title: Lymphocytic hypophysitis in the pediatric population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is a rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland that usually affects women in their ante- or immediate postpartum period; males are affected less frequently than females. An autoimmune pathogenesis is suggested. Symptoms comprise anterior and/or posterior pituitary insufficiency of varying degrees. So far, specific characteristics of this rare disease in childhood are not well described.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of a 12-year-and-11-month-old boy with histologically confirmed LYH clinically presenting with diabetes insipidus. A high-dose steroid therapy was administered, in which the therapeutic effect was uncertain. His 6-year follow-up is presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The literature is reviewed for children presenting with LYH; their characteristics, pituitary involvement, and clinical follow-up are listed and discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even though magnetic resonance imaging can be highly suspicious for LYH, only surgical exploration can confirm the diagnosis. The efficacy of medical treatment is still controversial; a close follow-up is necessary to control and correct the endocrinological function, if required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gellner
authors.forename: Senta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurschel
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scarpatetti
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mokry
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003919:Diabetes Insipidus / Q000150:complications; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology