Hypopituitarism is defined as the partial or total loss of function of a portion of the pituitary gland and produces symptoms related to the deficiency of hormone production that should be produced by the portion of the compromised gland.
This pathological condition can be caused by:
- Pituitary tumors
- Inadequate blood supply to the pituitary gland
- Infections and inflammatory diseases
- Sarcoidosis
- Amyloidosis
- Irradiation
- Surgical Removal
- Autoimmune disease
- Hypothalamic tumors
- Inflammatory diseases
- Cranio-encephalic injuries
- Surgical injury of the pituitary gland or of blood vessels or nerves that are directed at it
Symptoms may start suddenly but usually begin gradually, remaining unnoticed for a long period.
Treatment is based on the replacement of deficient hormones. A pituitary tumor causing hypopituitarism can be treated surgically with the use of supervoltage or proton beam irradiation.
