Adenomas gigantes de hipófisis: análisis de variables relacionadas con resultados visuales, endocrinológicos y de resección en cirugía endoscópica transesfenoidal / GIANT PITUITARY ADENOMAS: ANALYSIS OF VARIABLES RELATED TO VISUAL, ENDOCRINOLOGICAL AND RESECTION RESULTS IN TRANSSPHENOIDAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY

Introducción. Los adenomas gigantes de hipófisis (AGHs) son aquellos tumores con un diámetro máximo ≥4 cm en cualquier dirección, representando del 5% al 14% del total de los adenomas que se tratan quirúrgicamente. Su manejo terapéutico es desafiante ya que, debido a su extensión hacia otras estructuras cerebrales,está asociado a un riesgo mayor de complicaciones quirúrgicas, con una menor tasa de resección total. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el impacto de la cirugía endoscópica transesfenoidal en AGHs, analizando las variables asociadas a resultados visuales, endocrinológicos y según el grado de resección. Pacientes y Métodos. Se evaluó en 44 pacientes con AGHs(diámetro ≥4 cm y/o volumen ≥10 ml) la presentación visual, endocrinológica e imágenes. Se analizaron estadísticamente resultados visuales, endocrinológicos, grado de resección y complicaciones quirúrgicas. Resultados. Edad promedio de 48.8 años, 24 mujeres y 20 hombres. Presentación: déficit del campo visual (93.1%), hipopituitarismo (61.3%), cefalea (54.5%). Diámetro, volumen y extensión supraselar promedios: 4.8 cm, 20.3 ml, 1.8 cm, respectivamente. Campo visual: mejoría: 83.3%, sin cambios: 9.5%, mayormente en síntomas bilaterales (p<0.0001). Desmejoríavisual: 0%. En resección total: mayor posibilidad de mejoría visual (p=0.040). Buenos resultados endocrinológicos: 85.7%. Tasa de resección total: 52.3%. Resección subtotal: más frecuente con invasión del seno cavernoso (p=0.014). Sin diferencias en el grado de resección según diámetro, volumen, extensión supraselar, forma ni aspecto. Hipopituitarismo: 4.2%. Diabetes insípida: 9.5%, asociada a mayor diámetro (p=0.038) o extensión supraselar (p=0.010) y aspecto sólido (p=0.023). Fístula de LCR: 7.1%. Conclusión. La resección total puede lograrse en la mitad de los casos, siendo la limitante principal el grado de invasión del seno cavernoso y no el aspecto morfológico del AGH per se. Aun así, los resultados visuales y endocrinológicos son muy buenos. En resecciones incompletas se logra el control de la enfermedad mediante tratamientos complementarios

Introduction. Giant pituitary adenomas (sGAs) are those tumors with a maximum diame- ter ≥4 cm in any direction, representing 5% to 14% of all adenomas that are treated surgi- cally. Its therapeutic management is challenging since, due to its extension to other brain structures, it is associated with a higher risk of surgical complications, with a lower rate of total resection. Te objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery on AGHs, analyzing the variables associated with visual and endocri- nological results and according to the degree of resection. Patients and Methods. Visual, endocrinological and imaging presentation were evaluated in 44 patients with sHAA (dia- meter ≥4 cm and/or volume ≥10 ml). Visual and endocrinological results, degree of resection and surgical complications were statistically analyzed. Results. Average age of 48.8 years, 24 women and 20 men. Presentation: visual field deficit (93.1%), hypopituitarism (61.3%), headache (54.5%). Average diameter, volume and suprasellar extension: 4.8 cm, 20.3 ml, 1.8 cm, respectively. Visual field: improvement: 83.3%, no changes: 9.5%, mostly in bilate- ral symptoms (p<0.0001). Visual impairment: 0%. In total resection: greater possibility of visual improvement (p=0.040). Good endocrinological results: 85.7%. Total resection rate: 52.3%. Subtotal resection: more frequent with invasion of the cavernous sinus (p=0.014). No differences in the degree of resection according to diameter, volume, suprasellar exten- sion, shape or appearance. Hypopituitarism: 4.2%. Diabetes insipidus: 9.5%, associated with greater diameter (p=0.038) or suprasellar extension (p=0.010) and solid appearance (p=0.023). CSF fistula: 7.1%. Conclusion. Total resection can be achieved in half of the cases, the main limitation being the degree of invasion of the cavernous sinus and not the morphological appearance of the HGA per se. Even so, the visual and endocrinological results are very good. In incomplete resections, disease control is achieved through com- plementary treatments

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.

Pituitary immune-related adverse events induced by programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in advanced lung cancer patients: A report of 3 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Pituitary immune-related adverse events induced by programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in advanced lung cancer patients: A report of 3 cases SUMMARY Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been widely used in lung cancer treatment, but their immune-related adverse events (irAEs) require intensive attention. Pituitary irAEs, including hypophysitis and hypopituitarism, are commonly induced by cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 inhibitors, but rarely by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) deficiency (IAD) is a special subtype of pituitary irAEs, without any other pituitary hormone dysfunction, and with no enlargement of pituitary gland, either. Here, we described three patients with advanced lung cancer who developed IAD and other irAEs, after PD-1 inhibitor treatment. Case 1 was a 68-year-old male diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with high expression of PD-L1. He was treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy, and developed immune-related hepatitis, which was cured by high-dose methylprednisolone [0.5-1.0 mg/(kg·d)]. Eleven months later, the patient was diagnosed with primary gastric adenocarcinoma, and was treated with apatinib, in addition to pembrolizumab. After 17 doses of pembrolizumab, he developed severe nausea and asthenia, when methylprednisolone had been stopped for 10 months. His blood tests showed severe hyponatremia (121 mmol/L, reference 137-147 mmol/L, the same below), low levels of 8:00 a.m. cortisol (< 1 μg/dL, reference 5-25 μg/dL, the same below) and ACTH (2.2 ng/L, reference 7.2-63.3 ng/L, the same below), and normal thyroid function, sex hormone and prolactin. Meanwhile, both his lung cancer and gastric cancer remained under good control. Case 2 was a 66-year-old male with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, who was treated with a new PD-1 inhibitor, HX008, combined with chemotherapy (clinical trial number: CTR20202387). After 5 months of treatment (7 doses in total), his cancer exhibited partial response, but his nausea and vomiting suddenly exacerbated, with mild dyspnea and weakness in his lower limbs. His blood tests showed mild hyponatremia (135 mmol/L), low levels of 8:00 a.m. cortisol (4.3 μg/dL) and ACTH (1.5 ng/L), and normal thyroid function. His thoracic computed tomography revealed moderate immune-related pneumonitis simultaneously. Case 3 was a 63-year-old male with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma. He was treated with first-line sintilimab combined with chemotherapy, which resulted in partial response, with mild immune-related rash. His cancer progressed after 5 cycles of treatment, and sintilimab was discontinued. Six months later, he developed asymptomatic hypoadrenocorticism, with low level of cortisol (1.5 μg/dL) at 8:00 a.m. and unresponsive ACTH (8.0 ng/L). After being rechallenged with another PD-1 inhibitor, teslelizumab, combined with chemotherapy, he had pulmonary infection, persistent low-grade fever, moderate asthenia, and severe hyponatremia (116 mmol/L). Meanwhile, his blood levels of 8:00 a.m. cortisol and ACTH were 3.1 μg/dL and 7.2 ng/L, respectively, with normal thyroid function, sex hormone and prolactin. All of the three patients had no headache or visual disturbance. Their pituitary magnetic resonance image showed no pituitary enlargement or stalk thickening, and no dynamic changes. They were all on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with prednisone (2.5-5.0 mg/d), and resumed the PD-1 inhibitor treatment when symptoms relieved. In particular, Case 2 started with high-dose prednisone [1 mg/(kg·d)] because of simultaneous immune-related pneumonitis, and then tapered it to the HRT dose. His cortisol and ACTH levels returned to and stayed normal. However, the other two patients' hypopituitarism did not recover. In summary, these cases demonstrated that the pituitary irAEs induced by PD-1 inhibitors could present as IAD, with a large time span of onset, non-specific clinical presentation, and different recovery patterns. Clinicians should monitor patients' pituitary hormone regularly, during and at least 6 months after PD-1 inhibitor treatment, especially in patients with good oncological response to the treatment.

