Hypopituitarism physical examination
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2], Iqra Qamar M.D.[3]
Overview
Clinical presentation in hypopituitarism depends upon the onset, the severity of hormonal deficiency and the number of deficient hormones. Patients with hypopituitarism are ill appearing and usually look tired. Physical examination of patients with hypopituitarism is usually remarkable for the respective hormonal deficiency and present with features of that specific hormone such as hypothyroidism presents as delayed relaxation of tendon reflexes, bradycardia, coarse skin, puffy facies, and loss of eyebrows. ACTH deficiency can present with postural hypotension, tachycardia, and weight loss. Gonadotropin deficiency may present with breast atrophy, soft testes, and regression of sexual characteristics. Growth hormone deficiency can present with short stature, decreased sweating with impaired thermogenesis, and reduced muscle mass.
Physical Examination
Clinical presentation in hypopituitarism depends upon factors as followings:
- The onset:
- Acute: Sudden onset of symptoms as seen in pituitary apoplexy.
- Chronic: Slow onset, may take years to manifest such as radiation damage.
- The severity of hormonal deficiency:
- Complete hormonal deficiency: May present even in normal circumstances.
- Partial hormonal deficiency: May present only in times of stress.
- The number of deficient hormones:
- One hormone or some hormones are deficient.
- All of the pituitary hormones (panhypopituitarism).
- Patients with sellar mass may present with a headache, diplopia, or visual loss. Physical examination of patients with hypopituitarism is usually remarkable for:
Hormonal deficiency | Finding | |
---|---|---|
ACTH | Acute | |
Chronic | ||
TSH |
| |
Gonadotropins | Male |
|
Female |
| |
Growth hormone | Children | |
Adults |
|
Appearance of the patient
- Patients of hypopituitarism are ill appearing and usually look tired.[1][2][3]
Vital Signs
Skin
- Dry skin
- Pallor
- Loss of hair
- Alabaster-like appearance[4]
Lungs
Heart
Abdomen
Neuromuscular
Genitourinary
References
- ↑ Fleseriu, Maria; Hashim, Ibrahim A.; Karavitaki, Niki; Melmed, Shlomo; Murad, M. Hassan; Salvatori, Roberto; Samuels, Mary H. (2016). "Hormonal Replacement in Hypopituitarism in Adults: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 101 (11): 3888–3921. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-2118. ISSN 0021-972X.
- ↑ Prabhakar VK, Shalet SM (2006). "Aetiology, diagnosis, and management of hypopituitarism in adult life". Postgrad Med J. 82 (966): 259–66. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2005.039768. PMC 2585697. PMID 16597813.
- ↑ Ascoli, Paola; Cavagnini, Francesco (2006). "Hypopituitarism". Pituitary. 9 (4): 335–342. doi:10.1007/s11102-006-0416-5. ISSN 1386-341X.
- ↑ Arlt W, Allolio B (2003). "Adrenal insufficiency". Lancet. 361 (9372): 1881–93. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13492-7. PMID 12788587.