A rare case of acquired ptosis in a child secondary to Pituitary macroadenoma

Pituitary adenomas are rare neoplasms with a propensity for unusual presentations and an aggressive clinical course. An 8 years old female child presented to Department of Ophthalmology at SVS Medical College and Hospital Mahabubnagar with the chief complaints of mild ptosis of RE since 1month, associated with fever, headache, vomiting and diplopia since 2 days. On ocular examination, BCVA in BE - 6/9 and anterior segment examination suggested RE mild ptosis with hypotropia and adduction restriction. Fundus examination was normal. There was no palpable mass/ bruit in the orbit. MRI revealed lobulated enhancing soft tissue lesion in sella and parasellar region extending into basifrontal region causing pressure over optic chiasm, 3rd ventricle and cavernous sinuses suggestive of pituitary macroadenoma. Hormonal essays revealed elevated prolactin, beta HCG levels and abnormal thyroid profile. On the basis of clinical examination and investigations a clinical diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma was made. Then the case was referred to department of neurosurgery where transphenoidal resection under GA was planned and after 2days of admission she had a respiratory arrest and could not be resuscitated.

Multiplanar MRI imaging of sellar and parasellar lesions with clinical and pathological correlation

Background: Sellar and parasellar/ juxtasellar regions are complex areas of the brain, hold delicate neurovascular structures. A number of diseases that affect the pituitary-hypothalamic axis can have profound clinical, endocrinological as well as neurological consequences. Aim of this retrospective study was to identify the MR imaging characteristics and epidemiology of sellar and suprasellar lesions, to correlate the MRI findings with histopathological findings and to highlight the diagnostic superiority of MR imaging.Methods: Author studied the records of 65 patients with sellar and suprasellar lesions for which preoperative MR imaging films or reports were available. Radiological appearances were correlated with intraoperative findings and post-operative histopathology.Results: Majority of patients in this study belonged to the age group 21-40 years. Most common mass lesion found was pituitary macroadenoma comprising 58% of the total cases. The accuracy of MRI in diagnosing macroadenomas are 96.80%. MR was 87.50%accurate, in diagnosing craniopharyngioma. MR was 100% in diagnosing meningioma in our study.Conclusions: MRI is the modality for characterizing sellar and suprasellar lesions, morphology of lesions, nature of contrast material enhancement and extent of lesions. Hence MRI is the modality of choice for diagnosing sellar and suprasellar masses with high accuracy

Perfil epidemiológico e clínico de uma amostra populacional de pacientes com acromegalia no estado de Alagoas / Clinical and epidemiological profile of a sample population of patients with acromegaly in the state of Alagoas

Objetivo: determinar o perfil epidemiológico e clínico de pacientes com acromegalia no Estado de Alagoas. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, observacional, que foi realizado na Farmácia de Medicamentos Excepcionais do Estado de Alagoas, abrangendo 12 pacientes com acromegalia dessa instituição, correspondendo a 85% dos acromegálicos do Estado de Alagoas. Resultados: dos 12 pacientes estudados, a média de idade foi de 50,8 +/- 12,1 anos e, no momento do diagnóstico, uma média de idade de 44,5 +/- 11,6 anos. Foram realizados exames de imagem em 91,6% dos pacientes, em que se evidenciou macroademona hipofisário no momento do diagnóstico. A octreotida foi o medicamento principal, utilizado em 92% dos pacientes. Conclusão: O estudo corrobora, em boa parte dos dados, a literatura atual e revela a necessidade de maior precocidade de diagnóstico e início de terapêutica adequada, evitando o surgimento de comorbidades e complicações típicas da doença. (AU)

Objective: to determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with acromegaly in the state of Alagoas. Method: This is a descriptive and observational study, which was held at the Exceptional Drug Pharmacy of the State of Alagoas. This study included 12 patients with acromegaly of this institution, corresponding to 85% of acromegaly in the State of Alagoas. Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.8 +/- 12.1 year and the mean age at diagnosis was 44.5 +/- 11, 6 years. Medical imaging exams were performed in 91.7% of patients, showing pituitary macroadenoma at the moment of diagnosis. Octreotide was the main medication, used in 91,7% of patients. Conclusion: The study corroborates, in most of the data, the current literature and reveals the need for earlier diagnosis and appropriate therapy, which avoids the appearance of typical comorbidities and complications of this disease. (AU)

