ABSTRACT
To evaluate the Humphrey visual field parameters in patients with pituitary adenoma and classify the visual field defects in this patient group. Forty primary pituitary adenoma patients underwent neuro-ophthalmological examination and Humphrey Perimetry 30-2 visual field test at Baskent University, Departments of Ophthalmology, and Neurosurgery, between 2003 and 2005. Global indices, mean +/- SD and pattern standard deviation [PSD] of pituitary adenoma patients [group 1] were taken as the test parameters and compared with age- and sex- matched controls [group 2]. There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 with respect to mean age or gender distribution [P>0.05]. The MD and PSD results of group 1 according to the age groups and gender were not statistically significant [P>0.05]. The MD and PSD results of subjects in group 2 were within normal limits, and no special visual field defects were observed. When compared with healthy controls, the MD and PSD values of patients with hypophyseal adenomas were statistically significantly [P<0.05]. In group 1, the mean adenoma size was 13.34 mm and no statistically significant correlation was found between the adenoma size and either the MD or PSD values [P>0.05]. Sixteen [40%] patients had visual field defects, the specific complete bitemporal hemianopsia was found in 5 [12.5%] patients. Only in 3 patients [7.5%] the primary diagnosis was made by ophthalmologic examination. Although ophthalmologists rarely have a role in the primary diagnosis of hypophyseal adenoma, routine ophthalmologic examination is still important. To detect early visual field abnormalities, automated perimetry should be performed as a part of routine examination in patients with suspected hypophyseal adenomas