Doença de cushing e hipertensão arterial: relato de caso / Cushing disease and hypertension: a case report

Caso clínico de VNS, 23 anos, sexo feminino, branca, solteira, estudante, natural e procedente de São Paulo- SP com queixa de "pressão alta" há 4 anos. A paciente foi encaminhada para consulta ambulatorial após ter sido atendida em pronto-socorro (PS) com cefaleia, tonturas e pressão arterial (PA) 210x110 mm Hg e medicada com losartana 50 mg a cada 12 horas e hidroclorotiazida 25 mg ao dia. Na avaliação ambulatorial relatava episódios prévios de cefaleia holocraniana de forte intensidade, latejante, de início gradual há 4 anos com piora há 2 anos, que a levava ao pronto-socorro (PS) com muita frequência. Além disso, referia aumento de peso e fraqueza generalizada. Ao exame físico apresentava-se com níveis elevados da PA 160x100 mm Hg em uso das medicações prescritas no PS, obesidade grau III (IMC 41), adiposidade localizada (giba), acantose nigricans e estrias violáceas abdominais. Foi diagnosticada a doença de Cushing associada à hipertensão arterial não controlada, realizados ajustes dos agentes anti-hipertensivos (associado anlodipino 5 mg a cada 12 horas) e solicitados exames laboratoriais. A monitorização ambulatorial da PA (MAPA) de 24 horas caracterizou a hipertensão resistente, as dosagens de cortisol (cortisol salivar = 8h:172; após 23h:280, supressão com dexametasona =<2,5) e a ressonância nuclear magnética evidenciou um macroadenoma da hipófise confirmando o diagnóstico da doença de Cushing com base nos achados do exame físico, laboratorial e de imagem. A paciente foi tratada clinicamente com cetoconazol via oral sem sucesso e após isso submetida a ressecção transesfenoidal do macroadenoma de hipófise. Após o tratamento cirúrgico, houve perda de peso e resolução da hipertensão confirmada pelas medidas ambulatoriais de consultório e pela MAPA.

Clinical case of VNS, 23 years old, female, white, single, student, born and living in São Paulo-SP, complaining of "high blood pressure" 4 years ago. The patient was referred to an outpatient clinic after being seen in the emergency room (ER) with headache, dizziness and blood pressure (BP) 210x110 mm Hg and medicated with losartan 50 mg every 12 hours and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. In the outpatient evaluation, she reported previous episodes of severe, throbbing holocranial headache, which started gradually over 4 years and worsened over 2 years ago, which took her to the ER very often. In addition, she reported weight gain and generalized weakness. On physical examination, he presented with high BP levels 160x100 mm Hg using the medications prescribed in ER, obesity grade III (BMI 41), localized adiposity (gib), acanthosis nigricans and abdominal violet streaks. Cushing's syndrome was diagnosed associated with uncontrolled arterial hypertension, adjustments were made to antihypertensive agents (associated with amlodipine 5 mg every 12 hours) and laboratory tests were requested. 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) characterized resistant hypertension, cortisol levels (salivary cortisol = 8:00 am: 172; after 11:00 pm: 280, dexamethasone suppression = <2.5) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a macroadenoma of the pituitary gland confirming the diagnosis of Cushing's disease based on the findings of the physical, laboratory and imaging exam. The patient was clinically treated with oral ketoconazole and underwent transphenoid resection of the pituitary macroadenoma. After the surgery the patient was no longer hipertensive, without use of antihypertensive medications, outpatient office measurements were normal, as were measurements outside the office by ABPM

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.

Hereditary pituitary tumor syndromes: genetic and clinical aspects

ABSTRACT The pituitary gland is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of various hormones that play a key role in regulating endocrine function and homeostasis. Pituitary adenomas (PA) are benign epithelial tumors arising from the endocrine cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Clinically relevant PA are relatively common and they occur in 0.1% of the general population. They are mostly benign monoclonal neoplasms that arise from any of the five hormone-secreting cell types of the anterior pituitary gland. PA are categorized as either functioning or non-functioning, depending on whether or not they produce a hormonal hypersecretion syndrome. Both functioning and non-functioning adenomas can produce symptoms or signs resulting from compression of the optic chiasm or invasion of cavernous sinuses. Only 5% of PA occur within the context of hereditary syndromes with reasonably well-defined oncogenic mechanisms. The vast majority of PA are sporadic, and their etiopathogenesis remains largely unknown. Pituitary tumor oncogenesis involves several mechanisms that eventually lead to abnormal cell proliferation and dysregulated hormone production. Among these factors, we found inactivating mutations of tumor suppressor genes, activating mutation of oncogenes and the participation of hormonal signals coming from the hypothalamus, all resulting in cell-cycle regulation abnormalities. In this review, we summarize the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of the different hereditary pituitary tumor syndromes.

Serie de Casos Clínicos: Acromegalia, Presentación Clínica y Evolución en los Pacientes del Hospital "Vicente Corral Moscoso". Cuenca - Ecuador, Mayo 2015 - Abril 2017 / Case Series: Acromegaly, Clinical Presentation and Evolution in Patients of Hospital "Vicente Corral Moscoso". Cuenca - Ecuador, May 2015 - April 201

INTRODUCCIÓN:La acromegalia es una enfermedad sistémica caracterizada por la elevada producción de hormona del crecimiento, su etiología más común es el adenoma hipofisiario. En Ecuador existe una prevalencia de 18.7 casos por millón de habitantes y una incidencia de 1.3 casos por millón de individuos cada año. Se considera que existe un retraso de aproximadamente una década entre el inicio de los síntomas y el reconocimiento de los mismos por parte del equipo de salud. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presentan a continuación tres pacientes con acromegalia, atendidos por el servicio de Endocrinología del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso desde Mayo del 2015 hasta Abril del 2017. En esta serie, la edad de diagnóstico fue alrededor de los 34 años. Los motivos de consulta fueron molestias visuales, dolores articulares y complicaciones microvasculares. En todos los casos, la etiología fue un adenoma hipofisario productor de hormona del crecimiento en los que era necesaria la corrección quirúrgica; sin embargo, la paciente del caso 3 rechazó este tratamiento. EVOLUCIÓN: Se presentan a continuación tres pacientes con acromegalia, atendidos por el servicio de Endocrinología del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso desde Mayo del 2015 hasta Abril del 2017. En esta serie, la edad de diagnóstico fue alrededor de los 34 años. Los motivos de consulta fueron molestias visuales, dolores articulares y complicaciones microvasculares. En todos los casos, la etiología fue un adenoma hipofisario productor de hormona del crecimiento en los que era necesaria la corrección quirúrgica; sin embargo, la paciente del caso 3 rechazó este tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: Es importante reconocer la característica insidiosa de la acromegalia y sus variables manifestaciones clínicas, puesto que un diagnóstico oportuno permite mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida. Hay diversas opciones terapéuticas, siendo el tratamiento quirúrgico complementado con terapia farmacológica, el de mayor eficacia. El manejo debe ser multidisciplinario e individualizado(au)

BACKGROUND: Case Series: Acromegaly, Clinical Presentation and Evolution in Patients of Hospital "Vicente Corral Moscoso". Cuenca - Ecuador, May 2015 - April 2017. CASE REPORTS: Three patients with acromegaly are presented, attended by the Endocrinology service of the Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso from May 2015 to April 2017. In this series, the diagnosis age was around 34 years. Patients consulted because of visual discomfort, joint pain and microvascular complications. In all cases, the etiology was a pituitary adenoma producing growth hormone, in which surgical correction was necessary; however, patient number 3 rejected surgical treatment. EVOLUTION: In the present series, case 1 is undergoing treatment with Octreotide-Cabergoline and hormone replacement therapy, case 2 achieved biochemical remission with postoperative adjuvant treatment based on somatostatin analogues and case 3 has poor expectation of cure due to her medical history and lack of adherence to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to recognize the insidious characteristic of acromegaly and its varia-ble clinical manifestations, because a timely diagnosis allows a better prognosis and quality of life. There are several therapeutic options, being the surgical treatment supplemented with pharmacological therapy, the most effective. The management must be multidisciplinary and individualize(au)

Study of major genetic factors involved in pituitary tumorigenesis and their impact on clinical and biological characteristics of sporadic somatotropinomas and non-functioning pituitary adenomas