Apoplejía hipofisaria, presentación de dos casos clínicos y revisión del tema / Pituitary apoplexy, presentation of two clinical cases and review of the subject

Antecedentes: la apoplejía hipofisaria es un síndrome clínico agudo, potencialmente fatal, que acontece como complicación de un adenoma hipofisario; presenta una complejidad diagnóstica, y puede imitar numerosos procesos intracraneales. Objetivo: realizar la revisión bibliográfica del tema, y describir dos casos clínicos, dada la poca frecuencia de presentación de la enfermedad y su complejidad diagnóstica. Desarrollo: caso 1, paciente masculino, de 52 años con antecedentes patológicos de hipertensión arterial y macroadenoma hipofisario no funcionante. Durante su seguimiento por Neurocirugía se detectó hiperprolactinemia, por lo que se inició tratamiento con bromocriptina a dosis progresiva, lo cual desencadenó cuadro agudo no definido. Tres meses después presentó nuevo cuadro agudo, que se diagnosticó como apoplejía hipofisaria; caso 2, paciente masculino, de 49 años, con antecedente de hipertensión arterial con tratamiento irregular. Fue ingresado en servicio de terapia intermedia con diagnóstico presuntivo de meningoencefalitis, y por estudios complementarios se llega al diagnóstico de apoplejía hipofisaria. Ambos casos llevaron tratamiento quirúrgico, con evolución favorable. Conclusiones: la apoplejía hipofisaria es una enfermedad que se presenta con poca frecuencia, por lo tanto, es importante la sospecha diagnóstica para una temprana identificación y tratamiento de la enfermedad(AU)

Background: pituitary apoplexy is an acute clinical syndrome, potentially fatal, that occurs as a complication of a pituitary adenoma. It presents a diagnostic complexity, and it can mimic numerous intracranial processes. Objective: to carry out the bibliographic review of the subject, and to describe two clinical cases given the infrequency of presentation of the disease and its diagnostic complexity. Development: case 1, male patient, 52 years old with pathological history of arterial hypertension and non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma. During follow-up by Neurosurgery, hyperprolactinemia was detected, so treatment with bromocriptine was started with a progressive dose, which triggered undefined acute symptoms. Three months later he presented new acute symptoms, which was diagnosed as pituitary apoplexy. Case 2, male patient, 49 years old, with a history of arterial hypertension under irregular treatment. He was admitted in the intermediate therapy service with a presumptive diagnosis of meningoencephalitis, and by complementary studies the diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy was reached. Both cases led to surgical treatment, with favorable evolution. Conclusions: pituitary apoplexy is a disease that occurs infrequently, therefore, diagnostic suspicion is important for early identification and treatment of the disease(AU)

Pituicytoma with Significant Tumor Vascularity Mimicking Pituitary Macroadenoma

A 19-year-old man presented with bitemporal hemianopsia and was found to have a large sellar and suprasellar tumor, resembling a pituitary macroadenoma. Emergency transsphenoidal approach was attempted because of rapid visual deterioration with headache. However, the approach was complicated and stopped by uncontrolled hemorrhage from the tumor. After conventional cerebral angiography and recognition of an unusual pathology, transcranial approach was achieved to prevent permanent visual loss. The final pathological diagnosis was pituicytoma with epithelioid features. Pituicytoma is a rare low-grade tumor (WHO Grade I) of pituicytes involving the sellar and suprasellar region, and originating from special glial cells of the neurohypophysis. Because of the high vascularity, the firm consistency, and invasion to surrounding neurovascular structures, a pituicytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mass in the sellar and suprasellar area if the tumor shows high enhancement with vascular components. We report a case of rare pituicytoma mimicking a pituitary macroadenoma with massive hemorrhage to disturb surgery.

Factors Influencing Disconnection Hyperprolactinemia and Reversal of Serum Prolactin after Pituitary Surgery in a Non-Functioning Pituitary Macroadenoma

Background: To investigate factors influencing disconnection hyperprolactinemia, including tumour volume, degree of pituitary stalk displacement and extent of tumour growth based on a modified Wilson-Hardy classification in a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma and to confirm reductions in serum prolactin levels after endoscopic transphenoidal surgery. Methods: This prospective, descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital Kuala Lumpur from Jan 1, 2011 to Jan 1, 2013. Forty patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. All patients underwent endoscopic transphenoidal resection of non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma. Pituitary stalk angle, tumour volume and extent of tumour growth were measured from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) pre- and post-operatively. These variables were compared to serum prolactin levels measured pre and post operatively. SPSS 21 was used to perform statistical analyses. Results: In 40 patients, the mean tumour volumes were 10.58 cm3 (SD 7.81) pre-operatively and 3.1 cm3 (SD 3.45) post-operatively. There was a 70% reduction in tumour volume post-operatively (P < 0.01). The mean serum prolactin was 457 mIU/L (SD 66.93) pre-operatively and 297 mIU/L (SD 6.73) post-operatively. There was a 65% reduction in prolactin serum levels after surgery (P < 0.01). The mean pituitary stalk angles were 93.45 ± 3.89 degrees pre-operatively and 51.45 ± 1.46 degrees post-operatively (P = 0.01). The mean pituitary stalk angle in the control group was 50.4 ± 8.80 degrees. Hence, there was a 98% reduction in pituitary stalk angle after surgery (P < 0.01). This study showed a linear correlation between the pre-operative and post-operative tumour volumes and serum prolactin levels (P = 0.01 pre-and post-operative) and between serum prolactin levels and pituitary stalk angle (P = 0.20 pre-operative; P = 0.01 post-operative). Conclusion: Tumour volume and pituitary stalk angle displacement have positive predictive values for disconnection hyperprolactinemia in non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma. However, a larger sample size and further objective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Application of a New Maximum Color Contrast Sensitivity Test to the Early Prediction of Chiasma Damage in Cases of Pituitary Adenoma: The Pilot Study

PURPOSE: Our objective was to estimate the maximum color contrast sensitivity (MCCS) thresholds in individuals with chiasma opticum damage. METHODS: The pilot study tested 41 people with pituitary adenoma (PA) and 100 age- and gender-matched controls. Patients were divided into two groups according to PA size, PA ≤1 cm or PA >1 cm. A new MCCS test program was used for color discrimination. RESULTS: The mean total error score (TES) of MCCS was 1.8 in the PA ≤1 cm group (standard deviation [SD], 0.38), 3.5 in the PA >1 cm group (SD, 0.96), and 1.4 in the control group (SD, 0.31; p 1 cm (p < 0.01). In PA patients with normal VA, the TES was 2.35 times worse than that of healthy persons (p < 0.01).

Analysis of MR findings of misdiagnosed cases with pituitary macroadenoma / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate MR findings and analyze the misdiagnosed cases of pituitary macroadenoma.Methods MR features of 1 90 patients of pituitary macroadenoma confirmed by operation and pathology were reviewed.Results 1 6 cases were mis-diagnosed as craniopharyngioma,chordoma,or meningioma.Among the sixteen cases,eight cases with cyst degeneration and hemor-rhage were misdiagnosed as craniopharyngioma;five cases with clival and sphenoid sinus destruction were misdiagnosed as chordo-mas;three cases with suprasellar and anterior cranial fossa extension were misdiagnosed as meningiomas.Conclusion Craniophar-yngioma,chordoma and meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical pituitary macroadenoma.The com-prehensive analysis should be based on a variety of signs.

Primary hypoparathyroidism and non-functioning pituitary adenoma: An incidental coexistence? / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#Primary hypoparathyroidism is caused by a group of heterogeneous conditions in which hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia occur as a result of deficient parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. The most common cause is surgical excision and damage to the parathyroid gland(s). Nonetheless, autoimmune endocrine disorder of primary hypothyroidism has been well-described in polyglandular autoimmune syndromes (PAS).1 Its association with pituitary lesion may be autoimmune lymphocytic hypophysitis as the cause for pituitary disorder. In this report, we encountered a patient with primary hypoparathyroidism who had a non-functioning pituitary tumour. It was confirmed as pituitary adenoma rather than lymphocytic hypophysitis from the histopathological examination. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma and primary hypoparathyroidism.

