Recurrent lymphocytic hypophysitis successfully treated with glucocorticoids plus azathioprine: three cases report

VernacularTitle:糖皮质激素联合硫唑嘌呤治疗复发性淋巴细胞性垂体炎三例报道
Author: Guoqing YANG ; Zhaohui Lü ; Weijun GU ; Jin DU ; Qinghua GUO ; Xianling WANG ; Jianming BA ; Jingtao DOU ; Yiming MU ; Juming LU
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Glucocorticoids; Azathioprine; Lymphocytic hypophysitis,recurrence
From: Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2011;27(1):43-46
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: All three cases of recurrent lymphocytic hypophysitis were female, one of them being 70-yearold postmenopausal woman.Adenohypophysis, cavernous sinus, and optic chiasm were involved in case 1,hypothalamus and neurohypophysis were invaded in case 2, and adenohypophysis and hypophyseal stalk were involved in case 3.Relapse occured 4 months after operation in case 1, then high dosage methylprednisolone pulse therapy (HDMPT) brought about a remission lasting for 14 months before second relapse set in.Relapse occurred in case 2 at 16 months after prednisone treatment was discontinued, and case 3 recurred during the period of dose reduction.All three patients were then treated with glucocorticoid plus azathioprine for 16 weeks, and good response was seen in 3 cases.During follow-up, the symptoms were relieved and significant reduction of lesion was revealed by MRI in all thee patients, and the pituitary function was resumed in case1and 3.