Open AccessNeurosarcoidosis presenting with hypopituitarism
Author(s) -
Elina Liu,
Axel Rohr,
Mohammed Almehthel
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr-2020-235077
Subject(s) - medicine , neurosarcoidosis , sarcoidosis , hypopituitarism , pituitary disorder , pituitary stalk , rheumatology , neurology , rare disease , pediatrics , disease , pathology , pituitary gland , hormone , psychiatry
Hypothalamo-pituitary sarcoidosis is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis, usually presenting alongside other symptoms of neurosarcoidosis. We describe the case of a 58-year-old man from Ghana who presented with progressive gait disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, hypothermia and bradycardia. He was found to have pituitary stalk thickening on imaging, and lymph node biopsy identified non-caseating granulomatous disease. Serology revealed gonadotropin deficiency, hypothyroidism and central adrenal insufficiency. Treatment with immunomodulatory therapy resulted in resolution of findings on imaging and improved cognition, though pituitary function never recovered. Treatment for his sarcoidosis unfortunately resulted in recurrent infections and avascular necrosis. Work-up, management and ongoing care required multidisciplinary cooperation between the admitting internal medicine team, infectious diseases, respirology, rheumatology, endocrinology and neurology.