Post-encephalitic hypothalamic-pituitary insufficiency.

Pituitary function was investigated in 3 patients who developed hypothalamic-pituitary insufficiency after viral meningoencephalitis. In 2 patients the causative agents were probably Influenza-A-and Herpes simplex virus whereas in the third patient it was not identified. The pattern of hormonal deficiencies indicated that all the central regulatory areas - hypothalamus, pituitary stalk and pituitary gland - may be injured after viral meningoencephalitis. Usually, the hormonal deficiency is permanent but it can also be transient.