Genetic and functional aberrations of guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS), aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP), and pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) are among the most prominent events in pituitary tumorigenesis. A cohort of Brazilian patients with somatotropinomas (n=41) and non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA, n=21) from a single tertiary-referral center were evaluated for GNAS and AIP mutations and gene expression of AIP and PTTG. Results were compared to the clinical and biological (Ki67 and p53 expression) characteristics of tumors and their response to therapy, if applicable. Genetic analysis revealed that 27% of somatotropinomas and 4.8% of NFPA harbored GNAS mutations (P=0.05). However, no differences were observed in clinical characteristics, tumor extension, response to somatostatin analog therapy, hormonal/surgical remission rates, Ki67 index, and p53 expression between mutated and non-mutated somatotropinomas patients. PTTG overexpression (RQ mean=10.6, min=4.39, max=11.9) and AIP underexpression (RQ mean=0.56, min=0.46-max=0.92) were found in virtually all cases without a statistically significant relationship with clinical and biological tumor features. No patients exhibited somatic or germline pathogenic AIP mutations. In conclusion, mutations in GNAS and abnormal PTTG and AIP expression had no impact on tumor features and treatment outcomes in this cohort. Our data support some previous studies and point to the need for further investigations, probably involving epigenetic and transcriptome analysis, to improve our understanding of pituitary tumor behavior.

Masa selar, no siempre un adenoma: presentación de 3 casos clínicos / A sellar mass, not always an adenoma: A report of 3 cases

El absceso hipofisario es un proceso infeccioso dentro de la silla turca, infrecuente, grave y de difícil diagnóstico debido a sintomatología variada e inespecífica. Presentamos 3 casos clínicos de abscesos hipofisarios, teniendo en común la presencia de lesiones preexistentes. Todos fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente, 2 pacientes resultaron ser abscesos asépticos y en un paciente se aisló Aspergillus capsulatum. Presentaron buena evolución con el tratamiento médico pero con secuelas de hipopituitarismo. Es muy importante tener en cuenta el absceso hipofisario entre los diagnósticos diferenciales de las masas que se localicen en esa región debido a que el diagnóstico oportuno y el tratamiento correcto son relevantes para el pronóstico de estos pacientes.

Pituitary abscess is due to a severe and uncommon infection in the sella. It is difficult to diagnose due to varied and non-specific symptoms. A report is presented of 3 cases of pituitary abscess, which had the presence of pre-existing injuries in common. All were subjected to surgery, with aseptic abscesses found in 2 patients, and Aspergillus capsulatum was isolated in 1 patient. They showed good progress with medical treatment, but with sequelae of hypopituitarism. It is very important to consider the pituitary abscess in the differential diagnosis of the masses that are located in that region, as a timely diagnosis and proper treatment can be important for the prognosis of these patients.

A rare case of ectopic ACTH syndrome originating from malignant renal paraganglioma

SUMMARY Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome is characterized by hypercortisolism due to the hypersecretion of a non-pituitary ACTH-secreting tumor leading to Cushing's syndrome. Only a few cases have been reported previously as causing ectopic ACTH related to paraganglioma. Herein, we present a case of Cushing's syndrome, in who was proved to be attributable to an ACTH-secreting renal malignant paraganglioma. A 40-year-old woman presented with a five-month history of newly diagnosed hypertension and diabetes, weakness, hyperpigmentation, oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, and acneiform lesions. She showed cushingoid features, including moon face, facial hirsutism, facial and truncal acne, hyperpigmentation, and severe muscle weakness of the limbs. She did not have other findings such as striae, supraclavicular fat accumulation, and buffalo hump. Laboratory examination showed the presence of hypopotasemia, hyperglycemia, hyperthyroidism, and leukocytosis. The serum levels of ACTH, cortisol, and urine-free cortisol were markedly elevated. Results of an overnight 2-mg dexamethasone suppression test included a basal serum cortisol of 61.1 mcg/dL (normal range: 4.6-22.8 mcg/dL) and a cortisol value of 46.1 mcg/dL after dexamethasone administration. There was no suppression found after 2-day 8-mg dexamethasone administration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland indicated two microadenomas. An abdominal MRI scan revealed horseshoe kidney, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and masses with dimensions of 35 x 31 mm in the left kidney. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling showed no evidence of a central-to-peripheral gradient of ACTH. A positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan showed intense increased activity in the lower pole of the left kidney. Left adrenalectomy and left partial nephrectomy were performed. The resected tumor was diagnosed as the ACTH-secreting paraganglioma in the pathological examination, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical studies with chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and ACTH. Only a few cases of paragangliomas as a cause of ectopic ACTH syndrome have been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first case of renal paraganglioma resulting in Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH hypersecretion.