Using Growth Hormone Levels to Detect Macroadenoma in Patients with Acromegaly

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical differences between acromegalic patients with microadenoma and patients with macroadenoma, and to evaluate the predictive value of growth hormone (GH) levels for early detection of macroadenoma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 215 patients diagnosed with a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. The patients were divided into two groups: the microadenoma group and the macroadenoma group, and the clinical parameters were compared between these two groups. The most sensitive and specific GH values for predicting macroadenoma were selected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Compared with the microadenoma group, the macroadenoma group had a significantly younger age, higher body mass index, higher prevalence of hyperprolactinemia and hypogonadism, and a lower proportion of positive suppression to octreotide. However, there were no significant differences in the gender or in the prevalence of diabetes between the two groups. The tumor diameter was positively correlated with all GH values during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). All GH values were significantly higher in the macroadenoma group than the microadenoma group. Cut-off values for GH levels at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes for optimal discrimination between macroadenoma and microadenoma were 5.6, 5.7, 6.3, 6.0, and 5.8 ng/mL, respectively. ROC curve analysis revealed that the GH value at 30 minutes had the highest area under the curve. CONCLUSION: The GH level of 5.7 ng/mL or higher at 30 minutes during OGTT could provide sufficient information to detect macroadenoma at the time of diagnosis.

Large Intracranial Aneurysm after Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Macroadenoma

Uncontrolled cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma can lead to meningitis. Intracranial mycotic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication in central nervous system infection. Large single pseudoaneurysm is more uncommon. Most mycotic aneurysms occur due to endocarditis. The present patient had no heart problem and was infected by CSF leakage after transsphenoidal surgery. We present a case of large ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm as a complication of cerebral infection after TSS for pituitary macroadenoma.

Abordaje fronto-orbito-cigomático en dos piezas: indicaciones y técnica quirúrgica / Fronto-orbito-zygomatic two-piece approach: indications and surgical technique

Objetivo: Resaltar las indicaciones y detalles técnicos en el abordaje fronto-órbito-cigomático en dos piezas en base a nuestra experiencia quirúrgica. Material y método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo analizando las historias clínicas de 18 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente a través de un abordaje fronto-orbito-cigomático en dos piezas, entre junio de 2010 y junio de 2013, en nuestro servicio. Se obtuvieron datos epidemiológicos y los relacionados a las diferentes patologías alcanzadas mediante esta vía. Resultados: durante dicho período se realizaron 18 craneotomías fronto-orbito-cigomática en dos piezas. Fueron intervenidos 11 pacientes con aneurismas cerebrales, de los cuales 4 fueron aneurismas del segmento oftálmico de la arteria carótida interna, 3 de bifurcación alta de arteria carótida interna, 2 de la arteria comunicante anterior con orientación cefálica y 2 de la bifurcación de la arteria basilar. Así mismo, se logró la exéresis de 7 lesiones tumorales, de los cuales 4 fueron adenomas de hipófisis, 2 craneofaringioma y 1 glioma hipotalámico. Se estandarizaron los siguientes pasos para la realización del abordaje fronto-órbito-cigomático en dos piezas, compuesto por una craneotomía fronto-temporo-esfenoidal y una segunda pieza compuesta por techo orbitario y arcada cigomática. Conclusiones: dicho abordaje representa una importante vía de acceso para lesiones que comprometen región selar, paraselar y patología vascular del polígono de Willis con menor retracción cerebral y mayor exposición.

Purpose: To highlight the indications and surgical details in the two pieces fronto-orbito-zigomatic approach based on our surgical experience.Material and Methods: a descriptive retrospective study was done by the analysis of 18 medical histories of patients operated by a two pieces fronto-orbito-zigomatic approach, between June 2010-2013 in our sevice. Epidemiological facts and those related to the different pathology approaches were obtainedResults: 18 two pieces fronto-orbito-zigomatic craniotomies were performed during the analized period. 11 patients had cerebral aneurisms, 4 of them arised from the oftalmic segment of the internal carotid artery, 3 from a high bifurcation of the internal carotid artery, 2 from the basilar artery´s bifurcation. We also performed the resection of 7 tumors: 4 pituitary adenomas, 2 craniopharyngiomas and 1 hipotalamic glioma. The following steps were standarized to perform the two pieces fronto-orbito-zigomatic approach: first a fronto-temporo-esphenoidal craniotomy and then a second piece composed by the orbital roof and the zigomatic arc.Conclusions: this approach represents an important route of access to lesions that involve both sellar and parasellar regions and vascular pathology from the Circle of Willis with less brain retraction and more exposure.

