Endoscopic Orientation of Juxta-pituitary Carotid in Transsphenoidal Approaches: Critical Considerations for Clinical Applications

Abstract Introduction In sphenoid sinuses with ill-defined carotid bony landmarks, accidental injury of the internal carotid artery (ICA) remains one of the most challenging complications, which is particularly reported in the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches (EETAs). Objectives To describe an anatomical model for the endoscopic orientation of the juxta-pituitary segment of the ICA in relation to the lateral opticocarotid recess (OCR) as a nearby bony landmark. Methods Dissection was performed progressively, simulating the EETA, in twenty fresh adult cadavers. After reducing the posterior and lateral walls of the sphenoid sinuses, various measurements were taken from both lateral OCRs to "contact points" on the juxta-pituitary segment of the ICA and lateral margins of the pituitary gland. Results The current results have enabled us to divide the region between the lateral OCRs into 3 compartments: 2 lateral parasellar compartments contain juxta-pituitary segments of the ICA with a mean width of 8 mm and a narrow range from 7 mm to 10 mm; and a central intercarotid sellar compartment represents the safe region for bone drilling, showing widely variable widths ranging from 9 mm to 20 mm. In all specimens, the variation in the width of the intercarotid compartment correlated with the distance between both lateral OCRs. Conclusion The present study improves surgeon awareness of the variations in the course of the ICA through the EETA along sphenoid sinuses with ill-defined bony landmarks. An appreciation of the measurements taken in the present study can help in operative training, and can also provide a base for future studies to confirm ICA courses associated with a higher risk of injury.

Extra-pituitary midline structural abnormalities associated with ectopic posterior pituitary detected on a new rapid MRI protocol (FAST1.2)

ABSTRACT Objective: Test if the MRI FAST1.2 protocol can detect extra-pituitary midline structural brain abnormalities in patients with ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP), and highlighting their radiological-laboratory correlations. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study of patients with EPP and control group. All individuals were submitted to FAST1.2, which combines the FAST1 protocol developed by our group with 3D T2DRIVE imaging. Results: We evaluated 36 individuals with EPP and 78 as control group. Pituitary stalk (PS) was identified in 7/36 patients in EPP group by FAST1, and in 24/36 patients in FAST1.2 (p < 0.001). FAST1 failed to detect PS in one individual in the control group, while the FAST1.2 defined the PS in all individuals. In EPP group, eleven had interhypothalamic adhesion (IHA), three septo-optic dysplasia, and one cerebellar malformation. We didn't observe higher frequency of panhypopituitarism or developmental delay in patients with IHA. In control group, three had pars intermedia cysts, one hydrocephalus, and one hypothalamic hamartoma. Conclusions: FAST1.2 allows confident recognition of midline structural abnormalities, including the pituitary stalk and IHA, thereby making MRI acquisition faster and with no need for contrast administration. IHA could be associated with defects in neuronal migration, as occur in patients with EPP, with no clinical significance.

The 497th case: fever, anterior hypopituitarism, lymphadenopathy / 中华内科杂志

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with fever. She still had fever treated with multiple antibiotics, and no definite evidence for infection was found. Hypothermia and hypotension developed, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination showed enlarged anterior pituitary and multiple small nodular lesions with mild enhancement on the left side. Hormone replacement and anti-infection treatment were administrated, but fever did not improve. Remarkable lymphadenopathy was found in left supraclavicular area. The pathology of lymph node biopsy indicated peripheral T-cell lymphoma (not otherwise specified, NOS). Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed hypermetabolism in multiple lymph nodes, infiltration of the liver and spleen. The final diagnosis were peripheral T-cell lymphoma with involvement of liver and spleen (stage Ⅳ) and anterior hypopituitarism. After chemotherapy, fever alleviated and the function of anterior pituitary recovered gradually.

