Pituitary & hypothalamus

Pituitary and COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review

PituitaryPublished Systematic review of case reports

Authors' conclusion

Despite the rarity of these events, our research findings suggest an association between COVID-19 vaccination and the subsequent development of pituitary diseases. The most common manifestations include hypophysitis with ADH deficiency, PA and SIADH, with symptoms typically emerging shortly after vaccine administration. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms include molecular mimicry, vaccine adjuvants and vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), with the presence of ACE2 receptors in the hypothalamus-pituitary system contributing to the process. These findings can aid in diagnostic and treatment decisions for patients presenting with these syndromes. Nevertheless, given the rarity of these events, safety and efficacy of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines remain robust and we strongly advocate continuing pursuing vaccination efforts.

Study context

Population
Patients with pituitary disease after COVID-19 vaccination; PubMed and Tripdatabase, January 1st, 2020 to February 12th, 202423 case reports
Outcome
Post COVID-19 vaccination pituitary disease

Pooled result

As reported in the abstract

Hypophysitis
9 patients
Pituitary apoplexy (PA)
6 cases
SIADH
5 cases
Isolated ACTH deficiency
2 cases
Precipitating adrenal crisis
7 patients
Pituitary tumor enlargement
1 patient

Original publication

Pituitary and COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review. Pituitary. Published 18 May 2024. doi:10.1007/s11102-024-01402-2

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