Inappropriate secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone in a Filipino patient with a pituitary macroadenoma / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

Pituitary tumors producing thyrotropin are very rare. We report a case of a 38-year-old, male admitted for seizure, preceded by 1 week history of generalized weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, with a 5 year history of recurrent headache followed by blurring of vision, who was found to have persistently elevated serum free thyroid hormones and non-suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, with tumor residual after craniotomy with excision of the pituitary macroadenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of TSH-producing adenoma in the Philippines.

Resonancia magnética en adenomas de hipófisis / Magnetic resonance imaging in pituitary adenomas

Objetivo: Relacionar las imágenes de los adenomas obtenidos mediante RM para su mejor caracterización mediante un protocolo de alta resolución. Material y Métodos: Se analizaron retrospectivamente 86 RM de la región selar realizadas en el Hospital Obrero N°1, y se las relacionó con el tipo de realce post contraste paramagnético y signos de compresión. Se estudiaron 72 mujeres y 14 hombres, con un promedio de 43 años. Las exploraciones se realizaron utilizando un Magneto Signa 1,5 T, con cortes sagitales y coronales ponderados en T1 sin y con contraste paramagnético. Resultados: • El 67,5% (58 pacientes) presentó adenoma hipofisiario. De estos el 51.1% fueron tipo microadenoma y el 48.3% macroadenoma. • El 53,3% de los microadenomas y el 14,3% de los macroadenomas presentaban hiperprolactinemia. • El 100% de los macroadenomas presentaron realce heterogéneo tras la administración del medio de contraste. Los microadenomas presentaron realce homogéneo en el 76,6%. • El 85,7% de los macroadenomas y el 16,7% de los microadenomas presentaron obliteración de la cisterna supraselar. • El 85,7% de los macroadenomas y en el 10% de los microadenomas, produjeron desplazamiento del quiasma óptico. • El 64,3% de los macroadenomas y en el 20,7% de los microadenomas, invadieron el seno cavernoso y desviaron el tallo hipofisiario. Conclusión: La RM es el método imagenológico de elección para el estudio de la hipófisis gracias a su caracterización anatómica y funcional, especialmente cuando se utiliza gadolinio.

Objective: To relate the images of adenomas obtained by MRI for further characterízation using a high-resolution protocol Material and Methods: We analyzed 86 MRI retrospectivamen the sellar region in the Hospital Obrero No. 1 and are related to the type of contrast enhancement after paramagnetic and signs of compression. We studied 72 women and 14 men with an average of 43 years gave. The scans were performed using Magneto do a 1.5 T Signa, with cut-weighted sagittal and coronal T1 with and without paramagnetic contrast. Results: • 67.5% (58 patients) had pituitary adenoma. Of these the kind microadenomas were 51.1% and 48.3% macroadenoma. • 53.3% of microadenomas and 14.3% of macroadenomas had hyperprolactinemia. • 100% of the macroadenomas showed heterogeneous enhancement after administration of contrast medium. The microadenomas showed homogeneous enhancement in 76.6%. • The 85.7% of macroadenomas and 16.7% of microadenomas showed obliteration of the tank supraselar. • The 85.7% of macroadenomas and10% of microadenomas, produced displacement of optic chiasm. • 64.3% of macroadenomas and 20.7% of microadenomas, invaded the cavernous sinus and diverted the pituitary stalk. Conclusión: MRI is the imaging method of choicefor the study of the pituitary due to its characterisation in anatomy and function especially when using gadolinium.