Tumor de hipófise em paciente com hidrocefalia: um desafio diagnóstico / Pituitary tumor in a patient with hydrocephalus: a diagnostic challenge

RESUMO A hidrocefalia é definida como a dilatação ventricular pelo aumento da pressão intraventricular e intracraniana quando não tratada ou por insucesso do tratamento. Muitas vezes, leva ao dano das vias ópticas, podendo causar atrofia óptica, devido à proximidade dessas vias com o ventrículo lateral quando ocorre a dilatação. Assim como a hidrocefalia pode levar à atrofia óptica, outras patologias também podem. Tumores hipofisários compartilham desse mesmo sinal, além de causar hemianospsia bitemporal quando o tumor comprime quiasma óptico. Ademais, a hemianopsia bitemporal é o distúrbio visual mais comum encontrado em pacientes com tumor de hipófise. Os tumores de hipófise, por exemplo, geram manifestações clínicas que podem estar relacionadas à disfunção da glândula ou aos efeitos mecânicos da expansão tumoral. Sinais e sintomas visuais estão mais ligados ao efeito mecânico do tumor. Assim, muitas vezes, o paciente procura o oftalmologista antes do endocrinologista. Neste caso, analisaremos uma paciente portadora de hidrocefalia que apresentava, concomitantemente, um tumor hipofisário, e a investigação oftalmológica fez toda a diferença no tratamento da paciente.

ABSTRACT Hydrocephalus is defined as ventricular dilation caused by increased intraventricular and intracranial pressure when untreated or due to treatment failure. Optical pathways can often cause optic atrophy due to the proximity to the lateral hazard when dilation occurs. Hydrocephalus can lead to optic atrophy, as well as other pathologies. Pituitary tumors share this same sign, in addition to causing bitemporal hemianopia when it compresses the optic chiasm. In addition, bitemporal hemianopia is the visual disturbance most commonly found in patients with pituitary tumors. Pituitary tumors, for example, have clinical manifestations that may be related to gland dysfunction, or to mechanisms of tumor expansion. Visual signs and symptoms are more linked to the mechanical effect of the tumor. Therefore, the patient usually seeks the ophthalmologist before the endocrinologist. In this case, we analyzed a patient with hydrocephalus who presented, at the same time, a pituitary tumor, and the ophthalmological investigation made all the difference in the treatment of the patient.

Hiperplasia de hipófise secundária a hipotireoidismo primário - relato de caso / Pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism - case report

A hiperplasia hipofisária é definida como um aumento não neoplásico no número de um dos tipos de células presentes na hipófise. Ela pode ocorrer por um processo fisiológico ou patológico. O hipotireoidismo primário prolongado é uma das causas patológicas desta condição, e ocorre devido a perda do feedback negativo. O objetivo desse relato foi demonstrar a presença de hiperplasia hipofisária em um paciente masculino com características corporais sugestivas de acromegalia. A investigação laboratorial confirmou a presença de hipotireoidismo primário e descartou a acromegalia. Foi instituído tratamento com levotiroxina, levando a regressão da hiperplasia hipofisária. Esse caso ilustra a importância de uma investigação apropriada em pacientes com hiperplasia hipofisária, bem como discute a fisiopatologia e o tratamento dessa doença.

Pituitary hyperplasia is defined as a non-neoplastic increase in the number of one of the cell types present in the pituitary gland. It can occur by a physiological or pathological process. Prolonged primary hypothyroidism is one of the pathological causes of this condition and occurs due to the lack of negative feedback. The objective of this report was to demonstrate the presence of pituitary hyperplasia in a male patient with body characteristics suggestive of acromegaly. Laboratory investigation confirmed the presence of primary hypothyroidism and ruled out acromegaly. Treatment with levothyroxine was instituted, leading to regression of pituitary hyperplasia. This case illustrates the importance of an appropriate investigation in patients with pituitary hyperplasia, as well as discussing the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease.

