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Depression and Anxiety Jan 2018Depression has repeatedly been linked to subclinical hypothyroidism, and thyroid hormones have successfully been used to augment antidepressant treatment. By contrast,... (Review)
Review
Depression has repeatedly been linked to subclinical hypothyroidism, and thyroid hormones have successfully been used to augment antidepressant treatment. By contrast, the extent of thyroid dysfunction in anxiety disorders remains less clear. This is surprising, given that anxiety-related symptoms (e.g., nervousness, palpitations, increased perspiration) are highly prevalent in hyperthyroidism. The present study was undertaken to synthesize the literature on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis functioning in anxiety disorders. The PubMed and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched. Three types of studies were included: (1) "comorbidity studies" assessing the prevalence of thyroid disorders in individuals with anxiety disorders, (2) "case-control studies" comparing HPT parameters between patients and controls, and (3) "correlational studies" assessing self-reported anxiety levels and HPT parameters. Risk of bias was assessed via a standardized quality rating. Twenty studies were eligible. Nearly all found the comorbidity between anxiety and thyroid disorders was significant. Half of the studies additionally supported the notion of subtle thyroid dysfunction in that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) responses to the administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) were blunted and an inverse relationship was observed between self-reported anxiety levels and TSH. Overall, HPT assessments were well conducted, but several studies failed to adjust their analyses for smoking, body mass index (BMI), and depression. The findings resonate well with clinical recommendations to routinely screen for thyroid disorders in patients with anxiety disorders, and with what is known from basic research about thyroid-brain interactions. The results of the risk of bias assessment underscore the importance of further high-quality experimental and longitudinal epidemiological research.
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Thyroid Diseases
PubMed: 29064607
DOI: 10.1002/da.22692 -
Endocrine-related Cancer May 2022Once temozolomide has failed, there is no recommended treatment option for pituitary carcinomas and aggressive pituitary tumors. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)...
Once temozolomide has failed, there is no recommended treatment option for pituitary carcinomas and aggressive pituitary tumors. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent the most recent therapeutic avenue, having raised hope with the publication of the first successful case in 2018. Here, we present an overview of immunotherapy in pituitary carcinomas and aggressive pituitary tumors, starting with the rationale for using ICIs and the implications of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in anterior pituitary tumors, followed by a systematic review of all published cases, analyzing both treatment response and potential predictors of response and finishing with research and clinical perspectives. Seven corticotroph and four lactotroph tumors have been so far treated with ICIs. Corticotroph tumors showed radiological partial response in 57% of cases, followed by stable disease in 29% of cases, which was accompanied by biochemical partial or complete response in 83% of cases. Half of lactotroph tumors showed radiological complete or partial response, accompanied by biochemical complete response in 33% of the cases. In the case of a dissociate response, continuation of immunotherapy combined with local treatment represents a good option. At this time, a high tumor mutational burden appears to be the most promising predictive marker of response. MMR deficiency does not guarantee a response. Negative PD-L1 staining should not preclude ICIs administration. Therefore, ICIs are a promising option after temozolomide failure. This review highlights key clinical aspects that can already be implemented into practice and also discusses tumor biology concepts and perspectives expected to improve immunotherapy outcomes.
Topics: Carcinoma; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Pituitary Neoplasms; Temozolomide
PubMed: 35521777
DOI: 10.1530/ERC-22-0037 -
Clinical Endocrinology Oct 2016The spectrum of pituitary stalk (PS) pathology is vast, presenting a diagnostic challenge. Published large series of PS lesions demonstrate neoplastic conditions are... (Review)
Review
The spectrum of pituitary stalk (PS) pathology is vast, presenting a diagnostic challenge. Published large series of PS lesions demonstrate neoplastic conditions are most frequent, followed by inflammatory, infectious and congenital diseases. Inflammatory pathologies however, account for the majority of PS lesions in published small case series and case reports. Physicians must be familiar with the major differential diagnoses and necessary investigations. A comprehensive history and thorough clinical examination is critical. Although magnetic resonance imaging of the PS in disease is nonspecific, associated intracranial features may narrow the differential diagnosis. Initial investigations include basic pathology and computer tomography imaging of the neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Further investigations should be guided by the clinical context. PS biopsy should be considered when a diagnosis is regarded essential in centres where an experienced neurosurgeon is available. Treatment is dependent on the underlying disease process and may necessitate pituitary hormone replacement.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary Neoplasms
PubMed: 26950774
DOI: 10.1111/cen.13058 -
Neurosurgery Aug 2016The prevalence of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been precisely determined, and conflicting results have been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been precisely determined, and conflicting results have been reported in the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the prevalence of pituitary insufficiency after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and to focus on basal serum and dynamic test differences.
