Introduction: Hypophysitis is a heterogeneous condition that leads to inflammation of the sella / suprasellar region, potentially resulting in hormonal deficiencies or mass effects. Prevalence of hypophysitis ranges from 0.2% to 0.88%. Annual incidence of hypophysitis is 1 case per 9 million individuals. We present an interesting case of idiopathic hypophysitis. Clinical Case: A 52-year-old female was evaluated for secondary hypothyroidism. Patient complained of excess fatigue, weight gain, headaches, polyuria with nocturia and vision changes. She was seen by ophthalmology for formal visual field testing revealing right superior quadrantanopia. Labs significant for TSH 4 uIU/mL (ref range 0.27-4.2uIU/mL), FT4 0.72ng/dL (ref range 0.93-1.7 ng/dL), Anti TPO ab negative, AM cortisol 8.9UG/dL, ACTH 18pg/mL, IGF1 127ng/mL, prolactin 7ng/mL, FSH 102MIU/mL, LH 41 MIU/mL. MRI sella revealed homogenous enhancement of the pituitary with convex superior margin - 0.8*1*0.9cm concerning for hyperplasia. Due to the concern for hypophysitis, an extensive inflammatory workup was pursued which was negative. She was started on thyroid hormone replacement and DDAVP. An empiric trial of high dose steroids failed to provide any relief. During workup, patient complained of transient right sided face and arm tingling, diagnosed with TIA and started on aspirin. Due to worsening headaches, a pituitary biopsy was pursued. Pathology significant for glandular tissue ruling out inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious etiologies. Neurology diagnosed the patient with hemicrania continua. Patient is currently maintained on thyroid hormone replacement and DDAVP with close follow-up. Discussion: The incidence of hypophysitis has recently increased due to increased awareness and also due to the use of medications like ICI. Primary hypophysitis is mostly due to autoimmune etiology. Secondary hypophysitis could result from infections, neoplastic conditions or an adverse effect of medications. Clinical presentations ranges from being asymptomatic to having features of hypopituitarism. Usually presents with mass effect, visual symptoms due to the upward expansion of the pituitary gland impinging the dura mater and optic chiasm. This is followed by symptoms of hormone deficiency, central DI and hyperprolactinemia. Central AI has been reported in 20%-75%, central hypogonadism in 15%-60%, central hypothyroidism in 25%-58%, GH deficiency in 5%-41%, and prolactin deficiency in 13%-25%. Typical MRI findings include, homogeneous pituitary contrast enhancement, pituitary stalk thickening and loss of posterior pituitary bright spot, ‘figure of 8’ appearance, ‘dural tail’. Treatment consists of surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, and radiotherapy. Glucocorticoid treatment is the cornerstone for medical management; however, the overall recurrence rate is high.
Case presentation: A 48-year-old female with HTN presented to the endocrinology clinic for the evaluation of incidental bilateral adrenal masses noted on chest CT for dyspnea workup. At the time of the presentation, she reported generalized fatigue, significant weight gain in the past year and shortness of breath. Her physical exam was remarkable for central obesity. Lab work showed elevated cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test x 2 and elevated 24- hour urine cortisol. Plasma free metanephrine levels and aldosterone/ renin ratio were normal. MRI abdomen was done and showed bilateral adrenal masses (left: 5.6 cm, right: 3.2 cm). Patient was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome secondary to primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and was referred to endocrine surgery who recommended unilateral adrenalectomy. The decision was made to remove the larger left side adrenal mass. On post-operative day one her am cortisol decreased to 2.1 and she was started on hydrocortisone 20 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening. Discussion: Primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause (< 2 %) of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, usually occurs in a bimodal age distribution, in childhood and in the fifth- sixth decades. Presentation is variable with most patients having no symptoms or subclinical Cushing’s. The theory is the larger nodule size corelates with the higher cortisol production. Studies have shown between 60-70% of cases has aberrant ectopic hormone receptors which leads to increased cortisol production not only from ACTH but also from other ligands such as serotonin and vasopressin. Aberrant receptor testing examines whether cortisol or other steroid production increases in response to either physiologic or pharmacologic stimulus. Multiple genetic mutations have been associated, the most frequent is mutations in the Armadillo repeat- containing 5 gene identified in 2013. Treatment can either be medical or surgical. Medical therapy can be initiated if testing for an aberrant receptor is positive. In recent years there has been a trend towards doing unilateral adrenalectomy instead of bilateral, with initial remission of symptoms reported in about 84% of cases after unilateral adrenalectomy although there is a small risk of recurrence. Post operatively after unilateral adrenalectomy patients should be monitored for adrenal insufficiency. Our patient declined aberrant receptor testing and opted for surgery and is doing well post operatively. Conclusion: Primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome which can be treated either medically or surgically.
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