# An overview of hypopituitarism’s causes

## TL;DR

This review explores the expanding causes of hypopituitarism, including new factors like immunotherapy and infections, beyond traditional causes.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of both traditional and emerging etiologies of hypopituitarism.

## Key findings

- Hypopituitarism is now influenced by new factors such as immunotherapy and infections like COVID-19.
- The review includes traditional causes like pituitary tumors and radiation injury alongside newer developments.
- It aims to improve clinical diagnosis and guide future research in the field.

## Abstract

The widespread application of tumor therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and the emergence of new infectious diseases such as COVID-19 are promoting the continued expansion of the cause spectrum of hypopituitarism, making its scope significantly beyond traditional causes such as pituitary tumors and craniocerebral trauma. Faced with this evolution, a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of its etiology has become a top priority, which has also put forward new requirements for clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis. This review aims to systematically sort out and deeply explore the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease. The content not only covers traditional factors such as pituitary tumors, radiation injury, and pituitary surgery, but also the latest progress in emerging fields such as immunotherapy, new infections, and autoimmunity. It aims to provide reliable reference for clinicians’ diagnosis and treatment practice and lay a theoretical foundation for future research in this field.

Diagram illustrating causes of hypopituitarism. Central brain graphic labeled “Hypopituitarism,” surrounded by segments: pituitary apoplexy, autoimmune disorders, traumatic brain injury or surgery, radiation damage, infections, pituitary ischemic necrosis, congenital causes, pituitary tumors, snakebite, iron deposition, COVID-19, empty sella. Each segment has an illustrative icon.