Histopathological features of post-mortem pituitaries: A retrospective analysis / Características histopatológicas de hipófises post mortem: análise retrospectiva

SUMMARY Objective: As a result of the use of neuroimaging techniques, silent pituitary lesions are diagnosed more and more frequently; however, there are few published post-mortem studies about this gland. Incidence data of pituitary lesions are rare and in Portugal they are outdated or even non-existent. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of normal patterns and incidental post-mortem pituitary pathology at Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, analyzing the associations with clinical data and assessing the clinical relevance of the findings. Method: We reviewed retrospectively and histologically 167 pituitaries of a consecutive series of autopsies from the Department of Pathology of this centre. They were done between 2012 and 2014, and in all cases medical records were reviewed. The morphological patterns observed, were classified into three major groups: 1) Normal histological patterns and variants; 2) Infectious-inflammatory pathology, metabolic and vascular disorders; 3) Incidental primary proliferation and secondary to systemic diseases. Results: The subjects included in this study were of all age groups (from 1 day to 91 years old), 71 were female and 96 male. Fifty-seven of these glands didn’t show any alteration; 51 showed colloid cysts arising from Rathke cleft; 44 presented hyperplasia in adenohypophysis and we identified 20 adenomas in 19 glands (immunohistochemically, eight PRL-producing and five ACTH-producing tumors), ten of which associated with obesity, 11 to hypertension and six to diabetes mellitus. There were two cases with metastasis. Conclusion: Subclinical pathology in our country is similar to that seen in other parts of the world, but at older ages.

RESUMO Objetivo: como resultado da utilização de técnicas de neuroimagem, cada vez se diagnosticam mais lesões hipofisárias silentes; porém, há poucos estudos post mortem publicados sobre essa glândula. Os dados de incidência existentes sobre lesões hipofisárias são raros, sendo em Portugal desatualizados ou inexistentes. O objetivo é determinar a prevalência dos padrões normais e da patologia hipofisária incidental post mortem no Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, analisando as associações com dados clínicos e avaliando a relevância clínica dos achados. Método: revisaram-se histologicamente de forma retrospectiva 167 hipófises de uma série consecutiva de autópsias do Serviço de Anatomia Patológica desse centro, realizadas entre 2012 e 2014, sendo revisadas em todos os casos as histórias clínicas. Os padrões morfológicos observados classificaram-se em três grandes grupos: 1) padrões histológicos de normalidade e variantes; 2) patologia infeccioso-inflamatória, distúrbios metabólicos e transtornos vasculares; 3) proliferação primária incidental e secundária a doenças sistêmicas. Resultados: os doentes incluíam todas as faixas etárias (de 1 dia a 91 anos), sendo 71 do sexo feminino e 96 do masculino. Cinquenta e sete das glândulas não apresentaram qualquer alteração; 51 mostraram cistos coloides derivados da fissura de Rathke; em 44, observou-se hiperplasia da adeno-hipófise e identificaram-se 20 adenomas em 19 glândulas (oito imuno-histoquimicamente produtores de PRL e cinco de ACTH), dos quais dez associados à obesidade, 11 à hipertensão arterial e seis a diabetes mellitus. Houve dois casos com metástases. Conclusão: a patologia subclínica em nosso meio é similar à observada em outras partes do mundo, mas em idades mais avançadas.

Metástase hipofisária de adenocarcinoma mamário: relato de caso / Pituitary Metastasis of Mammary Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Somente 1% de todas as cirurgias hipofisárias são realizadas para tratar tumores metastáticos desta região. Os focos primários mais comuns são respectivamente mama e pulmão. Neste artigo, descrevemos uma paciente com antecedente de adenocarcinoma mamário, que se apresenta com paralisia oculomotora súbita à direita. O objetivo do trabalho é descrever um caso de metástase mamária para a região selar, evidenciando dados clínicos e radiológicos que tornam tal diagnóstico plausível.

Only 1% of all pituitary surgeries are performed to treat metastatic tumors in this region. The most common primary sites are breast and lung respectively. In this article we describe a patient with previous breast adenocarcinoma presenting with oculomotor palsy sudden right. The objective is to describe a case of breast metastasis to the sellar region, showing clinical and radiological findings that make this plausible diagnosis.

Surgical Treatment of Hemangioblastoma in the Pituitary Stalk: An Extremely Rare Case

Hemangioblastoma (HBL) in the pituitary stalk is extremely rare. Only 16 such cases have been reported in the past and 5 cases have been treated with surgical procedure. Here, we report surgical case of HBL in the pituitary stalk diagnosed in a 34-year-old woman. The patient underwent a gross-total resection via the modified lateral supra-orbital approach. No recurrence was observed in two years after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the 17th case of HBL in the pituitary stalk and the 6th surgical case. If the tumor is symptomatic and the volume is over 5 cubic centimeters as in our case, we recommend that the surgical resection of the HBL in the pituitary stalk is a more safe and reasonable than radiotherapy.

Absceso hipofisiario como causa de meningitis crónica / Pituitary abscess as cause of chronicle meningitis

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente con un cuadro de Meningitis crónica recurrente en que el diagnóstico de absceso selar sólo se logró al operarla con el diagnóstico de Adenoma Hipofisiario. Siendo el absceso hipofisiario una patología de muy baja frecuencia, la presencia de una Meningitis crónica recurrente como forma de presentación es aún más infrecuente. La literatura en general presenta muy pocas series de abscesos hipofisiarios, siendo la mayoría sólo comunicaciones de casos clínicos.

We present the case of a patient with a history of Recurrent Chronic Meningitis, in which the diagnosis of Pituitary abscess was only made after surgery under the diagnosis of Pituitary Adenoma. Given the low frequency of the Pituitary Abscess, the presence of a Recurrent Chronic Meningitis as its presentation is even more infrequent. The common literature presents only a few series of pituitary abscess, which, in most cases, are only case reports.

An intrasellar germinoma with normal tumor marker concentrations mimicking primary lymphocytic hypophysitis / Germinoma intrasselar com marcadores tumorais normais mimetizando hipofisite linfocítica primária

Intracranial germinomas (GE) are malignant neoplasms most commonly found in the suprasellar region, which may cause anterior and particularly posterior pituitary hormone deficits with central diabetes insipidus (DI). Differential diagnosis of pituitary stalk thickening includes granulomatous, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic lesions. Although careful analysis of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings may facilitate the diagnosis, transsphenoidal biopsy is indicated to confirm the disease, as the correct diagnosis directs the appropriate treatment.

Germinomas intracranianos (GE) são neoplasias malignas comumente na região suprasselar, podendo causar deficiência hormonal da hipófise anterior, em particular da hipófise posterior, com diabetes insípido central (DI). Entre os diagnósticos diferenciais do espessamento de haste hipofisária, incluem-se doenças granulomatosas, inflamatórias, infecciosas e neoplásicas. Embora as avaliações clínica, laboratorial e a ressonância magnética selar sugiram o diagnóstico, a biópsia transesfenoidal está indicada para confirmação, visto que o diagnóstico correto direciona o tratamento.

Histological and immunohistochemical study on the adverse effects of sodium chlorate on the pituitary-thyroid axis of albino rats and the possible protective effect of curcumin

Background: Sodium chlorate [NaClO[3]] is found in drinking water, but it has a toxic effect on thyroid. However, curcumin has a thyroid-stimulating effect

Aim of the work: To study the effect of NaClO[3] on the pituitary-thyroid axis of rats and determine the possible protective role of curcumin

Materials and methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Group I was the control group. In group II, rats received 0.2 g/l of NaClO[3] in drinking water for 3 weeks. In group III, rats received curcumin [100 mg/kg] 1 week before exposure to NaClO[3] and it was continued for 3 weeks. T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and superoxide anion were measured. Sections were subjected to H and E, azan stain, caspase-3, and S-100 immunohistochemical stains

Results: In group II, serum T3 and T4 were significantly decreased whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone and superoxide anion were significantly increased compared with the control group. The thyroid gland showed follicular cell hypertrophy, hyperplasia, decreased colloid, and significantly decreased caspase-3 immunoreactivity compared with the control group. The pituitary gland showed significantly increased basophils and significantly decreased S-100-positive folliculostellate cells compared with the control group. In group III, thyroid function tests were significantly improved compared with group II, but did not reach the control level. Thyroid sections appeared apparently normal, with significantly increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity compared with the control group and group II. The pituitary gland showed basophils that were similar to those of the control group. S-100-positive folliculostellate cells were significantly increased compared with group II, but did not reach the control level

Conclusion: Curcumin can protect the thyroid gland from the adverse effects of NaClO[3] and consequently protects the pituitary gland from negative feedback

Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on the structure of thyroid gland and pituitary tyrotrophs in streptozotocin-diabetic male rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide, is known to be associated with thyroid disorders. Retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A, is currently used for the treatment of diabetes and obesity

Aim of the work: The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using all-trans-retinoic acid [atRA] in reducing the structural changes of the thyroid gland and pituitary thyrotrophs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Materials and methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups: group I, control; group II, which included rats in which diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin [100 mg/kg]; and group III, which included rats in which diabetes was induced as in group II, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of atRA [2.5 mg/kg/day] from the third day. After 4 weeks, thyroid and pituitary specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic study

Results: Most thyroid follicles of diabetic rats were distended with colloid and lined with flattened thyrocytes with hyperchromatic nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm that contained dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, few colloid droplets, and few lysosomes. Some exfoliated cells were observed in the lumen. C cells had rarefied cytoplasm containing a few secretory granules. The number of mast cells showed a nonsignificant change. Thyrotrophs showed dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, destroyed mitochondria, and decreased secretory granules. The atRA-treated diabetic group showed almost the same structural alterations in the thyroid gland, with even more changes in thyrotrophs

Conclusion: Despite its current use as a novel therapy for diabetes, atRA exerted no ameliorating effect on diabetes-induced histological changes in the thyroid gland and, moreover, exacerbated the changes of pituitary thyrotrophs

Analysis of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography findings in patients with pituitary lesions

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a good visual modality for the evaluation of pituitary lesions, it has limited value in the diagnosis of mixed nodules and some cystic lesions. We evaluated the usefulness of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) for patients with pituitary lesions. METHODS: 18F-FDG PET and MRI were performed simultaneously in 32 consecutive patients with pituitary lesions. The relationships between FDG uptake patterns in PET and MRI findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 24 patients with piuitary adenomas, 19 (79.2%) showed increased uptake of 18F-FDG in the pituitary gland on PET scans. All patients with pituitary macroadenomas showed increased 18F-FDG uptake on PET scans. Meanwhile, only five (50%) of the 10 patients with pituitary microadenomas showed positive PET scans. Interestingly, of two patients with no abnormal MRI findings, one showed increased 18F-FDG uptake on PET. For positive 18F-FDG uptake, maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) > 2.4 had 94.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In addition, SUVmax increased in proportion to the size of pituitary adenomas. Most cystic lesions did not show 18F-FDG uptake on PET scans. CONCLUSIONS: About 80% of pituitary adenomas showed positivity on PET scans, and SUVmax was related to the size of the adenomas. PET may be used as an ancillary tool for detection and differentiation of pituitary lesions.

A Case of Idiopathic Granulomatous Hypophysitis

Granulomatous hypophysitis is a rare pituitary condition that commonly presents with enlargement of the pituitary gland. A 31-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a severe headache and bitemporal hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an 18 x 10-mm sellar mass with suprasellar extension and compression of the optic chiasm. Interestingly, brain MRI had shown no abnormal finding 4 months previously. On hormonal examination, hypopituitarism with mild hyperprolactinemia was noted. The biopsy revealed granulomatous changes with multinucleated giant cells. We herein report this rare case and discuss the relevant literature.

Prevalence of pituitary incidentaloma in the Iranian cadavers.

Aim: Although one-fourth of the pituitary tumors are inactive and silent, increased total volume of the pituitary gland exerts pressure on sella turcica and corrodes the clinoid processes, resulting in several problems. Therefore, determination of the prevalence of the concealed pituitary tumors is of major concern among clinical practitioners. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of these tumors in cadavers referred to the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization (Kahrizak, Tehran). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed between June 2007 and February 2008. A total of 485 cadavers were selected by simple random sampling method. Pituitary glands were removed and then horizontally cut and four slides were prepared from each of them, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, and evaluated by a light microscope. For statistical analysis, SPSS software (version 16), Mann-Whitney U test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric test (K-S test), and Chi-square test were used. Results: Of the 485 investigated cadavers, 365 (75.3%) were males with an average age of 42 ± 20.5 years and 120 (24.7%) were females with an average age of 44 ± 22 years. A total of 61 (12.6%) had concealed pituitary masses. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) of the cadavers with and without concealed tumors (P=0.380 P=0.450, and P=0.884, respectively). Conclusions: In the present study, the prevalence of the concealed pituitary adenomas was 12.6%. There was no correlation between age, sex, and BMI and the prevalence of the concealed masses.