[Autoimmune hypophysitis--two case reports].
METHODS
Two young female patients presented with polyuria and polydipsia. In one patient we additionally found idiopathic vitiligo, there were no relevant previous diseases. The gynaecological history was unremarkable.


METHODS
In both cases a water deprivation test confirmed the diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus, the MRI investigation of the pituitary region showed a prominent and thickened pituitary stalk.


METHODS
After exclusion of a systemic granulomatous inflammation we diagnosed an autoimmune hypophysitis based on the typical morphological lesions of the pituitary gland and stalk. TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP: High-dose glucocorticoid therapy was without any beneficial effect on the central diabetes insipidus. Desmopressin treatment was initiated and led to a normalization of the pre-existing polyuria and polydipsia.


CONCLUSIONS
Autoimmune hypophysitis is a very rare disease and the diagnosis is mostly achieved by excluding other causes. Systematic evaluations on large patient cohorts are lacking in the literature with respect to diagnostic procedures, therapy and outcome, the existing knowledge and experience is largely based on case reports. For this reason it appears desirable to create a central register to collect and to evaluate the course of disease in patients with autoimmune hypophysitis.
Biering
H
H
Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, 10117 Berlin. henrik.biering@charite.de
Bohner
G
G
Strasburger
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D050034:Antidiuretic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003894:Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020790:Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000473:pathology; D011141:Polyuria; D013894:Thirst
D050034:Antidiuretic Agents; D003894:Deamino Arginine Vasopressin