The usefulness of adjuvant therapy using gamma knife radiosurgery for the recurrent or residual nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas

We evaluated the treatment results of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas in the era of radiosurgery. Between January 1994 and December 2003, we operated on 44 patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. 43 patients were operated on by transsphenoidal surgery and one patient was operated on by the transcranial approach. Total removal was able to be achieved in 13 patients (30%). Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed for residual tumor in 26 patients and for recurrence in 2 patients. The mean tumor diameter at the gamma knife radiosurgery was 18.2 mm (7.9 to 26.3 mm). The treatment dose was a mean of 12.3 Gy (8 to 16 Gy) to the tumor margin. The mean follow-up period after radiosurgery was 36.4 months. Tumor growth control was able to be achieved in 26 patients (93%). Two patients (7%) required adrenal and thyroid hormonal replacement during the follow-up period after radiosurgery due to radiation-induced endocrinopathy. None of the patients suffered from new cranial nerve deficits. This included optic neuropathy. Surgical resection using transsphenoidal surgery and subsequent gamma knife radiosurgery for residual and recurrent tumor proved to have a highly effective tumor growth control rate, and maintained the quality of life in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.     

Thyroid-stimulating hormone pituitary adenomas

OBJECT: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-secreting pituitary adenomas are rare, representing < 2% of all pituitary adenomas. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with TSH-secreting or clinically silent TSH-immunostaining pituitary tumors among all pituitary adenomas followed at their institution between 1987 and 2003. Patient records, including clinical, imaging, and pathological and surgical characteristics were reviewed. Twenty-one patients (6 women and 15 men; mean age 46 years, range 26-73 years) were identified. Of these, 10 patients had a history of clinical hyperthyroidism, of whom 7 had undergone ablative thyroid procedures (thyroid surgery/(131)I ablation) prior to the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. Ten patients had elevated TSH preoperatively. Seven patients presented with headache, and 8 presented with visual field defects. All patients underwent imaging, of which 19 were available for imaging review. Sixteen patients had macroadenomas. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients, 18 underwent transsphenoidal surgery at the authors' institution, 2 patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery at another facility, and 1 was treated medically. Patients with TSH-secreting tumors were defined as in remission after surgery if they had no residual adenoma on imaging and had biochemical evidence of hypo-or euthyroidism. Patients with TSH-immunostaining tumors were considered in remission if they had no residual tumor. Of these 18 patients, 9 (50%) were in remission following surgery. Seven patients had residual tumor; 2 of these patients underwent further transsphenoidal resection, 1 underwent a craniotomy, and 4 underwent postoperative radiation therapy (2 conventional radiation therapy, 1 Gamma Knife surgery, and 1 had both types of radiation treatment). Two patients had persistently elevated TSH levels despite the lack of evidence of residual tumor. On pathological analysis and immunostaining of the surgical specimen, 17 patients had samples that stained positively for TSH, 8 for alpha-subunit, 10 for growth hormone, 7 for prolactin, 2 for adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and 1 for follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone. Eleven patients (61%) ultimately required thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and 5 (24%) required additional pituitary hormone replacement. Of these, 2 patients required treatment for new anterior pituitary dysfunction as a complication of surgery, and 2 patients with preoperative partial anterior pituitary dysfunction developed complete panhypopituitarism. One patient had transient diabetes insipidus. The remainder had no change in pituitary function from their preoperative state. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary lesions are often delayed in diagnosis, are frequently macroadenomas and plurihormonal in terms of their pathological characteristics, have a heterogeneous clinical picture, and are difficult to treat. An experienced team approach will optimize results in the management of these uncommon lesions.     

