What are the causes of Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?

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From the Research

Causes of Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

The causes of Diabetes Insipidus (DI) can be categorized into several types, including:

  • Central Diabetes Insipidus: caused by impaired secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary gland 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: caused by impaired renal response to ADH 1, 5, 3, 4
  • Primary Polydipsia: caused by excessive fluid intake 1, 4
  • Gestational Diabetes Insipidus: caused by increased metabolism of the hormone during pregnancy 1, 4

Specific Causes of Central Diabetes Insipidus

Central Diabetes Insipidus can be caused by:

  • Destruction of the neurohypophysis by anatomic lesions, surgery, or head trauma 2
  • Autoimmune destruction of the vasopressin neurons 2
  • Genetic forms, which have been advanced greatly in recent years 1
  • Craniopharyngioma or germinoma, especially in patients under 30 years old 4
  • Metastasis, especially in patients over 50 years old 4
  • Head trauma, which can lead to hypopituitarism, including DI in 2% of cases 4
  • Endoscopic transphenoidal surgeries, which can cause transient or permanent DI in 8-9% of cases 4

Other Causes of DI

Other causes of DI include:

  • Abnormal thirst regulation 4
  • Early destruction of AVP by placental enzymes during pregnancy 4
  • IgG4-related hypophysitis or many genetic abnormalities, which can be targeted by therapies 4

References

Research

Diabetes insipidus.

Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America, 1995

Research

Acquired forms of central diabetes insipidus: Mechanisms of disease.

Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 2020

Research

Diabetes insipidus: diagnosis and treatment of a complex disease.

Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine, 2006

Research

Diabetes insipidus.

Annales d'endocrinologie, 2013

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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