Autoimmune hypophysitis

Autoimmune (lymphocytic) hypophysitis is a rare disease that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any non-secreting pituitary mass, especially when occurring during pregnancy or postpartum. We have analyzed 370 articles published from January 1962 to October 2004 and identified a total of 379 patients with primary lymphocytic hypophysitis. The present review synthesizes the clinical and research data reported in this body of scientific literature.