Hypopituitarism
| Overview |
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- Hypopituitarism refers to conditions in which there is an insufficiency of one or more hormones of the pituitary gland. A variety of etiologies can result in hypopituitarism; however, the clinical consequences that arise depend on which pituitary hormones are excessively secreted.
| Etiologies |
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- A large variety of acquired and inherited etiologies can result in hyopopituitiarism and only notable causes are mentioned below.
- Local Mass: In most cases, hypopituitarism is due to destruction of the pituitary from physical compression of a growing pituitary mass, often a pituitary adenoma or a craniopharyngioma.
- Sheehan Syndrome: Although now rare, post-partum ischemic necrosis of the anterior pituitary, known as Sheehan Syndrome, was an important historical cause of hypopituitarism.
- Iatrogenic: Surgical or radiative ablation of the anterior pituitary.
| Clinical Consequences |
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- Reduced Growth Hormone secretion can result in Growth Hormone Deficiency
- Reduced Prolactin secreiton can result in prolactin deficiency (See: Prolactin Physiology)
- Reduced TSH secretion can result in Hypothyroidism
- Reduced ACTH secretion can result in Acute Adrenocortical Insufficiency or Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency
- Reduced LH and FSH secretion can result in hypogonadism
- Reduced ADH secretion can result in Diabetes Insipidus
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