A case of pituitary mass suggestive of lymphocytic adenohypophysitis

A 29-year-old woman suffered from frontalgia with vomiting and visual field defects in the 9th month of pregnancy. Two weeks after delivery, a pituitary mass with suprasellar extension was demonstrated on computed tomography (CT). Angiogram revealed elevation of bilateral A1 segments and right persistent primitive trigeminal artery. Repeated CT performed three months after delivery showed that the pituitary mass had undergone a spontaneous regression in size, and her visual impairment improved. The pituitary function tests revealed no response to ACTH, GH and PRL stimulation performed about a year after delivery. Laboratory data showed high titer of antinuclear antibody and low titer of complement. This case suggests that some patients with postpartum hypopituitarism suggestive of lymphocytic adenohypophysitis, and with pituitary mass need not have early surgical intervention but may be closely observed and treated by hormone replacement alone.