METHODS
The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction was quantified at 3 to 6 months and >6 months after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Proportions were transformed with the logit transformation. A subgroup analysis was performed focusing on the differences in outcome between basal serum and dynamic tests for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and secondary adrenal insufficiency.
RESULTS
Overall prevalence of hypopituitarism differed considerably between studies, ranging from 0.05 to 0.45 in studies performed between 3 and 6 months after the event and from 0 to 0.55 in long-term studies (>6 months), with pooled frequencies of 0.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.43) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.16-0.36), respectively. Pooled frequency of GHD at 3 to 6 months was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08-0.24). At >6 months, GHD prevalence was 0.19 (95% CI: 0.13-0.26) overall, but ranged from 0.15 (95% CI: 0.06-0.33) with the insulin tolerance test to 0.25 (95% CI: 0.15-0.36) using the growth hormone releasing hormone + arginine test.
CONCLUSION
Hypopituitarism is a common complication in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with GHD being the most prevalent diagnosis. We showed that variations in prevalence rates in the literature are partly due to methodological differences among pituitary function tests.
ABBREVIATIONS
ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormoneaSAH, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhageGHD, growth hormone deficiencyGHRH, growth hormone-releasing hormoneGST, glucagon stimulation testIGF, insulin-like growth factor 1ITT, insulin tolerance testSAH, subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Topics: Humans; Hypopituitarism; Prevalence; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
PubMed: 26645970
DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0000000000001157 -
Endocrine-related Cancer May 2023The purpose of this work was toinvestigate the clinicopathological characteristics at the initial diagnosis of the pituitary tumor and at pituitary carcinoma (PC)...
PURPOSE
The purpose of this work was toinvestigate the clinicopathological characteristics at the initial diagnosis of the pituitary tumor and at pituitary carcinoma (PC) diagnosis, alongside with the management and outcomes of PCs, and identify potential prognostic factors and therapeutic strategies associated with the clinical outcome.
METHODS
PubMed was searched in May 2021 for articles in English and French reporting PCs, the diagnosis of which was made on the presence of metastases. The cases without histological proof and with either another cancer present or an atypical history for a pituitary tumor were excluded.
RESULTS
One hundred and eighty-one articles reporting 207 cases were included, which included 38% corticotroph and 29% lactotroph carcinomas. An initial Ki67 index ≥10% was associated with shorter survival after the initial diagnosis (P = 0.01). Cases with early metastases were associated with both higher initial Ki67 index (P = 0.01) and shorter survival after PC diagnosis (P = 0.001). Interestingly, cases with short survival after PC diagnosis were associated with shorter time between the initial diagnosis and PC diagnosis (P = 0.0006) and had both higher initial Ki67 index (P = 0.003) and higher Ki67 index of the metastasis (P = 0.03). In addition, cases with long survival after PC diagnosis had received more frequently both systemic treatment after PC diagnosis (P = 0.0005) and local treatment for metastases (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
An initial Ki67 index ≥10% is associated with worse outcome and appears as a promising early marker of future metastasis. Its presence should lead to an intensified surveillance and to a more timely management. Clinicians should not hesitate to use local treatment, independent of whether systemic treatment is used.
