What Causes Hypopituitarism?

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium TB. This bacteria usually has a primary effect on the lungs, but it can cause damage to other parts of the body as well. There are a couple of ways tuberculosis can cause hypopituitarism. Tuberculoma or a firm mass of tubercles that forms from tuberculosis can have the same effects on the pituitary gland a benign tumor would. Tuberculosis can also cause vasculitis or blood vessel thickening in the areas around the pituitary gland. Vasculitis in these areas may make it difficult for the pituitary tissues to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen because of reduced blood flow. A lack of oxygen can cause damage or death of the pituitary gland tissues responsible for the production of certain hormones. In addition, tuberculosis can cause fluids to leak out of the blood vessels around the pituitary gland, and triggering inflammation in this area. The exudate or mass of cells and fluid causes interference in pituitary hormone production with the same mechanism as a benign pituitary tumor.

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