Management of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extensions by transsphenoidal microsurgery.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the feasibility and therapeutic effectiveness of transsphenoidal microsurgical removal of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extensions. The diagnostic modes, surgical technique, and outcome were reviewed in 208 patients with pituitary adenomas extending beyond the sella turcica who were treated by transsphenoidal microsurgery. All patients except three presented with significantly diminished visual acuity and visual field defects. METHODS: Diagnosis was confirmed by skull X-ray plain films, CT, or MRI scanning. Operations were performed via a transsphenoidal approach under microscope. A subarachnoid catheter was preoperatively inserted in the lumbar cistern, through which saline was slowly injected during operation to increase the intracranial pressure so as to move the suprasellar tumor into the operative field to aid the removal. RESULTS: In this series, gross total removal of an adenoma in 146 cases (70.2%) and subtotal removal in 50 cases (24.0%) was achieved; partial removal was carried out in the remaining 12 cases (5.8%) of fibrous or dumbbell-shaped adenomas. There were no deaths in this group. Follow-up review (median 3.8 years) in 187 patients revealed that 97.8% of those with preoperative diminished visual acuity had postoperative improvement; 2.2% had no change, and none deteriorated significantly. Among 181 patients with preoperative visual field defects, postoperative improvement was good in 169 (93.4%), and poor in 12 (6.6%). The major complications were diabetes insipidus and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, which occurred in 13.5% and 4.8% of patients, respectively. The tumors recurred in 12 patients (6.4%) who were considered to have a macroscopically complete removal at surgery. Continuing growth of residual tumors was found in 31 (16.6%) based on visual acuity decrease, visual field defects, and CT or MRI examination. Of the recurrent and residual tumors, 4, 9, 17, and 13 cases belonged to Grades A, B, C, and D, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison with transfrontal surgery suggests that these results are as good as those of transfrontal procedures and that the incidence of serious side effects is considerably lower. We consider that the microsurgical removal of pituitary tumors by the transsphenoidal approach is safe and effective even in very large or giant adenomas, since it allows rapid and adequate decompression of the optic nerves and chiasm.     

The long-term significance of microscopic dural invasion in 354 patients with pituitary adenomas treated with transsphenoidal surgery

OBJECT: Pituitary adenomas are considered benign tumors; however, they may infiltrate surrounding tissues including the dura mater. In this paper the authors analyze the clinical significance of microscopically confirmed dural invasion by comparing a range of variables (age and sex of patients, adenoma type, adenoma size on magnetic resonance [MR] images, remission, residual pituitary disease, recurrence, survival, and disease-free interval after surgery) between patients with noninvasive adenomas and those with invasive ones. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1997 dural specimens were obtained in 354 patients with pituitary adenomas who underwent transsphenoidal surgery performed by the senior author (E.R.L.). Dural specimens were examined using routine histological methods and assessed for invasion by pituitary adenoma tissue. The dura was invaded by the pituitary adenoma in 161 patients (45.5%), and in 192 patients (54.5%) no evidence of dural invasion was found. Dural invasion was present significantly more frequently in the repeated surgery group (69%, 55 patients) than in the primary transsphenoidal surgery group (41%, 291 patients). The mean age of patients undergoing primary transsphenoidal surgery was significantly older in cases of invasive adenomas (50 years) compared with cases of noninvasive adenomas (43 years), and these age differences also correlated with adenoma size. Women tend to develop clinically evident, smaller adenomas at a younger age than men. Of the patients with pituitary adenomas that were 20 mm or smaller, 117 (76%) of 154 were women, whereas of the patients with adenomas that were larger than 20 mm, 74 (54%) of 137 were men. The frequency of dural invasion increased with increasing size of the pituitary adenoma as measured on MR images. In 291 patients who underwent primary pituitary surgery, the frequency of dural invasion according to adenoma size was 24% (< or = 10 mm), 35% (> 10 to < or = 20 mm), 55% (> 20 to < or = 40 mm), and 70% (> 40 mm). In patients who underwent primary transsphenoidal surgery, dural invasion was present in more than 50% of those with nonfunctioning adenomas and in 30 to 35% of patients with endocrinologically active adenomas. The mean diameter of the gonadotrophic adenomas and null-cell adenomas was significantly larger than that of each of the endocrinologically active adenomas. In 58 (20%) of 291 patients who underwent primary pituitary surgery there was residual pituitary disease postsurgery, and 20% of this subset of patients showed clinical improvement to such an extent that no further management was recommended. After pituitary surgery, residual tumor tissue was demonstrable significantly more frequently in patients with invasive adenomas than in those with noninvasive adenomas. Recurrences after initial remission (cure) of pituitary disease occurred in 18 (8.8%) of 205 patients between 2 and 79 months after primary pituitary surgery (median 25 months). The recurrence rate was not related to dural invasion in a consistent or significant fashion. Seven patients died between 14 and 79 months after pituitary surgery and all had invasive adenomas identified on gross observation at surgery and on microscopy. The survival rate was slightly but significantly decreased for patients with invasive adenomas (91%) compared with patients with noninvasive adenomas (100%) at 6 years postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: The principal significance of dural invasion by pituitary adenoma is the persistence of tumor tissue after transsphenoidal surgery (incomplete adenomectomy; 20% in primary pituitary tumor resections). The increase in adenoma size with time and the concurrent development of dural invasion are the major factors that determine an incomplete adenomectomy. When the adenoma remains restricted to the sellar compartment or shows only moderate suprasellar extension, dural invasion may not yet have developed and conditions for complete selective adenomectomy are improved.     

Impact of primary surgery on pituitary function in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas – a study on 721 patients

Summary ¶Introduction. The aim of this study was to define the impact of surgery on pituitary function in a large consecutive series of patients harbouring non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Materials and method. Between December 1982 and December 2000, a total of 822 patients underwent primary surgery in the authors department. In 721 cases a complete set of endocrinological data was available. Functions of the pituitary-gonadal, pituitary-thyroid and pituitary-adrenal axes were assessed immediately before surgery and again one week, 3 months and 1 year after the operation, utilizing standardized tests and commercially available assays. Results. There was some degree of pre-operative hypopituitarism in 561 (85%) and 53 (86.3%) of the patients belonging to the transsphenoidal and the transcranial groups, respectively. Prior to transsphenoidal [transcranial] surgery, 163 (31%) [34 (55.7%)] of the patients had secondary adrenal deficiency, 463 (76.6%) [49 (89%)] had hypogonadism and 105 (19.1%) [14 (25.4%)] were hypothyroid. Preoperatively, prolactin levels were mildly elevated in 167 patients (25.3%), whereas 1 year after surgery, levels were elevated in only 5 patients. Permanent diabetes insipidus occurred in 4 patients, 2 from the transsphenoidal group (0.3%) and 2 from the transcranial group (3.2%). Following transsphenoidal surgery 110 (19.6%) of patients had normal pituitary function [versus 0% after transcranial surgery], 169 (30.1%) [6 (11.3%)] showed improvement, 274 (48.9%) [49 (73.7%)] had persistent deficits and 8 (1.4%) [8 (15%)] showed deterioration of pituitary function. Discussion. These data indicate that transsphenoidal surgery for non-functioning pituitary adenomas in expert hands is, relatively, far less detrimental to patients compared with transcranial surgery. The latter carries a much greater risk of post-operative deterioration in pituitary function.     

A clinical feature and therapeutic strategy in pituitary adenomas associated with intracranial aneurysms

We studied the clinical feature and treatment strategy of pituitary adenomas associated with intracranial aneurysms. Among 102 pituitary adenoma patients (mean age: 54.8 years old) who received MR angiography and/or 3D-CT angiography, seven patients (6.9%) had intracranial aneurysms. The association of an aneurysm was more common in large size adenomas (p<0.05). According to the location of the aneurysms, five patients had these in the paraclinoid portion or cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery. Using MR images, we classified the aneurysms associated with pituitary adenomas as non-adjacent, adjacent, and intra-adenoma types. In non-adjacent types, an aneurysm is located apart from the adenoma, and has less chance of exposure during transsphenoidal surgery. In adjacent types, an aneurysm is located adjacent to the adenoma, and could be exposed during transsphenoidal surgery. In intra-adenoma types, an aneurysm is encased in the adenoma. In non-adjacent type aneurysms, a resection of the pituitary adenoma can be carried out before aneurysm treatment due to the low risk of rupture during surgery. In adjacent types, a tumor resection can precede aneurysm treatment in cases of low rupture risk aneurysms and untreatable aneurysms. In intra-adenoma types, adenoma resection should come after treatment of the aneurysms. Neurosurgeons should be careful about not only the presence of aneurysms in preoperative images during transsphenoidal surgery planning, but also their locations and proximity to adenomas. Such information may be crucial in deciding the order of treatment.     

Hyperadrenalism in childhood and adolescence.