Apoplejía hipofisaria durante el embarazo: reporte de un caso / Pituitary apoplexy during pregnancy: A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La apoplejía hipofisaria es un infarto o hemorragia súbita en un tumor o tejido sano de la glándula pituitaria. El 80% de los casos es en pacientes con un adenoma hipofisario. El cuadro clínico se caracteriza por: cefalea, alteraciones visuales, náuseas y vómito; además, insuficiencia hipofisaria, que puede ser potencialmente mortal para la madre y el feto. El tratamiento conservador incluye analgésicos, corticosteroides y agonistas dopaminérgicos en caso de prolactinoma. El tratamiento quirúrgico de elección es la resección transesfenoidal. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 35 años, con antecedentes de tres embarazos, un aborto y prolactinoma diagnosticado a los 22 años, en tratamiento con cabergolina. Acudió a consulta debido a cefalea a las 17 semanas de embarazo que se exacerbó a las 28.4 semanas. En la resonancia magnética se observó que la hipófisis medía 17 x 12 x 7 mm, con datos de hemorragia subaguda; con base en ello se diagnosticó: apoplejía hipofisaria. Se indicó tratamiento conservador con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, opioides y corticosteroides; sin embargo, ante el deterioro del cuadro clínico se decidió la resección transeptal-transesfenoidal endoscópica del adenoma hipofisiario, a las 30.5 semanas de embarazo. La paciente evidenció una mejoría significativa y permaneció asintomática hasta la finalización del embarazo a las 37.5 semanas. CONCLUSIONES: Si bien la apoplejía hipofisaria es de baja incidencia en el embarazo se torna en un factor de riesgo de muerte; por ello, el ginecoobstetra debe tener conocimiento de las posibles implicaciones en el embarazo, ofrecer atención multidisciplinaria y considerar que el tratamiento quirúrgico es una opción segura en el embarazo.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy is a sudden infarction or hemorrhage in a tumor or healthy tissue of the pituitary gland. Eighty percent of cases are in patients with a pituitary adenoma. The clinical picture is characterized by headache, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting, and pituitary insufficiency, which can be life-threatening for the mother and fetus. Conservative treatment includes analgesics, corticosteroids and dopaminergic agonists in case of prolactinoma. The surgical treatment of choice is transsphenoidal resection. CLINICAL CASE: 35-year-old female patient with a history of three pregnancies, one miscarriage and prolactinoma diagnosed at 22 years of age, under treatment with cabergoline. She came for consultation due to headache at 17 weeks of pregnancy that was exacerbated at 28.4 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the pituitary gland measured 17 x 12 x 7 mm, with evidence of subacute hemorrhage; based on this, a diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy was made. Conservative treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and corticosteroids was indicated; however, due to the deterioration of the clinical picture, endoscopic transseptal-transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenoma was decided at 30.5 weeks of pregnancy. The patient showed significant improvement and remained asymptomatic until the end of pregnancy at 37.5 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Although pituitary apoplexy is of low incidence in pregnancy, it becomes a risk factor for death; therefore, the obstetrician/gynecologist should be aware of the possible implications in pregnancy, offer multidisciplinary care and consider that surgical treatment is a safe option in pregnancy.

An Unusual Early Oral Presentation of Acromegaly: A Case Report

ABSTRACT@#Acromegaly is a devastating chronic slowly progressive disease. Its early diagnosis is a challenging issue that necessitates clinical suspicion of signs and symptoms as a first step. This report introduces an unusual early sign in the oral cavity that lead to the early diagnosis of an acromegaly case. A case of a healthy 40-year-old male patient presented with progressively growing multiple hard swellings in the upper and lower jaws. Clinical examination revealed bony hard multiple small spiky exostosis-like swellings, located at the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones. An array of investigations revealed a 2-mm diameter pituitary tumour in MRI of sella. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of spiky exostosis-like growths in the alveolar bone as an early sign of acromegaly. In this case, thorough examination of oral signs and symptoms was the first step for early diagnosis and hence, better prognosis for acromegaly.

Primary pituitary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that involves any organ. However, the primary pituitary tuberculosis is an extremely rare disease. Intracranial tuberculomas account for 0.15-5% of intracranial space-occupying lesions, of which, pituitary as the primary site is unusual, and easily misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma. In this setting, the late diagnosis can result in permanent endocrine dysfunction. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented to the neurosurgery outpatient department with complaints of progressively increasing headache and diminished vision over the last year. On the clinical examination, the patient was conscious and oriented. The routine hematological and biochemical workup showed an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and increased prolactin levels. The radiological working diagnosis was consistent with pituitary macroadenoma. No other radiological and/or clinical clue that could elicit the suspicion of pulmonary or extrapulmonary lesions of tuberculosis was found. The transsphenoidal endonasal tumor excision was done. The histopathology showed numerous epithelioid cell granulomas, Langhans giant cells along with scant necrosis. Ziehl Neelsen staining demonstrated acid-fast bacilli, and the final diagnosis of pituitary tuberculoma was made. We report this rare case of pituitary lesion that may be included in the differential diagnosis of sellar lesions to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.

