare pituitary disease. Typical magnetic resonance imaging reveals stalk thickening and homogenous enlargement of the pituitary gland; however, imaging is not always specific. Diagnosis can be challenging, and ultimately, only a pituitary biopsy can confirm hypophysitis type and rule out other etiologies. A presumptive diagnosis can be made often without biopsy. Detailed history and clinical examination are essential, notably for signs of underlying etiology with systemic manifestations. Hormone replacement and, in selected cases, careful observation is advised with imaging follow-up. High-dose glucocorticoids are initiated mainly to help reduce mass effect. A response may be observed in all auto-immune etiologies, as well as in lymphoproliferative diseases, and, as such, should not be used for differential diagnosis. Surgery may be necessary in some cases to relieve mass effect and allow a definite diagnosis. Immunosuppressive therapy and radiation are sometimes also necessary in resistant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Langlois
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Estrie - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elena V Varlamov
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition) and Neurological Surgery, and Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition) and Neurological Surgery, and Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Correspondence: Maria Fleseriu, MD, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code CH8N, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
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