Hyperadrenalism in childhood and adolescence has unique features that influence diagnosis and management. We reviewed our experience with 18 patients, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years. Nine had bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, eight had adrenal neoplasms, and one had micronodular hyperplasia. Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hyperaldosteronism were excluded. Six patients with Cushing's disease diagnosed in earlier years were treated by total adrenalectomy and recently two patients underwent transsphenoidal removal of pituitary tumors. Bilateral adrenalectomy was carried out in one patient with micronodular hyperplasia and in a second because of elevated adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels from an undefined source. Eight patients had adrenal neoplasms, including five adenomas and three carcinomas. We found no reliable criteria to differentiate before surgery between adrenal adenomas and adrenal carcinomas. The most recognizable characteristic of malignancy was tumor size, specifically weight greater than 75 gms. Of the three patients with adrenal carcinoma, one expired 20 months after adrenalectomy and 8 months after receiving palliative partial hepatectomy for liver metastasis. Two patients are well with normal growth and development at 11 and 20 years following adrenalectomy. With the exception of one patient who died 6 years after surgery from a glioblastoma multiforme, all patients with adrenal adenomas are well. Eight patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy for hypercortisolism. Five of the six who have reached their adult stature are significantly stunted. Four of six patients with Cushing's disease, treated by total adrenalectomy, have developed Nelson's syndrome at 2, 6, 10, and 12 years after surgery. Of the two patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery, one had recurrent disease at 2 years and was treated by pituitary irradiation with recovery. The patients undergoing adrenalectomy for micronodular hyperplasia and ectopic ACTH are well at 2 and 4 years, respectively. Cushing's disease in children and adolescents is best treated by transsphenoidal removal of the pituitary adenoma. Adrenalectomy, once the most accepted approach, plays a secondary role and is indicated primarily in micronodular adrenal hyperplasia, in patients with ectopic ACTH production of an undefined source, and in recurrent Cushing's disease following prior pituitary irradiation. The high incidence of Nelson's syndrome in children treated by adrenalectomy mandates that patients at risk be monitored lifelong for the progression of a pituitary tumor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Repeat transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease

Transsphenoidal resection of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-producing pituitary adenomas has the potential of curing most patients with Cushing's disease. However, transsphenoidal exploration of the pituitary is not always curative, and patients who have remission of hypercortisolism following surgery occasionally develop a recurrence. Whether repeat pituitary surgery should be performed for recurrent or persistent Cushing's disease has not been evaluated previously. To determine the efficacy of transsphenoidal surgery in recurrent or persistent Cushing's disease, we performed transsphenoidal surgery in 31 patients (22 women and nine men) who had previously undergone a transsphenoidal operation and two female patients who had had previous pituitary irradiation only. In 24 (73%) of the 33 patients, remission of hypercortisolism was achieved by surgery. Although preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scanning identified an adenoma in only three of the 33 patients, in 20 patients a discrete adenoma was identified at pituitary exploration. The incidence of hypercortisolism was greatest if an adenoma was identified at surgery and the patient received selective adenomectomy (19, or 95% of 20 patients), if there was evidence at surgery or by preoperative CT scanning that the previous surgical exposure of the pituitary was incomplete (seven, or 78% of nine patients), if an adenoma was seen on preoperative CT scanning (three of three patients), or if the patient had had prior pituitary irradiation without surgery (two of two patients). In contrast, only five (42%) of 12 patients who received subtotal or total hypophysectomy had remission of hypercortisolim. Surgically induced hypopituitarism occurred in six (50%) of these 12 patients, but in only one (5%) of the 20 patients who underwent selective adenomectomy. Three (13%) of the 24 patients who were in remission from hypercortisolims following repeat surgery developed recurrent hypercortisolism 10 to 47 months postoperatively. Repeat transsphenoidal exploration of the pituitary and treatment limited to selective adenomectomy should be considered in patients with hypercortisolism despite previous pituitary treatment. If an adenoma is identified during surgery, the chance of remission of Cushing's disease is high and the risk of hypopituitarism is low; however, if no adenoma can be found and partial or complete hypophysectomy is performed, remission of hypercortisolism is less likely and the risk of hypopituitarism is about 50%.     

Role of surgery in the management of pituitary tumors

Growth characteristics and size, irrespective of endocrine activity, predict the nonendocrine clinical presentation of a pituitary adenoma. Anatomic classification by degree of sellar destruction (grade) and extrasellar extension (stage) has value in determining prognosis and in designing therapy, and magnetic resonance imaging provides optimal diagnostic information. The transsphenoidal approach is the preferred surgical technique for most pituitary adenomas and the treatment of choice for those secreting growth hormone (acromegaly) or adrenocorticotropic hormone (Cushing's disease, Nelson's syndrome) and certain nonsecreting tumors. Opinions differ on the initial treatment for prolactin-secreting adenomas; whether most patients should be treated medically or surgically and whether bromocriptine or irradiation should be reserved for surgical failures are still being debated. From experience in a series of 1813 pituitary adenomas, the author surveys tumors of the pituitary region and the role surgery plays in their management.     

