Orbital invasion with prolactinoma: a clinical review of four patients.
OBJECTIVE
To present four patients with invasive prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas extending in the orbit.


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative case series.


RESULTS
In all cases, the tumor was a large, invasive prolactin-secreting adenoma. In three cases, significant permanent vision loss occurred and severe disfigurement resulted; two of these patients died of tumor-related complications. In one case, the tumor responded well to medical treatment, and the orbital symptoms improved significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it is rare for a pituitary adenoma to invade the orbit, devastating consequences to the integrity of the globe and ocular adnexa may result. Therefore, early recognition and proper treatment of orbital pituitary tumors are of utmost importance to minimize ocular and orbital damage.
Karcioglu
Zeynel A
ZA
Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA.
Aden
Leslie B
LB
Cruz
Antonio A V
AA
Zaslow
Lynda
L
Saloom
Russell J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed