SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection affects various organ systems including the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. It causes systemic involvement by entering cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor which are ubiquitously expressed in our body. Reports in human and animal models show significant ACE2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary. COVID-19 can cause panhypopituitarism, often due to hypophysitis or pituitary apoplexy in the setting of preexisting pituitary adenomas.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Widlus et al. (2024) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: