Infiltrative neurosarcoidosis presenting as secondary amenorrhea: case report and review of the literature

Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2013 Jun;68(6):482-8. doi: 10.1097/OGX.0b013e31828e116e.

Abstract

In this report, we describe abrupt onset of secondary amenorrhea in a woman with history of chronic systemic sarcoidosis. Endocrinologic evaluation of her hypothalamic-pituitary axis revealed abnormally low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and insulinlike growth factor 1 and elevated prolactin. Urine osmolality was low, and serum osmolality was high. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse extensive leptomeningeal enhancement, with involvement of the hypothalamus, pituitary stalk, and the optic chiasm. Clinical diagnosis was consistent with neurosarcoidosis with hypothalamic-pituitary infiltration resulting in clinical hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hyper-prolactinemia, and diabetes insipidus. In our report, we provide an overview of basic reproductive neuroendocrinology and discuss salient concepts of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and management of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The current literature on neurosarcoidosis with involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is summarized. The possibility of infiltrative process should be considered in patients with new diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadal amenorrhea.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amenorrhea / etiology*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / blood
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / complications*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Insipidus / complications
  • Diabetes Insipidus / urine
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / etiology*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Pituitary Diseases / blood
  • Pituitary Diseases / complications*
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Diseases / drug therapy
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Sarcoidosis / blood
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Prolactin
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Supplementary concepts

  • Neurosarcoidosis