Adrenal crisis due to pembrolizumab-induced hypophysitis in a patient with triple-negative breast cancer
We report a case of a 43-year-old woman with stage IIB triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) on neoadjuvant pembrolizumab presenting in adrenal crisis. Biochemical evaluation revealed isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency, and MRI demonstrated a partial empty sella; findings consiste...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Bioscientifica
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Endocrine Oncology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eo.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/eo/5/1/EO-25-0046.xml |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | We report a case of a 43-year-old woman with stage IIB triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) on neoadjuvant pembrolizumab presenting in adrenal crisis. Biochemical evaluation revealed isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency, and MRI demonstrated a partial empty sella; findings consistent with pembrolizumab-induced hypophysitis. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy led to symptom resolution. Pembrolizumab-induced hypophysitis is rare (incidence ∼0.98%), often associated with isolated ACTH deficiency, making diagnosis challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and frequently unremarkable pituitary imaging. As ICI use expands, clinician awareness of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) is essential to prevent life-threatening complications and improve outcomes. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2634-4793 |