Technical considerations of transsphenoidal removal of fibrous pituitary adenomas and evaluation of collagen content and subtype in the adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are usually soft, but 5-13.5% are fibrous adenomas which are difficult to remove. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and operative findings were evaluated in eight patients (12.1%) with fibrous pituitary adenoma among 66 patients. Tumor specimens were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for collagen content and subtypes. Seven patients had clinically inactive non-functioning pituitary adenomas and one patient growth hormone-secreting adenoma. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Four cases were giant adenomas with suprasellar extension of more than 2 cm. T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging showed the tumors as nearly isointense to the surrounding brain, except in one case where the tumor was high intense on T2-weighted MR imaging. All tumors required piecemeal resection using a micro-dissector and tumor forceps. Four tumors of maximum size more than 3 cm needed a second operation. The interface between the thinned normal pituitary gland and fibrous adenoma was intended to identify at the anterior-superior portion in recent four cases, which was helpful to remove the tumors and preserve pituitary functions. Histological examination revealed prominent deposition of collagen in the perivascular area. The percentage of collagen content in fibrous adenomas was more than 5% and significantly higher than that in soft adenomas and normal pituitary glands. Immunohistochemical examination showed positive staining for collagen types I and III in the fibrous adenomas, but only for type V collagen in the normal pituitary glands. Large fibrous adenomas can be resected by transsphenoidal surgery which may require two-stage operations. Identification of the interface between the normal pituitary gland and adenoma is helpful to remove fibrous adenomas and to preserve pituitary functions. We propose that firm adenomas containing more than 5% collagen are "fibrous" adenomas.     

Endocrinological Outcome Following First Time Transsphenoidal Surgery for GH-, ACTH-, and PRL-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas

Summary. Summary.   Background: To study remission rates and pituitary functions following transsphenoidal surgery of newly diagnosed GH-, ACTH-, and PRL-secreting pituitary adenomas.   Methods: Out of a series of 329 newly diagnosed pituitary adenomas, 131 (39.8%) were hormone (67 GH-, 27 ACTH-, 37 PRL-) secreting. PRL-secreting adenomas were subjected to surgery because they failed to respond to previous medical treatment therapy. The data on secreting adenomas, regarding the results of standardised endocrinological testing, MRI findings and water metabolism disturbances, were extracted retrospectively from the pituitary data-base of the hospital. The mean follow-up was 3.7 years.   Results: The overall remission rate for PRL-secreting adenomas (27%) was significantly lower than for GH- (71.6%) and ACTH-secreting (81.5%) ones. Remission rates correlated negatively with the magnitude of preoperative hormone excess (not in Cushing's disease), tumour size (not in prolactinoma) and invasiveness. Generally, the improvement of the adenopituitary functions was statistically significant during the first three postoperative months, and thereafter remained unchanged. Diabetes insipidus persisting for more than three months occurred with similar frequency in the three patient groups (in 9.4% of GH-, in 6.7% of ACTH-, and in 10% of PRL-secreting adenomas). Tumour regrowths occurred more often in PRL-(20%) than in ACTH- (9.1%) and GH- (0%) secreting tumours.   Conclusions: In GH- and ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, remission rates were significantly higher and recurrence rates lower than in PRL-secreting adenomas, which had failed to respond to previous medical therapy. The overall postoperative adenopituitary function was improved in all patient groups. Diabetes insipidus occurred with similar frequency in all patient groups. When reporting on results of surgery for secreting pituitary adenomas, not only remission and recurrence rates, but also the results of the pituitary function should be included. Published online June 20, 2002     

Residual anterior pituitary function following transsphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas

A series of 84 patients with pituitary adenomas greater than 1 cm in diameter is presented. Full preoperative and postoperative endocrine evaluations were carried out, and the effects of transsphenoidal surgery on remaining anterior pituitary function were analyzed. Of the patients who had normal anterior pituitary function before surgery, 78% retained normal function after surgery. Thirty-three percent of those patients with pituitary deficits who did not have panhypopituitarism before surgery had improved function after surgery; 33% had worsened function after surgery. None of the patients with panhypopituitarism before surgery regained function after surgery. Transsphenoidal surgery carries an acceptable risk for sacrificing anterior pituitary function, but the risk is greater in patients with larger tumors and preoperatively compromised pituitary function.     

Management of large pituitary adenomas by transsphenoidal surgery

We evaluated the ability of transsphenoidal surgery to produce visual improvement, endocrine remission, and complete tumor removal in 113 patients with pituitary adenomas extending beyond the sella turcica. Eighty-one percent of patients with preoperative visual field defects had postoperative improvement, 19% had no change, and none deteriorated significantly. Seventy-nine percent of patients with diminished preoperative visual acuity had postoperative improvement; none deteriorated. Endocrine remission of functioning tumors was achieved in 43% of patients and complete resection by computed tomography scanning was also obtained in 43%. There were no deaths in this series and the major complication was cerebrospinal fluid leak, which occurred in 3% of patients. Comparison with transfrontal surgery suggests that these results are as good as those with transfrontal procedures and that the incidence of serious side effects is considerably lower. Transsphenoidal surgery is safe and effective in the surgical management of large pituitary adenomas.     

Complications of transsphenoidal surgery in patients with pituitary adenoma: experience at a single centre

Summary Objective. This paper reports the complications of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas in a series of 1240 consecutive patients operated at our Institute between 1990 and 2004 (first operations) and indicate the clinical characteristics of patients which affected surgical morbidity and mortality. Methods. According to tumour type, there were 420 (33.9%) non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA), 349 (28.1%) GH-secreting, 288 (23.2%) ACTH-secreting, 155 (12.5%) prolactin (PRL)-secreting, and 28 (2.3%) TSH-secreting adenomas. The mean age of patients was 43.7 ± 0.4 yr and 122 patients (9.9%) were 65 yr or older; the female/male ratio was 1.5/1. There were 370 (29.8%) microadenomas and 870 (70.2%) macroadenomas of which 54 (4.4%) were giant adenomas. Results. The series mortality was 0.2%, the medical morbidity 1.9%, and the surgical morbidity 3.5%. Medical complications were significantly more frequent in patients older than 65 yr (4.9 vs. 1.4%; p = 0.009) and in patients with giant adenomas (5.6 vs. 1.6%; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that both variables were independently associated with a higher morbidity rate. The surgical morbidity was increased in giant adenomas (15 vs. 3%; p = 0.0001), in NFPA (6.2 vs. 2.1% in secreting adenomas; p = 0.0002) and in patients older than 65 yr (6.6 vs. 3.1%; p = 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that only giant size was independently associated with an increased surgical morbidity rate. Conclusions. In our experience, the size of the adenoma was a risk factor for medical and surgery related complications and age over 65 yr for medical complications alone.     

促甲状腺激素型垂体腺瘤的临床诊疗特点

目的 研究促甲状腺激素(TSH)型垂体腺瘤的临床诊断和治疗特点.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2008年12月收治的19例TSH型垂体腺瘤患者的临床资料.男性14例,女性5例;年龄20～70岁,平均40.5岁;病程1～228个月,平均55个月.15例患者因甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)症状就诊,其中12例被误诊为原发性甲亢并口服抗甲亢药物治疗,另3例入院后很快确诊.4例患者因头痛和视力视野障碍等肿瘤占位效应就诊.在12例误诊患者中,2例行131I放射性核素治疗,1例行甲状腺大部分切除.所有患者均行经蝶垂体腺瘤切除术.结果 病理均为垂体腺瘤,免疫组化TSH阳性17例,阴性2例,生长激素阳性2例,泌乳素阳性1例,促肾上腺皮质激素阳性1例.术后MRI显示肿瘤全切除15例,肿瘤残留4例.随访时间6个月～7年,平均3.6年.术后3个月内甲状腺激素水平各项均正常13例,其中2例3个月后复查TSH再次升高,但MRI未见肿瘤复发,行垂体放疗后甲状腺各项激素均正常.手术治愈率11/19,手术加放疗治愈率13/19.结论 对合并TSH升高的甲亢患者的筛查是提高TSH型垂体腺瘤的早期诊断的关键.治疗采用以手术治疗为主,垂体放疗和生长抑素为辅的治疗方法.     