As consequências irreversíveis do diagnóstico tardio de macroadenoma de hipófise em paciente jovem / The irreversible consequences of late diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma in a young patient

Resumo Os tumores de hipófise representam aproximadamente 15% de todos os tumores cerebrais e dependendo do tamanho, pressionam o quiasma óptico, resultando em comprometimento da função visual que se manifesta como defeitos no campo visual, diminuição da acuidade visual e da visão das cores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi relatar um caso de macroadenoma de hipófise com compressão do quiasma óptico e defeito no campo visual, tratado inicialmente como glaucoma, levando a um diagnóstico e tratamento tardio.

Abstract Pituitary tumors represent approximately 15% of all brain tumors and depending on size, pressure optic chiasma, resulting in impaired visual func-tion that manifests itself as defective in the visual field, decreased acuity visual and color vision. The ob-jetive of the present study was to report a case of pitui-tary macroadenoma with compression of optical chiasma and visual field de-fect, initially treated as glaucoma, leading to a late diagnosis and treatment.

The Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal System in Men with Ischemic Heart Disease

Purpose: This Researchwas to study the functional state of the hypothalamic-pituitary gland-gonadal system in males with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), as well as the effect of hormonal correction of the revealed disorders on factors of pathogenesis and the course of IHD.Materials and Methods:We examined 120 males with IHD of different severity of disease, aged 20-50 years and 34 healthy males of the same age with normal body weight and with uncompromised history for diseases of the endocrine system. Among those surveyed were not included alcoholou anabolizant steroids abusers with severe somatic and inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (prostatitis, urethritis, orchitis). The body weight of patients fluctuated within ± 10% of the ideal. At the time of the examination, all the patients were married, 2 were divorced, and all had children.Depending on the age, the examinees were divided into 2 groups: the first -44 patients in the age of 20-35 years, the second -76 patients 36-50 years old.The patient was examined in Ashgabat city, Hospital with the Scientific-clinical Center of Cardiology (Turkmenistan).Results: In the I age group, 8 patients had post infarction cardiosclerosis, in which there was a slight decrease in sexual activity, in others -angina pectoris of different functional classes (there was no violation of sexual activity).The average content of Т in the fasting serum of males with IHD of I group was significantly lowered, were noted a statistically unreliable tendency to increase of FSH and a statistically significant increase in the LH/T ratio. The mean levels of LH, PRL and E2did not differ from the corresponding indices in healthy individuals.Conclusion: Patients with IHD have decreased testosterone secretion, especially at a young age

Hipofisitis linfocitaria primaria. Caso clínico / Primary lymphocytic hypophysitis. Report of one case

Primary lymphocytic hypophysitis is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the pituitary gland, with a higher incidence during late pregnancy and the postpartum period. It causes glandular destruction, mass effect and symptoms such headache, visual field defects, ophthalmoplegia and symptoms of hypopituitarism. We report a 38-year-old postpartum woman who, after giving birth presented decreased left visual acuity associated with a non ictal headache. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a sellar mass associated with decreased free thyroxine and cortisol levels. Suspecting a primary lymphocytic hypophysitis, she was treated with prednisone 60 mg/day and hormonal replacement therapy. One month later, size of the pituitary gland decreased, and the visual field defect improved. Steroidal treatment was maintained for 36 months and progressively tapered. After two years of follow-up, the imaging studies show a normal sized pituitary gland.

Sella turcica 3t magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of cushing's disease in children: two case reports / Ressonância magnética 3t de sela túrcica no diagnóstico de doença de cushing em crianças: relato de dois casos

ABSTRACT Objective: To present two clinical cases of pediatric Cushing disease caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting pituitary adenomas, which were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging using 3 Tesla technology. Case description: Two cases of Cushing disease in 9-year-old children are reported. Both children presented pituitary adenomas that were smaller than 5 mm at their largest diameter, and which were not seen by standard 1.5 Tesla resonance. One of the patients was submitted to bilateral and simultaneous catheterization of the inferior petrosal sinus, but the result was undetermined. In both cases, the pituitary adenoma was detected by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Both patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and were cured. Comments: Cushing disease presents high morbidity. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. It is usually caused by adenomas that are smaller than 5 mm in diameter. Surgery is the first line of treatment, and effective methods of locating the adenoma are necessary for greater therapeutic success. This report suggests that the 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive, and thus able to detect pituitary microadenomas (largest diameter <10 mm). This exam may be indicated as a low-morbidity diagnostic tool for finding pituitary microadenomas in Cushing disease that are not visualized by 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar dois casos clínicos de Doença de Cushing infantil decorrentes de adenoma hipofisário secretor de hormônio adrenocorticotrófico, cujo diagnóstico foi realizado por meio da ressonância magnética pela tecnologia 3 Tesla. Descrição do caso: São relatados dois casos de Doença de Cushing em crianças aos nove anos. Ambas apresentavam adenomas menores que 5 mm em seu maior diâmetro que não foram visualizados por meio de ressonância magnética de sela turca utilizando tecnologia 1,5 Tesla. Uma das pacientes foi submetida ao cateterismo bilateral e simultâneo do seio petroso inferior, porém com resultado indeterminado. Nas duas, o adenoma hipofisário foi visualizado mediante ressonância magnética utilizando tecnologia 3 Tesla. Ambas foram submetidas à cirurgia transesfenoidal e evoluíram para cura. Comentários: A Doença de Cushing apresenta alta morbidade, necessitando de diagnóstico e tratamento precoces, e geralmente é causada por adenomas com diâmetro inferior a 5 mm. O tratamento é cirúrgico, sendo preciso utilizar métodos eficazes de localização do adenoma para maior sucesso terapêutico. Esses relatos sugerem que a ressonância magnética 3 Tesla tem mais sensibilidade na detecção de microadenomas hipofisários (maior diâmetro <10 mm), podendo-se indicar esse exame como uma ferramenta diagnóstica de baixa morbidade na localização de microadenomas hipofisários na Doença de Cushing não visualizados pela ressonância magnética 1,5 Tesla.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Pituitary Dysfunction: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Study

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), often is associated with lasting functional disability and represents a significant public health problem worldwide.It is one of the leading causes of death in young people in industrialized countries, and patients who survive suffer important clinical consequences, such as long-term cognitive, behavioral, and social defects. Aims and objectives: 1) To determine the frequency of acute corticotrophin deficiency in head injury patients with one week of TBI. 2) To determine the incidence of permanent hypopituitarism, 6 months after TBI in Kashmiri population - a potentially high-risk group: SS prone population.3) To study the factors affecting the development of hypopituitarism after TBI in Kashmiri population. Methods: This observational study was jointly carried out by the Departments of Endocrinology and Neurosurgery at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Srinagar (SKIMS) in collaboration with the Department of Immunology & Molecular Medicine of our institution. After obtaining formal consent, history and examination and baseline investigations, a hormonal profile for evaluation of pituitary dysfunction was taken within one week of presentation and later after 6 months of trauma including stimulation with glucagon injection. Results: RTA and fall from height were two common causes of head injury. GCS of the study subjects ranged from 3 to 15 with a median of 11, with 19 subjects (23.5%) having GCS of 8 or less. GCS varied from mild 6.5% to moderate 10.3% and severe 18.3% in terms of APACHE scores. Sick euthyroid syndrome and hypogonadism was seen in 83% and 60.5 % of patients in acute phase which after 6 months period settled at 5.65 and 17.6 % respectively. 52.6 and 18.4 % had one and two axis involvement at time of presentation and 14.3% and 59.5% had one and two axis involvement at 6 months interval of trauma. Conclusion: we conclude that hypopituitarism is a clinical condition much more common than previously thought. Considering the epidemiology of TBI and percentage of related hypopituitarism, we are facing a disease that is far more common than perceived one.

Hormona de crecimiento en sangre de papel filtro para el diagnóstico de deficiencia de hormona de crecimiento / Growth hormone of dried blood spot for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency

INTRODUCCIÓN: El diagnóstico de deficiencia de hormona de crecimiento (DHC) es difícil de establecer, y se puede asociar a serias complicaciones, especialmente en el período neonatal. La prueba de estímulo de secreción de hormona de crecimiento (HC) se considera de elección para el diagnóstico, pero presenta complicaciones metodológicas y se asocia a efectos adversos. Los neonatos presentan aumento de la secreción de HC de forma fisiológica, siendo una ventana diagnóstica. OBJETIVO: Evaluar si la muestra de sangre en papel filtro tomada en el período neonatal, en contexto del tamizaje neonatal de hipotiroidismo congénito y fenilcetonuria, permite diferenciar pacientes con DHC, de los que no la presentan. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio de casos y controles mediante determinación de concentración de HC en sangre de papel filtro extraída en período neonatal, comparando controles con DHC con casos con deficiencia descartada. Se realizó extracción de la muestra del papel filtro, obteniendo dos discos de 0,125 pulgada por cada uno de los pacientes desde el centro de la mancha de sangre del papel, para un ELISA de HC humana altamente sensible basado en el uso de anticuerpos policlonales dirigidos contra la HC humana recombinante de 22kDa de peso molecular. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo un total de 7 casos de DHC y 10 controles. La mediana de concentración de HC de papel filtro en los casos es 2,0 ng/ml (Rango intercuartil 3,6 ng/ml) y controles 2,05 ng/mL (RIC 2,0 ng/ml), U de Mann-Withney 30,5 (p = 0,68). Los dos casos con deficiencia de hormonas hipofisarias múltiples (DHHM) presentan concentraciones menores a 1 ng/ml. CONCLUSIÓN: La muestra de papel filtro no permitió diferenciar a los pacientes con DHC de los casos controles, aunque los casos con DHHM presentaron concentraciones mucho menores, en comparación a la deficiencia de hormona de crecimiento aislada (DHCA).

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is difficult to determine, and could be associated with severe complications, especially in the neonatal period. The stimulation test of growth hormone (GH) secretion is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, but it has methodological complications and is associated with adverse effects. Neonates present physiological increased secretion of GH, representing a diagnostic window. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the dried blood spot on filter paper obtained in the neonatal period, as part of a neonatal screening for con genital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria, allows differentiating patients with GHD from those who do not have it. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Study of cases and controls by measuring the GH concen tration in dried blood spot on filter paper obtained in the neonatal period, comparing controls with GHD with cases with discarded deficiency. The sample was extracted from the filter paper, obtaining two 0.125 inch discs per each patient from the center of the blood spot on the paper, for a highly sen sitive ELISA assay for human GH based on the use of polyclonal antibodies against 22 kDa recom binant human GH. RESULTS: Seven cases of GHD and ten controls were obtained. The median GH concentration of the dried blood spot in the cases is 2.0 ng/ml (Interquartile range 3.6 ng/ml) and 2.05 ng/ml (Interquartile range 2.0 ng/ml) in the controls, Mann-Whitney U test 30.5 (p = 0.68). The two cases with multiple pituitary-hormone deficiency (MPHD) present concentrations lower than 1 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: The dried blood spot sample did not differentiate GHD patients from control cases, although MPHD cases present much lower concentrations compared to isolated growth hor mone deficiency (IGHD).

Comparison Of Morphological Characteristics Of Pituitary Gland Between The Different Age Groups

Background: The pituitary gland (PTG) size, shape will change according to the age in response to the changes inthe hormonal environment. Hence care should be taken while evaluating the PTG disorders. This present studyconducted to evaluate the morphological changes in PTG with relation to age.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy was approved by InstitutionalHuman Ethics Committee. A total of 73 PTG specimens were included in this study. They are divided in to sixgroups based on the age. G-I (Foetus), G-II (1-10 Y), G-III (11-30 Y), G-IV (31-50 Y), G-V (51-70 Y) and G-VI(Above 71Y). All the specimens were subjected for H&E stain. The slides were observed for morphological changes. The datawas expressed in MEAN±SD and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16.0) version used for analysis.Results: More number of males was in group-V and females in group-IV. Pars intermedia had maximum thicknessin foetal life. Basophilic zone was not seen in foetal life but it is more prominent in other age groups. Cellularityincreased as age progress. Pars anterior and nervosa showed more vascularity compared to interior. As ageprogress this vascularity is decreased.Conclusion: From the study observations it can be concluded that as age progress there is a significant changesin the PTG morphology. Knowledge about these changes can useful for the diagnosis and treatment of variousdisorders of PTG.

