Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism) Questions & Answers

Updated: Nov 10, 2022
  • Author: Ricardo R Correa Marquez, MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, FAPCR, CMQ, ABDA, FACHT; Chief Editor: Romesh Khardori, MD, PhD, FACP  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the physiology of the pituitary gland relative to hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

How is hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism) treated in an adrenal crisis?

What is the role of glucocorticoids in the treatment of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is included in patient education about hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the pathophysiology of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What causes hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What causes hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism) in pregnant women?

What is the role of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the etiology of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What are less common causes of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the prevalence of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the prognosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Which factors increase the risk of mortality and morbidity from hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What are the cardiovascular complications of with hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What are the noncardiovascular complications of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

DDX

How is an acute cortisol insufficiency state prevented in hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

When is the ACTH stimulation test normal in patients with hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism)?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the workup of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the role of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the role thyroid function testing in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) assessment in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Which lab tests should be performed in the evaluation of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism) in men?

What is the role of growth hormone (GH) provocative testing and prolactin testing in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the role of a vasopressin stimulation test in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the role of a water deprivation test in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Treatment

How is hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism) treated?

How are pituitary adenomas treated in patients with hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

How is hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism) prevented?

What is included in long-term monitoring of hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Medications

What is the role of drug treatment for hypopituitarism (panhypopituitarism)?

Which medications in the drug class Androgens are used in the treatment of Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism)?

Which medications in the drug class Estrogens/Progestins are used in the treatment of Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism)?

Which medications in the drug class Growth hormones are used in the treatment of Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism)?

Which medications in the drug class Antidiuretic hormone replacements are used in the treatment of Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism)?

Which medications in the drug class Thyroid hormones are used in the treatment of Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism)?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism)?