Endonasal Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma: A retrospective Analysis Of Surgical Outcome

The purpose of this retrospective joint rhino-neurosurgical study from January 1998 until September 2009 is to document the demographic data, clinical presentations, radiological findings, approaches and incidence of residual tumour. Forty-seven patients with pituitary adenoma underwent trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy of which 25 patients with complete medical and radiological data were included in the study. The medical and radiological data were analyzed. There were 12 males and 13 females with age ranging from 17 to 76 years old (mean 49.2). Fourteen of the patients were Chinese, eight Malays and three Indians. Twelve of the patients had functioning tumour of which five each presented with acromegaly and Cushing disease respectively and two with amenorrhoea. The rest of 13 patients had non functioning tumour presenting with visual disturbances. Sixteen of the patients had pituitary macroadenomas and the rest 9 microadenomas. Eighteen patients had undergone transcollumellar trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy and the rest 7 patients had undergone transnasal transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. About 68.8% of pituitary macroadenomas had residual tumour, compared to only 22.2% of patient with pituitary microadenomas. Radiologically, about 45.5% of residual macroadenoma had suprasellar extension and the majority had spread to suprasellar cistern and carvenous sinus (54.5%). About 16.6% of patients had undergone post operative radiotherapy. In conclusion, this study showed that patient with pituitary macroadenomas had higher incidence of residual tumour compared to pituitary microadenomas

The Volume of Tumor Mass and Visual Field Defect in Patients with Pituitary Macroadenoma

PURPOSE: We used the Swedish interactive threshold algorithms (SITA) standard strategy of Humphrey perimetry, to analyze the pattern of visual field (VF) defects and evaluate the quantitative correlation between the tumor volume and severity of VF defects in patients with pituitary macroadenoma. METHODS: We reviewed 50 patients with pituitary macroadenoma who received VF test and 11 patients were excluded. VF analysis was performed with Humphrey perimeter using the SITA standard strategy. The tumor volume was assessed radiologically via brain magnetic resonance images and was calculated using Cavalieri's principle. We used the mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) of the Humphrey parameter to measure VF defect severity, and then analyzed the correlation of tumor volume with VF defects. RESULTS: Twenty nine patients (74%) showed abnormal VF and bitemporal field changes, which were the most common field defects on presentation. Seven patients (18%) had unilateral VF defects, 22 patients (56%) had bilateral VF defects. The tumor volume of the patients with VF defects was significantly larger than that of patients with normal VF (p = 0.006). The tumor volume exhibited significant negative correlation with MD (r = -0.693; p < 0.001) and significant positive correlation with PSD (r = 0.589; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pituitary macroadenoma, there was a variety of VF defects and a high correlation between the tumor volume and the severity of VF defects. SITA standard strategy can be a fast and quantitative method for evaluating central VF defects.

Tumores hipofisarios en la tercera edad / Pituitary tumors in the elderly

La prevalencia de los tumores hipofisarios en la tercera edad se encuentra en aumento en relación a la mayor expectativa de vida de la población general. Nosotros evaluamos retrospectivamente, 36 pacientes de la tercera edad, con media de 71 años, (65 -85), 20 de ellos varones, con tumores hipofisarios. El adenoma hipofisario no funcionante (ANF) se observó en el 64% de los casos, seguido por la acromegalia, el prolactinoma, y por un caso de enfermedad de Cushing. Se suman 3 casos de hipofisitis linfocitiaria, craneofaringioma y quiste de la bolsa de Rathke respectivamente. El 89% de los tumores fueron macroadenomas y la forma de presentación más frecuente, los trastornos visuales, seguidos por el hallazgo incidental y la hipersecreción hormonal. En la evaluación bioquímica la mayoría presentaba diferentes grados de hipopituitarismo, y los pacientes con macroprolactinoma tenían PRL > 800 ng/ml. Se operaron 21 pacientes (58%), 9 recibieron radioterapia. En 3 pacientes que no recibieron ningún tipo de tratamiento hubo modificación del tamaño del adenoma (2 aumentaron y 1 disminuyó) durante el seguimiento de 3.6 años. Se indicó tratamiento médico en aquellos que persistieron con la enfermedad o como tratamiento primario si las comorbilidades imposibilitaban la cirugía. No hubo mejoría de la función hipofisaria luego de la cirugía y el 62% agregaron uno o más déficit, el campo visual mejoró en el 67%. La diabetes insípida definitiva como complicación sólo se observó en dos pacientes y hubo un caso de fístula y meningitis. En conclusión, nosotros reportamos una tasa menor a la bibliografía mundial en la prevalencia de adenomas hipofisarios no funcionantes y similar para el resto, con una mayor tasa de presentación incidental. La cirugía no tuvo más complicaciones por la edad de los pacientes, el seguimiento clínico y con imágenes de aquellos que no se operan y/o el tratamiento médico puede ser una opción en este grupo etario.

