[Clinically non functioning pituitary adenomas and gonadotroph-cell adenomas].
Clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas and gonadotroph-cell adenomas are relatively common: microadenomas (< 1cm) are usually pituitary incidentalomas while most macroadenomas are revealed by mass effect and/or hypopituitarism. They are rarely associated with high gonadotropin (Luteinizing hormone, LH; Follicle-stimulating hormone FSH) levels while increased alpha-subunit levels are more frequent. Immunocytochemistry of pituitary tumor confirms the diagnosis of clinically non-functioning or gonadotroph-cell adenoma. Pituitary MRI follow-up seems to be indicated for microadenoma. Treatment of macroadenoma with visual field defect or hypopituitarism is transphenoidal surgery, but cure is rarely obtained and tumor recurrence is significant during follow-up. Therefore postoperative treatment (pituitary radiotherapy or medical treatment with dopamine agonists or somatostatin analogs) should be discussed against close follow-up with repeated MRI scans.
Caron
Philippe
P
Service d'endocrinologie, maladies métaboliques et nutrition, Pôle cardiovasculaire et métabolique, CHU Larrey, F-31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France. caron.p@chu-toulouse.fr
D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human / Q000378:metabolism; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D052681:Gonadotrophs / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000503:physiopathology; D033162:Incidental Findings; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012737:Sex Factors
D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone