What autoimmune diseases affect the pituitary gland?

Primary hypophysitis — also called idopathic hypophysitis — is a rare inflammatory condition of the pituitary gland and is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. Immune cells (primarily leukocytes) infiltrate the pituitary gland and gather into a mass that can mimic a pituitary tumor.

What diseases are associated with the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland, sometimes called the “master gland,” produces hormones that enable other glands in the body to function. Pituitary gland disorders include acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes insipidus, empty sella syndrome, hypopituitarism and pituitary tumors.

Is pituitary disease autoimmune?

Pituitary autoimmune disease is considered an autoimmune organ-specific disorder, characterized by a pituitary infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells that could lead to loss of pituitary function. Hypophysitis may be secondary to systemic diseases or infections.

What causes inflammation of the pituitary gland?

Inflammation of the pituitary gland caused by an abnormal immune system response (hypophysitis) Infections of the brain, such as meningitis, or infections that can spread to the brain, such as tuberculosis or syphilis.

What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning pituitary gland?

Hypopituitarism - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

What is the most common pituitary disease?

Pituitary Gland Disorders and Tumors. Pituitary tumors, also called pituitary adenomas, are the most common cause of pituitary gland disorders. More than 99 percent of these tumors are benign.

What blood test checks your pituitary gland?

Venous Blood Sampling

Sometimes ACTH levels may be high due to a tumor located somewhere else in the body. For these reasons, doctors may order a pituitary venous blood sampling test, also called petrosal sinus sampling.

What can mimic a pituitary tumor?

Hypophysitis is an inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland that may mimic pituitary tumors clinically and radiologically.

How do you reduce inflammation of the pituitary gland?

Treatment of hypophysitis is typically with hormone replacement therapy and with high dose glucocorticoids (steroids) to reduce inflammation. Despite long-term treatment with steroids, most patients do develop some degree of permanent pituitary gland failure.

Which symptoms would a person with a pituitary tumor show?

Can lupus affect your pituitary gland?

The ones most significant to lupus include the thyroid, parathyroids, thymus, pituitary, adrenals, the pancreas, ovaries, testes and pineal gland.

What autoimmune disease affects hormones?

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

It is caused by an autoimmune disorder that can make your immune system attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland isn't able to produce as much of the thyroid hormones as usual because its cells have been damaged. This causes an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.

Can MS cause pituitary problems?

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is common in MS [17–20], yet its underlying etiology is poorly understood. Possibilities include damage to the hypothalamus or a secondary effect of a global stress response to the disease.

What does a pituitary headache feel like?

A person with pituitary tumor apoplexy usually has a sudden-onset, severe headache at the front of the head (either located on one side of the head or both) and/or behind one or both eyes.

What is Simmonds syndrome?

Simmonds disease is a chronic deficiency of function of the pituitary gland, a form of hypopituitarism, that leads to atrophy of many of the viscera, including the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, thyroid, adrenals, and gonads. The disease results in emaciation and death if left untreated.

What kind of doctor treats pituitary gland?

Endocrinologists – doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pituitary tumors and other disorders of the pituitary gland.

What is the best vitamin for the pituitary gland?

Researchers suggest that some nutrients may help the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to function. These include polyphenols, omega-3, and vitamins C, B1, and B12.

What foods heal the pituitary gland?

Diet for healthy Pituitary gland

Important nutrients for good pituitary function are a variety of minerals- especially manganese, magnesium, and vitamin E. Foods rich in minerals are wheat, leafy greens, nuts and some legumes. Other important nutrients are iron and iodine.

How do you treat a malfunctioning pituitary gland?

What is the best test to find a pituitary tumor?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This test is very helpful for looking at the brain and spinal cord, and it's considered the best way to find pituitary tumors. MRI images are usually more detailed than those from CT scans (see below).

Who is most likely to get a pituitary tumor?

Older adults are more likely to be diagnosed with this type of tumor, but it can occur at any age. When a person aged 15 to 19 has a brain tumor, a pituitary gland tumor is a common subtype diagnosis (33% of brain tumors in this age group). Women are more likely to develop these tumors than men.

Can an eye doctor see a pituitary tumor?

Did you know that regular eye exams, even if you do not wear glasses or contacts, can help discover eye conditions like a pituitary tumor, also known as a pituitary adenoma, before you even start to have symptoms? Watching out for pituitary tumors is only one reason you should have an annual eye exam.

How do you test for a malfunctioning pituitary gland?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) of your brain can detect a pituitary tumor or other pituitary gland problems.

Which of the following are common early signs of a pituitary adenoma?

How do you rule out a pituitary tumor?