Lymphocytic infundibulohypophysitis presenting in the postpartum period: case report.
BACKGROUND
Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis is a well-known autoimmune disorder affecting the anterior pituitary gland. Posterior pituitary gland function can be impaired by a similar autoimmune disorder called lymphocytic infundibulohypophysitis. Only very few cases have been reported.


METHODS
We present a patient with central diabetes insipidus in the postpartum period. On radiologic and endocrine evidence lymphocytic involvement of the pituitary stalk and infundibulum was suspected.


METHODS
A diagnostic pterional craniotomy was performed. The diagnosis of lymphocytic infundibulohypophysitis was confirmed by biopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
We present a case of lymphocytic infundibulohypophysitis. In view of its autoimmune pathophysiology the occurrence of this disorder in the postpartum period is not surprising, even though it has not been reported before. This rare disorder should be distinguished from the more common lymphocytic adenohypophysitis.
Van Havenbergh
T
T
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Gasthuisbergh, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.
Robberecht
W
W
Wilms
G
G
Van Calenbergh
F
F
Goffin
J
J
Dom
R
R
Bouillon
R
R
Plets
C
C
D000328:Adult; D003919:Diabetes Insipidus / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D008214:Lymphocytes; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D010904:Pituitary Gland, Posterior / Q000473:pathology*; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000097:blood; D049590:Postpartum Period
D010907:Pituitary Hormones