Central Diabetes Insipidus Following Steroid Replacement for Hypoadrenalism in Pembrolizumab-Induced Hypophysitis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly associated with complex immune-related endocrine adverse events that may evolve dynamically over time. We report a rare case of pembrolizumab-induced hypophysitis complicated by central diabetes insipidus, which was unmasked following glucocorticoid replacement. A 68-year-old female patient receiving immunotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma presented with hyponatremia and secondary adrenal insufficiency, followed by abrupt severe hypernatremia after steroid initiation. Subsequent evaluation confirmed central diabetes insipidus, and treatment with desmopressin resulted in clinical and biochemical recovery. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by overlapping pituitary dysfunction and emphasizes the importance of dynamic endocrine reassessment when electrolyte disturbances evolve during immunotherapy.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-04-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.107752
Primary Topic
Adrenal Hormones and Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Central Diabetes Insipidus Following Steroid Replacement for Hypoadrenalism in Pembrolizumab-Induced Hypophysitis

Sunithi Mani, Thu Ta, Su Su San, Abdalrahman Alasmar
Cureus
Adrenal Hormones and Disorders
article

Central Diabetes Insipidus Following Steroid Replacement for Hypoadrenalism in Pembrolizumab-Induced Hypophysitis

Sunithi Mani, Thu Ta, Su Su San, Abdalrahman Alasmar
article en

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly associated with complex immune-related endocrine adverse events that may evolve dynamically over time. We report a rare case of pembrolizumab-induced hypophysitis complicated by central diabetes insipidus, which was unmasked following glucocorticoid replacement. A 68-year-old female patient receiving immunotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma presented with hyponatremia and secondary adrenal insufficiency, followed by abrupt severe hypernatremia after steroid initiation. Subsequent evaluation confirmed central diabetes insipidus, and treatment with desmopressin resulted in clinical and biochemical recovery. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by overlapping pituitary dysfunction and emphasizes the importance of dynamic endocrine reassessment when electrolyte disturbances evolve during immunotherapy.

Cureus
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Adrenal Hormones and Disorders
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.