Summary
This narrative review, published in 2021, synthesises emerging evidence on pituitary gland involvement in COVID-19 infection. The authors examine documented cases of acute pituitary dysfunction and endocrine complications reported in patients with severe coronavirus disease, discussing potential mechanisms of viral-induced anterior and posterior pituitary injury. The work reflects early clinical observations as suggested by 2020–2021 case reports and small cohort studies during the pandemic's initial phase.
UK applicability
The clinical findings are applicable to UK hospitals managing acute COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae; however, applicability depends on whether pituitary dysfunction represents a significant long-term complication burden in the UK population, which would require follow-up epidemiological assessment.
Key measures
Clinical presentation of pituitary dysfunction; prevalence of endocrine abnormalities; hormone levels (cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, TSH); radiological findings on MRI
Outcomes reported
The study examined reported cases and clinical manifestations of pituitary dysfunction associated with COVID-19 infection. It synthesised evidence on endocrine complications in hospitalised and post-acute COVID-19 patients.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.