Pituitary hypophysitis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA): a case series

Pituitary. 2024 Apr;27(2):230-237. doi: 10.1007/s11102-023-01378-5. Epub 2024 Jan 31.

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) rarely involves the pituitary gland. Pituitary involvement has been reported in ~ 1% of all cases of GPA. Most commonly, pituitary swelling and inflammation results in symptoms due to pituitary mass effect and arginine vasopressin deficiency. To date, there are no pituitary-specific treatment guidelines for this rare condition. We present three patients with GPA-related hypophysitis highlighting the spectrum of pituitary involvement. All three patients were successfully treated with immunosuppressive regimens that included rituximab (RTX). Following remission induction with high-dose glucocorticoids, patients received 6 monthly RTX for remission maintenance. RTX was well tolerated without significant side effects.

Keywords: ANCA-associated vasculitis; Granulomatosis with polyangiitis; Hypophysitis; Rituximab.

MeSH terms

  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypophysitis* / drug therapy
  • Pituitary Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Pituitary Gland
  • Remission Induction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Rituximab