Korean J Leg Med.  2024 Aug;48(3):110-114. 10.7580/kjlm.2024.48.3.110.

Maternal Death Due to Lymphocytic Hypophysitis: A Case Report

• Kwon Jh
• Park YI
• Jang SJ

• KMID: 2558792
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2024.48.3.110

Abstract

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a rare condition characterized by lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, leading to fibrosis and functional impairment of the pituitary gland. Although lymphocytic hypophysitis is associated with pregnancy, its diagnosis may be challenging in pregnant women owing to unclear symptoms of pituitary dysfunction. Lymphocytic hypophysitis can lead to serious complications, including a sudden death; however, no case of maternal death has been reported in Korea. This study presents a case of maternal death after childbirth. The deceased had a history of hypertension, obesity, hypothyroidism, and gestational diabetes and died suddenly the day after the emergency cesarean section. Notably, no other pregnancy-related complications were observed. Histopathological examination of the pituitary gland confirmed lymphocytic hypophysitis. This case report emphasizes the requirement of clinical awareness and underscores the significance of examining the pituitary gland during autopsy investigations of maternal deaths.

Keyword

Maternal death; Autopsy; Forensic medicine; Autoimmun hypophysitis