Immunotherapy induced hypophysitis

Definition

A rare acquired pituitary hormone deficieny characterized by inflammation of the pituitary gland secondary to immunotherapy for cancers treatments (such as monoclonal antibodies against cytotoxic T lymphocytes antigen, programmed cell death protein-1, and programmed cell death ligand molecules). Major clinical features include headache, fatigue, adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism. Patients may also have nausea and vomiting associated to the headache as well as dizziness and hot flashes. Enlargement of the pituitary gland is present in the brain imaging.