Topics: Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Prognosis; Ki-67 Antigen
PubMed: 36852675
DOI: 10.1530/ERC-22-0338 -
Clinical Endocrinology Dec 2013Headache is very common in pituitary disease and is reported to be present in more than a third of all patients with pituitary adenomas. Tumour size, cavernous sinus... (Review)
Review
Headache is very common in pituitary disease and is reported to be present in more than a third of all patients with pituitary adenomas. Tumour size, cavernous sinus invasion, traction or displacement of intracranial pain-sensitive structures such as blood vessels, cranial nerves and dura mater, and hormonal hypersecretion are implicated causes. The present review attempts to systematically review the literature for any combination of headache and pituitary or hormone overproduction or deficiency. Most data available are retrospective and/or not based on the International Headache Society (IHS) classification. Whereas in pituitary apoplexy a mechanical component explains the almost universal association of the condition with headaches, this correlation is less clear in other forms of pituitary disease and a positive impact of surgery on headaches is not guaranteed. Similarly, invasion into the cavernous sinus or local inflammatory changes have been linked to headaches without convincing evidence. Some studies suggest that oversecretion of GH and prolactin may be important for the development of headaches, and treatment, particularly with somatostatin analogues, has been shown to improve symptoms in these patients. Otherwise, treatment rests on general treatment options for headaches based on an accurate clinical history and a precise classification which includes assessment of the patient's psychosocial risk factors.
Topics: Adenoma; Biomechanical Phenomena; Dopamine Agonists; Headache; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Pituitary Apoplexy; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Neoplasms; Prolactin; Somatostatin
PubMed: 23941570
DOI: 10.1111/cen.12314 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Pasireotide (PAS) is a novel somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL), used in controlling hormonal hypersecretion in both acromegaly and Cushing's Disease (CD). In previous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Pasireotide (PAS) is a novel somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL), used in controlling hormonal hypersecretion in both acromegaly and Cushing's Disease (CD). In previous studies and meta-analysis, first-generation SRLs were reported to be able to induce significant tumor shrinkage only in somatotroph adenomas. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize the effect of PAS on the shrinkage of the pituitary adenomas in patients with acromegaly or CD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched the Medline database for original studies in patients with acromegaly or CD receiving PAS as monotherapy, that assessed the proportion of significant tumor shrinkage in their series. After data extraction and analysis, a random-effect model was used to estimate pooled effects. Quality assessment was performed with a modified Joanna Briggs's Institute tool and the risk of publication bias was addressed through Egger's regression and the three-parameter selection model.
RESULTS
The electronic search identified 179 and 122 articles respectively for acromegaly and CD. After study selection, six studies considering patients with acromegaly and three with CD fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Overall, 37.7% (95%CI: [18.7%; 61.5%]) of acromegalic patients and 41.2% (95%CI: [22.9%; 62.3%]) of CD patients achieved significant tumor shrinkage. We identified high heterogeneity, especially in acromegaly (I of 90% for acromegaly and 47% for CD), according to the low number of studies included.
DISCUSSION
PAS treatment is effective in reducing tumor size, especially in acromegalic patients. This result strengthens the role of PAS treatment in pituitary adenomas, particularly in those with an invasive behavior, with progressive growth and/or extrasellar extension, with a low likelihood of surgical gross-total removal, or with large postoperative residual tissue.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022328152, identifier CRD42022328152.
Topics: ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Acromegaly; Adenoma; Humans; Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion; Pituitary Neoplasms; Somatostatin
PubMed: 35846311
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.935759 -
Pituitary May 2024This systematic review aims to examine the latest research findings and assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the pituitary gland. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to examine the latest research findings and assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the pituitary gland.
METHOD
PubMed and Tripdatabase were searched from January 1st, 2020 to February 12th, 2024. Case reports, case series and reviews related to post COVID-19 vaccination pituitary disease were included. Eligible articles were tabulated and analysed in the attempt to provide an overview on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment, outcomes and pathophysiological background of post COVID-19 vaccination pituitary disease.
