Long-term follow-up of hypothalamic-pituitary function in patients with transsphenoidal pituitary herniation and midfacial anomalies.
OBJECTIVE
We wished to determine whether patients with transsphenoidal pituitary herniation were at risk of developing pituitary failure.


METHODS
We followed up hypothalamic-pituitary function annually in patients with midfacial anomalies and pituitary herniation.


METHODS
Two patients who had transsphenoidal pituitary herniation and midfacial anomalies were included and the literature was reviewed.


RESULTS
Both patients became gonadotrophin, TSH and growth hormone-deficient despite neurosurgical repair.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the early diagnosis and neurosurgical repair of transsphenoidal pituitary herniation may prevent central nervous system infection and rhinorrhoea. Surgical repair may not prevent pituitary failure as was evident in both of our cases. Periodic evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is essential to determine whether early hormonal replacement therapy is necessary.
Ellyin
F M
FM
Department of Medicine, Chicago Medical School, Illinois.
Potchynok
A
A
Song
C
C
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005145:Face / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006547:Hernia / Q000503:physiopathology; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013006:Growth Hormone