Neuropsychological abnormalities in patients with pituitary tumours.
Neuropsychological assessment of 65 patients with pituitary tumours revealed impairment of memory and executive function. This did not appear to be related to the size or type of tumour or the effects of radiotherapy or surgery. It is possible that the problems arose from multiple unconnected factors but this observation lends support to the suggestion that pituitary or hypothalamic hormones have a role in the modulation of memory and behavioural pathways. Whatever the cause, neuropsychological impairment is common in patients with pituitary tumours and is an aspect of their disability which has received insufficient attention in the past.
Grattan-Smith
P J
PJ
Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Morris
J G
JG
Shores
E A
EA
Batchelor
J
J
Sparks
R S
RS
D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000528:radiation effects; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010910:Pituitary Irradiation; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage