Hypopituitarism

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What is Hypopituitarism?

Hypopituitarism is a disease of the Pituitary Gland. It does not generally manifest until more than 75% of the gland is destroyed.

Who gets Hypopituitarism?

Unknown

Predisposing Factors

Any pituitary disease interfering with the synthesis or secretion of anterior pituitary hormones (responsible for 90% of cases).

Hypothalamic and pituitary stalk disorders can also cause this condition.
These include: pituitary tumour, pituitary apoplexy or infarction, transsphendidal surgery, empty sella syndrome, lumphocytic hypophysitis, haemochromatosis, granulomatous diseases, hypothalamic tumour, metastases, sellar and suprasellar cysts, irradiation, head trauma, congenital defects.

Progression

The natural history depends on the underlying disease process. Anterior pituitary hormonal deficiencies may reverse or improve in patients who are successfully treated for their underlying disorder (e.g. pituitary surgery, glucocorticoid treatment of sarcoidosis).

In many cases the deficiencies are permanent. Mortality depends on the underlying illness. An increase in the icnidence of cardiovascular events has been reported.

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