Background: Hypopituitarism results from partial or complete deficiency of pituitary hormones, with diverse clinical and etiological presentations. Despite its significant morbidity, regional data from Eastern India remain sparse. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical features, biochemical profiles, radiological findings, and etiological spectrum of hypopituitarism in patients presenting to tertiary care centers in Eastern India. Methods: A record-based observational study was conducted over 3 years in two tertiary care hospitals. Demographic, clinical, hormonal, and imaging data were collected and analyzed. Results: Among 39 patients, 59% were male, with the majority aged 31–40 years. Common symptoms included polyuria (56%), vomiting (56%), and visual disturbances (31%). Adrenal insufficiency (82%) and growth hormone deficiency (72%) were the most common hormonal deficits. Central hypothyroidism was noted in 23 patients (59%). Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was present in 19 cases (49%). Diabetes insipidus was diagnosed in 22 patients (56%). Tubercular meningitis (23%) and Sheehan’s syndrome (18%) were the leading causes. Pituitary macroadenoma contributed to 6 cases (15%). Four patients (10%) had clinical and imaging features of pituitary apoplexy. Other causes found in our study included beta-thalassemia major (2 cases, 5%), hematotoxic snakebite (1 case), sarcoidosis (1 case), hemochromatosis (1 case), and human immunodeficiency virus-related hypothalamic–pituitary axis involvement (1 case). One patient presented with neurofibromatosis type 1 and an optic nerve glioma with pituitary dysfunction. Two patients had pituitary abscesses and an idiopathic case, respectively. Conclusion: Infections and postpartum vascular events remain key contributors to hypopituitarism in Eastern India. Early identification and tailored interventions based on regional patterns are essential.
Chatterjee et al. (Tue,) studied this question.