RESULTS
Among the 23 case reports included in this review, post COVID-19 vaccination hypophysitis was reported in 9 patients, pituitary apoplexy (PA) in 6 cases, SIADH in 5 cases and Isolated ACTH deficiency in 2 cases. Additionally, precipitating adrenal crisis was registered in 7 patients and pituitary tumor enlargement in 1 patient after receiving COVID-19 vaccination.
CONCLUSION
Despite the rarity of these events, our research findings suggest an association between COVID-19 vaccination and the subsequent development of pituitary diseases. The most common manifestations include hypophysitis with ADH deficiency, PA and SIADH, with symptoms typically emerging shortly after vaccine administration. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms include molecular mimicry, vaccine adjuvants and vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), with the presence of ACE2 receptors in the hypothalamus-pituitary system contributing to the process. These findings can aid in diagnostic and treatment decisions for patients presenting with these syndromes. Nevertheless, given the rarity of these events, safety and efficacy of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines remain robust and we strongly advocate continuing pursuing vaccination efforts.
PubMed: 38761322
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01402-2 -
Cancers Oct 2021To describe and evaluate outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GK) for the treatment of pituitary tumors over the past twenty years, a systematic review and... (Review)
Review
To describe and evaluate outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GK) for the treatment of pituitary tumors over the past twenty years, a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA statement was performed. Articles counting more than 30 patients were included. A weighted random effects models was used to calculate pooled outcome estimates. From 459 abstract reviews, 52 retrospective studies were included. Among them, 18 reported on non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA), 13 on growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas, six on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting adenomas, four on prolactin hormone (PRL)-secreting adenomas, and 11 on craniopharyngiomas. Overall tumor control and five-year progression free survival (PFS) estimate after one GK procedure for NFPA was 93% (95% CI 89-97%) and 95% (95% CI 91-99%), respectively. In case of secreting pituitary adenomas, overall remission (cure without need for medication) estimates were 45% (95% CI 35-54%) for GH-secreting adenomas, 64% (95% CI 0.52-0.75%) for ACTH-secreting adenomas and 34% (95% CI: 19-48%) for PRL-secreting adenomas. The pooled analysis for overall tumor control and five-year PFS estimate after GK for craniopharyngioma was 74% (95% CI 67-81%) and 70% (95% CI: 64-76%), respectively. This meta-analysis confirms and quantifies safety and effectiveness of GK for pituitary tumors.
PubMed: 34638482
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194998 -
Acta Endocrinologica (Bucharest,... 2023Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, usually found in men in their 3 and 5 decades of life, representing 10-15% of all intracranial tumors. The clinical manifestations...
CONTEXT
Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, usually found in men in their 3 and 5 decades of life, representing 10-15% of all intracranial tumors. The clinical manifestations include important endocrinological disturbances and visual impairment.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the most suitable neurosurgical approach regarding the dimensions, extensions and invasiveness of tumor extensions.
DESIGN
This was a systematic review of the literature from 2002-2022, focused on clinical outcome, especially endocrinological state according to the surgical approach.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
We performed an advanced search on Web of Science and PubMed databases on October 10, 2022. The literature showed 300 studies in the last 20 years, and after we applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria's, 19 studies were fully read and analyzed.
RESULTS
Postoperative complications were reviewed in each surgical approach group, including visual impairment, new endocrinological disturbances, diabetes insipidus and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Analyze of the endocrinological findings did not determined differences in transcranial groups from transsphenoidal groups. Overall complications were identified in the transcranial cohorts, while cerebrospinal fluid leakage still represent the main problem in transsphenoidal groups. The majority of studies found included extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, which shows results of great potential.
CONCLUSIONS
For the surgical treatment of pituitary adenoma, transsphenoidal procedure with or without extended approaches is preferred, but they're cases when a craniotomy is mandatory for a feasible gross tumor resection. Combined "above and below" simultaneous procedure or a two-staged intervention is recommended for giant pituitary adenoma, to maximize tumor resection and lower the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
PubMed: 37908878
DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2023.228