促甲状腺激素型垂体腺瘤的临床诊疗特点

目的 研究促甲状腺激素(TSH)型垂体腺瘤的临床诊断和治疗特点.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2008年12月收治的19例TSH型垂体腺瘤患者的临床资料.男性14例,女性5例;年龄20～70岁,平均40.5岁;病程1～228个月,平均55个月.15例患者因甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)症状就诊,其中12例被误诊为原发性甲亢并口服抗甲亢药物治疗,另3例入院后很快确诊.4例患者因头痛和视力视野障碍等肿瘤占位效应就诊.在12例误诊患者中,2例行131I放射性核素治疗,1例行甲状腺大部分切除.所有患者均行经蝶垂体腺瘤切除术.结果 病理均为垂体腺瘤,免疫组化TSH阳性17例,阴性2例,生长激素阳性2例,泌乳素阳性1例,促肾上腺皮质激素阳性1例.术后MRI显示肿瘤全切除15例,肿瘤残留4例.随访时间6个月～7年,平均3.6年.术后3个月内甲状腺激素水平各项均正常13例,其中2例3个月后复查TSH再次升高,但MRI未见肿瘤复发,行垂体放疗后甲状腺各项激素均正常.手术治愈率11/19,手术加放疗治愈率13/19.结论 对合并TSH升高的甲亢患者的筛查是提高TSH型垂体腺瘤的早期诊断的关键.治疗采用以手术治疗为主,垂体放疗和生长抑素为辅的治疗方法.     

促甲状腺激素型垂体腺瘤的临床诊疗特点

目的 研究促甲状腺激素(TSH)型垂体腺瘤的临床诊断和治疗特点.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2008年12月收治的19例TSH型垂体腺瘤患者的临床资料.男性14例,女性5例;年龄20～70岁,平均40.5岁;病程1～228个月,平均55个月.15例患者因甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)症状就诊,其中12例被误诊为原发性甲亢并口服抗甲亢药物治疗,另3例入院后很快确诊.4例患者因头痛和视力视野障碍等肿瘤占位效应就诊.在12例误诊患者中,2例行131I放射性核素治疗,1例行甲状腺大部分切除.所有患者均行经蝶垂体腺瘤切除术.结果 病理均为垂体腺瘤,免疫组化TSH阳性17例,阴性2例,生长激素阳性2例,泌乳素阳性1例,促肾上腺皮质激素阳性1例.术后MRI显示肿瘤全切除15例,肿瘤残留4例.随访时间6个月～7年,平均3.6年.术后3个月内甲状腺激素水平各项均正常13例,其中2例3个月后复查TSH再次升高,但MRI未见肿瘤复发,行垂体放疗后甲状腺各项激素均正常.手术治愈率11/19,手术加放疗治愈率13/19.结论 对合并TSH升高的甲亢患者的筛查是提高TSH型垂体腺瘤的早期诊断的关键.治疗采用以手术治疗为主,垂体放疗和生长抑素为辅的治疗方法.

Abstract：

Objective To study the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and surgical effects of thyroid-stimulating hormone pituitary adenomas (TSH-omas). Methods The clinical data of 19 patients (14 female and 5 male) with TSH-omas were analyzed retrospectively in this study from January 2001 to December 2008. The patients ranged from 20 to 70 years old ( average 40. 5 years old) and had disease histories from 1 to 228 months (average 55 months). Among these patients, 15 of them complained of thyrotoxicosis symptoms, while the other 4 patients' symptoms were associated with headache and/or visual disturbance caused by the tumor mass effect. Initially, 12 of the 15 patients with thyrotoxicosis symptoms were misdiagnosed with Grave's disease. As a result 2 of them received 131Iodine, and one received subtotal thyroidectomy. All of these patients underwent transsphenoidal microsurgery. Results Average follow-up period was 3. 6 years (6 months-7 years). Pathological analysis of the surgical specimen showed pituitary adenoma in all patients, immunohistostains were positive for TSH in 17 cases, negative for TSH in 2,positive for growth hormone in 2, positive for prolactin in 1, and positive for adrenocorticotrophic hormone in 1. Postoperative MRI revealed that the tumors in 15 patients were removed totally, though 4 patients still had residual tumors. The thyroid hormone level tests suggested that 13 patients could be considered normal 3 months after their tumors were removed, though 2 of patients with normal postoperative MRI and thyroid hormones showed increased levels of TSH. For these 2 patients, tumors did not recur and their thyroid hormone levels returned to normal after pituitary radiotherapy. The cure rate was 11/19 after surgery and 13/19 after surgery plus pituitary radiotherapy. Conclusions The screening test for hyperthyroidism patients with high TSH levels is a key point to improve the accuracy rate in early diagnoses of TSH-omas. The transsphenoidal microsurgery is first choice to treat TSH-omas, while pituitary radiotherapy and somatostatin analogs are beneficially adjunctive therapies.     

