Clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of lymphocytic hypophysitis: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis was to analyze the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and the management of Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH). Meta-analysis showed that the percentage of women in LYH patients was 78%. LYH was associated with pregnancy in 15% of the female patients, with headache (49%) and symptoms of central diabetes insipidus (CDI) (45%) being the most frequent presentation. In 24 % of the LYH patients, there was an association with another autoimmune disease. The incidence of secondary hypogonadism, secondary hypoadrenalism, secondary hypothyroidism, and growth hormone deficit was 54%, 49%, 43%, and 22%, respectively. Pituitary contrast enhancement (63%), symmetrical pituitary enlargement (60%), thickening of the pituitary stalk (58%), sella mass or suprasellar extension (58%), and loss of posterior pituitary hyperintensity (50%) were typical MRI findings. Regarding LYH treatment, the percentage of patients who had observation or hormone replacement, steroid therapy, and surgery was 43%, 36%, and 34%, respectively.