World population has been growing and aging; and pituitary tumors prevalence among the elderly has also increased, summing up to 10-15% of all pituitary tumors. Thirty six elderly patients with pituitary tumors, 20 of them male, were evaluated restrospectively (average age 71 years, range 65-85). A non-functioning adenoma (NFA) prevalence was reported in 64% of the cases, followed by acromegaly, prolactinoma and one each of Cushing´s disease, lymphocytic hypophysitis, craniopharyngioma, and Rathke's pouch cyst. Macroadenomas accounted for 89% of tumors and the most frequent presentation was through visual disorders symptoms followed by incidental finding and hormone hypersecretion. During biochemical evaluation, most patients presented different degrees of hypopituitarism, and patients with macroprolactinoma had PRL levels>800ng/ml. Twenty one patients (58%) underwent surgery, while 9 underwent radiotherapy. During the 3.6 years follow-up, changes in adenoma size were reported in 3 patients who received no treatment (in 2 cases size increased, whereas in another it decreased). Medical treatment was indicated for those whose pathology persisted or as primary treatment if comorbilities prevented from performing a surgery. No pituitary function improvement was detected after surgery and the appearance of one or more deficiency was noticed in 62% of patients, though visual field did improve in 67%. Definitive diabetes insipidus as a complication was only detected in two patients, and a case of fistula and meningitis was observed. As a conclusion, we reported a NFA prevalence rate smaller than that reported in the world literature, though similar for the other pituitary tumors, and a higher rate of incidental presentation. No complications attributable to patients' age group were detected during surgery. For elderly patients who do not undergo surgery, clinical and imaging follow-up and/or medical treatment could be an option of choice.

Comparison of clinical and MRI characteristics of pituitary macroadenoma between different genders / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To compare the clinical and MRI characteristics of pituitary macroadenoma between male and female patients. Methods Two hundred and thirty patients with pathologically diagnosed pituitary macroadenomas (104 mlaes and 126 females) were divided into two groups according to different gender. Patient age, the ratio of intratumoral hemorrhage and cavernous sinus invasion, and tumor volume were calculated in each group and compared between the two groups. The constitution of different pathological types was also compared. Results The age, ratio of intratumoral hemorrhage and cavernous sinus invasion, and tumor volume was (44.8±13.2) years old, 21.15% (22/104), 50.00% (52/104), and 6100.48 (mm3, median) in the male group and (44.8±11.9) years old, 28.57% (36/126), 48.41% (61/126) and 5037.05 (mm3, median) in the female group, respectiveluy. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding to patient age, the ratio of intratumoral hemorrhage and cavernous sinus invasion, tumor volume, and constitution of pathological types (P=0.972, P=0.197, P=0.811, P=0.189, P=0.093, respectively). Conclusion Pituitary macroadenomas show no gender preference in clinical and MRI characteristics.

Hipogonadismo secundario a macroadenoma de hipófisis no funcionante / Secondary hypogonadism in nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma

Paciente masculino de 57 años de edad, quien ingresó al Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela, por disminución de agudeza visual, astenia, cefalea y disminución de la libido. Al examen físico se encontraron signos de hipogonadismo, así como defectos de campo visual bilateral. Se realizó resonancia magnética contrastada con énfasis en área selar, donde se evidenció un macroadenoma de hipófisis, el cual resultó ser no productor por pruebas de función hipofisaria. El tratamiento quirúrgico constituyó la opción terapéutica en este caso, dado que la reducción de la masa tumoral brinda resolución de la cefalea, así como mejoría en los defectos de campo visual y en la mayoría de los casos, en la función hipofisaria...

A 57 years old male patient was admitted to the Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela because of decreased visual acuity, asthenia, headache and decreased libido. The physical examination revealed clinical findings of hypogonadism and visual dysfunction. A contrastenhanced MR of the sellar area showed a pituitary macroadenoma. The hormonal assays showed it was non-functioning. Surgery was the treatment in this case because the mass reduction brings resolution of headaches and short term improvement of visual field defects...