促甲状腺激素型垂体腺瘤的临床诊疗特点

目的 研究促甲状腺激素(TSH)型垂体腺瘤的临床诊断和治疗特点.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2008年12月收治的19例TSH型垂体腺瘤患者的临床资料.男性14例,女性5例;年龄20～70岁,平均40.5岁;病程1～228个月,平均55个月.15例患者因甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)症状就诊,其中12例被误诊为原发性甲亢并口服抗甲亢药物治疗,另3例入院后很快确诊.4例患者因头痛和视力视野障碍等肿瘤占位效应就诊.在12例误诊患者中,2例行131I放射性核素治疗,1例行甲状腺大部分切除.所有患者均行经蝶垂体腺瘤切除术.结果 病理均为垂体腺瘤,免疫组化TSH阳性17例,阴性2例,生长激素阳性2例,泌乳素阳性1例,促肾上腺皮质激素阳性1例.术后MRI显示肿瘤全切除15例,肿瘤残留4例.随访时间6个月～7年,平均3.6年.术后3个月内甲状腺激素水平各项均正常13例,其中2例3个月后复查TSH再次升高,但MRI未见肿瘤复发,行垂体放疗后甲状腺各项激素均正常.手术治愈率11/19,手术加放疗治愈率13/19.结论 对合并TSH升高的甲亢患者的筛查是提高TSH型垂体腺瘤的早期诊断的关键.治疗采用以手术治疗为主,垂体放疗和生长抑素为辅的治疗方法.     

Fusiform dilatation of the cavernous carotid artery in acromegalic patients

Background

Surgeons undertaking transsphenoidal surgery in patients with acromegaly confront multiple unique challenges secondary to the anatomic alterations caused by growth hormone–secreting tumors. The senior author has noted a fusiform dilatation of the cavernous carotid artery in many acromegalic patients. The authors aim to quantify this dilatation and correlate it with potential contributing factors.

Methods

Clinical and radiographic data were retrospectively assessed in acromegalic patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery from 2000 through 2011. Randomly selected patients with nonsecreting pituitary adenomas were used as the control cohort. Demographic information, comorbidities, and preoperative growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were recorded. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging variables included tumor size, diameters of the petrous, cavernous, and supraclinoid segments of the carotid artery, and extent and location of cavernous sinus invasion. Independent correlations between acromegaly and each variable were assessed with multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Forty randomly selected patients with growth hormone–secreting adenomas who underwent surgery and had MR imaging with thin coronal slices of the pituitary region were enlisted in our study cohort. The mean age was 45.7 years. Forty-two males (52.5 %) were included in the study. Mean carotid artery diameter measurements for acromegalic and control patients, respectively, were 4.2 vs. 3.8 mm (petrous carotid), 5.0 vs. 4.0 mm (cavernous carotid), and 3.3 vs. 2.9 mm (supraclinoid carotid). Multivariate analysis showed only age and cavernous carotid diameter were statistically significant independent variables (p?=?0.02, p?<?0.001, respectively). Age, tumor size, growth-hormone or insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, and cavernous sinus invasion did not correlate with cavernous carotid artery diameter.

Conclusions

In patients with acromegaly, there is a fusiform dilatation of the cavernous carotid artery that must be considered when planning transsphenoidal surgery.     

Management of prolactinomas associated with very high serum prolactin levels

The authors have reviewed the results of transsphenoidal microsurgical management in 69 patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas who had preoperative serum prolactin levels over 200 ng/ml. The patients were divided into three groups based on their preoperative serum prolactin levels: over 200 to 500 ng/ml (Group A); over 500 to 1000 ng/ml (Group B); and over 1000 ng/ml (Group C). The percentage of successful treatment ("control rate") was 68%, 30%, and 14%, respectively, in these three groups of patients. Based on these results, the authors offer guidelines for the management of patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas associated with exceptionally high serum prolactin levels. The surgical control rate of 68% in Group A seems to justify surgery for these patients, while primary medical care with bromocriptine is recommended for most patients with serum prolactin levels over 500 ng/ml.