Effect of Heshi-Gejiugao on neuroendocrine immune network in women with perimenopausal syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To study the mechanism of Heshi-Gejiugao on the nerve endocrine immune network in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome.@*Methods@#A total of 100 patients with perimenopausal syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 50 cases in each group. The control group was only given general treatment, while the treatment group was treated with Heshi-Gejiugao on the basis of general treatment for 30 days. The clinical efficacy, Kupperman score, nerve, endocrine and immune related indexes of the two groups before and after treatment were observed.@*Results@#The total effective rate was 96.0% (48/50) in the treatment group and 50.0% (25/50) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (χ2=37.639, P<0.01). The Kupperman score (17.52 ± 2.73 vs. 24.22 ± 6.87, t=6.409) in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, NE (1 878.08 ± 931.57 ng/m vs. 1 278.43 ± 866.32 ng/ml, t=3.331), DA (1 568.56 ± 597.15 ng/ml vs. 1 183.62 ± 798.72 ng/ml, t=2.729) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05); E2 (42.12 ± 9.77 pg/ml vs. 35.91 ± 12.55 pg/ml, t=2.761), FSH (62.70 ± 15.96 mIU/ml vs. 72.67 ± 30.18 mIU/ml, t=2.065), LH (33.88 ± 12.18 mIU/ml vs. 42.93 ± 9.83 mIU/ml, t=4.089) were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). CD3+ (1 087.34/μl ± 432.19/μl vs. 918.27/μl ± 199.72/μl, t=2.511), CD4+ (738.16/μl ± 326.75/μl vs. 588.43/μl ± 212.55/μl, t=2.716) and CD4/CD8 (1.87 ± 0.56 vs. 1.16 ± 0.55), t=6.483) were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05); CD8+ (788.32/μl ± 214.56/μl vs. 976.37/μl ± 318.62/μl, t=3.462) was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Heshi-Gejiugao can reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life by regulating the multi target and multi direction of the neuroendocrine immune network of perimenopausal patients.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Hypophysitis with Rapid Onset: A Case Report

Idiopathic granulomatous hypophysitis (IGH), a rare disease, requires differentiation from more common mass lesions of the sella such as pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, Rathke's cleft cyst, or pituitary tuberculoma. IGH usually presents with an insidious onset of visual defects and headaches. On the other hand, rapid onset of neurologic and visual symptoms in an IGH patient is exceptionally rare. Here, we present a biopsy-proven case of IGH with rapid onset and satisfactory outcome after high dose steroid treatment.

Pituitary gland volumes in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder before and after cognitive-behavioral therapy

Objective: The beneficial effects of psychopharmacological and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the brain are not well understood. In a previous study, we found smaller pituitary volumes in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of CBT on pituitary gland volume. Methods: A total of 81 patients with various anxiety disorders and the same number of healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging, and their pituitary gland volumes were compared at baseline. Pituitary gland volumes were also measured before and after CBT in the patient group. Results: OCD patients had smaller pituitary gland volumes at baseline than healthy controls (0.54±0.29 cm3 for OCD patients vs. 0.82±0.30 cm3 for healthy controls; p < 0.001). We found no significant changes in OCD patient pituitary gland volume after the 16-week treatment period, with mean pre- and post-treatment values of 0.54±0.29 cm3 and 0.56±0.32 cm3, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate an absence of post-CBT volumetric changes in the pituitary gland of OCD patients.

Comparative Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Azadirachta indica and Spondias mombin on the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis of Zidovudine Stress Induced Wistar Rats

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functions in the maintenance of homeostasis in the various systems of the body. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of Azadirachta indica and Spondias mombin on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary- Adrenal axis of zidovudine stress induced wistar rats. 25 adult male wistar rats having an average weight of 180g were used for this study and were divided into 5 groups; group A, group B, group C, group D and group E. Group A is the negative control group that received rat chow and water , group B served as the positive control group that received the administration of 450mg/kg body weight of zidovudine drug, group C received 450mg/kg body weight of zidovudine drug and 500mg/kg body weight of Azadirachta indica, group D received 450mg/kg body weight of zidovudine and 500mg/kg body weight of Spondias mombin leaf extract, while group E received 450mg/kg body weight of zidovudine drug and a combination of 500mg/kg body weight of Azadirachta indica and Spondias mombin. The administration was carried out once a day using orogastric tube for a period of 21 days. At the end of the administration, the rats were sacrificed using chlorofoam inhalation technique, and the whole brain was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formal saline, Blood samples for biochemical estimation were taken. Light microscopic evaluation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis using Haematoxylin and Eosin for group A showed prominent hypothalamic neurons, group B showed degeneration of neurons and presence of vacoules, group C, D,and E showed less vacoules and prominent neurons with lesser vacoules and more prominence of neurons in group C. Haematoxylin and eosin stains for group A, C, and E of the rat pituitary gland, showed prominent acidophilic and basophilic cells with presence of blood vessels, while results of group B and D showed presence of vacoulation with less prominent acidophilic and basophilic cells, Haematoxylin and eosin results for group A showed presence of all the 3 layers of the adrenal cortex and medulla, group B of rat adrenal gland showed presence of haemorrhage in the medulla layer and reticularis, group C had lesser haemorrhage when compared to group D and E. Results of Orange G showed prominence in the acidophilic and basophilic cells in Group A, C, D and E and B showed lesser prominence of orange G stains. Cresoyl Fast Violet stains showed more prominent nissl substance in group A, D, when and E while group B showed a reduction in the expression of nissl stains. Results for stastistical analysis of glutathione peroxidase showed an increase in GPX for group D, when compared to groupA, C and E, and B at (p<0.05), results of Malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased in group B (p<0.05) when compared to group A, C, D and E. Hence this study proves that single administration of methanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica or Spondias mombin may have neuroprotective potentials and anti-oxidant properties when compared with a combination of the methanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica and Spondias mombin leaf extract.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis as Cause of Central Diabetes Insipidus: Case Report

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease of the monocyte-macrophage system, characterized by the aberrant proliferation of specific dendritic cells. The clinical presentation ranges from a single bone lesion to widespread multiorgan involvement. This disease is usually considered to be a disease of childhood; however, the diagnosis is frequently made in adulthood. The course of the disease is fairly unpredictable and varies from spontaneous resolution to progress into a debilitating form, which compromises the vital functions with occasional fatal consequences. Langerhans cell histiocytosis exhibits a predilection for the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis, with diabetes insipidus being the most common endocrine consequence related to the disease, which may be prior to diagnosis or develop at any time during the course of the disease. The diagnosis of LCH should be based on histologic and immunophenotypic examination of a lesional biopsy, although other testing may be done, depending on the symptoms. There is no established, widely agreed-upon treatment of LCH, in general. The treatment depends upon the individual patient and the extent and areas of involvement. The present article aims to describe the case of a 26-year-old male patient whose symptoms started with a headache and occipital bone lesion that progressed later with diabetes insipidus.

A histiocitose de células de Langerhans (HCL) é uma rara doença do sistema monocítico-macrofágico, caracterizada pela proliferação aberrante de células dendríticas específicas. As manifestações clínicas variam de uma única lesão óssea a um acometimento extenso de múltiplos órgãos. Esta doença geralmente é considerada uma doença da infância; no entanto, o diagnóstico é frequentemente feito na idade adulta. O curso da doença é bastante imprevisível e varia de resolução espontânea a progressão para uma forma debilitante, com comprometimento de funções vitais e ocasionais consequências fatais. A HCL exibe uma predileção pelo eixo hipotálamohipofisário, sendo o diabetes insípido a consequência endócrina mais comum relacionada à doença, podendo ser anterior ao diagnóstico ou se desenvolver a qualquer momento durante o curso da doença. O diagnóstico de HCL deve basearse nos exames histológico e imunofenotípico de uma biópsia lesional, embora outros exames possam ser feitos a depender dos sintomas apresentados pelo paciente. Não existe um tratamento estabelecido, amplamente aceito para a HCL, em geral. O tratamento depende individualmente do paciente, da extensão e das áreas de envolvimento. O presente artigo tem como objetivo descrever o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino de 26 anos de idade que iniciou o quadro com uma cefaleia e lesão óssea occipital que evoluiu posteriormente com quadro de diabetes insípido.