Molitch ME

Language: English
References: 0
Page: 47-51
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Hypopituitarism indicates the diminished production of one or more anterior pituitary hormones. Although the recognition of complete or panhypopituitarism is usually straightforward, the detection of partial or selective hormone deficiencies is more challenging. Pituitary hormone deficiencies can be caused by loss of hypothalamic stimulation (tertiary hormone deficiency) or by direct loss of pituitary function (secondary hormone deficiency). The distinction between hypothalamic and pituitary causes of hypopituitarism is important for establishing the correct diagnosis and but less so when applying and interpreting the relevant diagnostic endocrine tests. With improved procedures for testing the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, it is apparent that hypothalamic causes of hypopituitarism are more common than previously appreciated. When hypopituitarism is accompanied by diabetes insipidus or hyperprolactinemia, one should particularly consider hypothalamic causes of pituitary dysfunction.