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Radiology Case Reports Oct 2023A 38-year-old man who was delivered in a breech position presented with delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics and malaise. He was diagnosed with...
A 38-year-old man who was delivered in a breech position presented with delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics and malaise. He was diagnosed with panhypopituitarism caused by interruption of the pituitary stalk due to perinatal complications. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings for pituitary stalk interruption syndrome are well-documented; however, reports of the imaging findings of the bones and several organs related to the effects of panhypopituitarism are limited. In this patient with anterior pituitary dysfunction, imaging revealed diverse sequelae, including delayed skeletal maturation, osteopenia, genital atrophy, fatty liver, and adrenal atrophy. Radiologists may find it difficult to discern complex imaging findings unless they are informed of the clinical course of the patient. Therefore, radiologists should coordinate with clinicians to arrive at a diagnosis.
PubMed: 37547790
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.07.039 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2023Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a common finding in patients who are diagnosed with a prolactinoma. It can be accompanied by the presence of other pituitary hormone...
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a common finding in patients who are diagnosed with a prolactinoma. It can be accompanied by the presence of other pituitary hormone deficits, including secondary adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism. While the proportion of improvement in endocrine deficits over the short term is well characterized, there is not enough literature about the recovery of pituitary function over the longer term. We present the case of a 23-year-old man with a giant prolactinoma who initially presented with pituitary hemorrhage and panhypopituitarism. He underwent decompression of the pituitary tumor followed by treatment with cabergoline. Over a 9-year follow-up period, we noted that the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism resolved after 4 years and the secondary adrenal insufficiency resolved after 8 years. This case suggests that partial or complete recovery of the pituitary function is possible over the long-term even in patients with a giant prolactinoma.
PubMed: 37533485
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X231190672 -
Endocrine Connections Oct 2023Hypothalamic dysfunction is a rare condition and can be encountered in patients who have been diagnosed or treated for a suprasellar brain tumor. Due to its rarity, the...
OBJECTIVE
Hypothalamic dysfunction is a rare condition and can be encountered in patients who have been diagnosed or treated for a suprasellar brain tumor. Due to its rarity, the signs and symptoms of hypothalamic dysfunction may be difficult to recognize, leading to delayed diagnosis of the suprasellar brain tumor or to difficulties in finding the health-care expertise for hypothalamic dysfunction after tumor treatment. To improve the care and outcome of patients with acquired hypothalamic dysfunction, professionals are required to understand the patient's needs.
DESIGN
A worldwide online survey was distributed from April 2022 to October 2022 to patients with childhood-onset hypothalamic dysfunction (as reported by the patient) following a brain tumor.
METHODS
Patients were notified about the survey through patient advocacy groups, the SIOPe craniopharyngioma working group and the Endo-ERN platform.
RESULTS
In total, 353 patients with hypothalamic dysfunction following craniopharyngioma (82.2%), low-grade glioma (3.1%) or a pituitary tumor (8.2%) or caregivers responded to the survey. Sixty-two percent had panhypopituitarism. Obesity (50.7%) and fatigue (48.2%) were considered the most important health problems. Unmet needs were reported for help with diet, exercise and psychosocial issues. Patients' suggestions for future research include new treatments for hypothalamic obesity and alternative ways for hormone administration.
CONCLUSIONS
According to the patient's perspective, care for acquired hypothalamic dysfunction can be improved if delivered by experts with a holistic view of the patient in a multidisciplinary setting with a focus on quality of life. Future care and research on hypothalamic dysfunction must integrate the patients' unmet needs.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT
Patients with hypothalamic dysfunction may experience a variety of symptoms, which are not always adequately recognized or addressed. In previous papers, the perspective of caregivers of children with craniopharyngioma has been reported (Klages et al. 2022, Craven et al. 2022). Now we address the patients' perspective on acquired hypothalamic dysfunction using an Endo-ERN global survey. According to the patients' perspective, care can be improved, with needs for improvement in the domains of obesity, fatigue and lifestyle. Research may focus on ways to improve hypothalamic obesity and alternative ways for hormone administration. Ideally, care should be delivered by doctors who have a holistic view of the patient in a multidisciplinary expert team. The results of this study can be used to formulate best practices for clinical care and to design future research proposals.
PubMed: 37531603
DOI: 10.1530/EC-23-0147 -
Clinical Case Reports Jul 2023We reported a 23-year-old male patient with panhypopituitarism who underwent two resections for craniopharyngioma and received postoperative hormone replacement therapy....
We reported a 23-year-old male patient with panhypopituitarism who underwent two resections for craniopharyngioma and received postoperative hormone replacement therapy. The Tc-MDP bone scan revealed focal high uptake of radioactive nuclide in multiple large joints. The SPECT/CT demonstrated the focal high uptake in their metaphysis. Thus, delayed epiphyseal closure was considered.
PubMed: 37415579
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7644 -
Journal of Neurological Surgery. Part... Aug 2023Wide variations exist in the management of craniopharyngiomas, including pituitary stalk preservation/sacrifice. This study examines the practice patterns over 16...
Wide variations exist in the management of craniopharyngiomas, including pituitary stalk preservation/sacrifice. This study examines the practice patterns over 16 years using the endoscopic endonasal approach for the resection of craniopharyngiomas and it examines the effects of stalk preservation. Retrospective analysis was conducted for 66 patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for resection of craniopharyngiomas. Patients were stratified into three epochs: 2005 to 2009 ( = 20), 2010 to 2015 ( = 23), and 2016 to 2020 ( = 20), to examine the evolution of surgical outcomes. Subgroup analysis between stalk preservation/stalk sacrifice was conducted for rate of gross total resection, anterior pituitary function preservation, and development of new permanent diabetes insipidus. Gross total resection rates across the first, second, and third epochs were 20, 65, and 52%, respectively ( = 0.042). Stalk preservation across epochs were 100, 5.9, and 52.6% ( = 0.0001). New permanent diabetes insipidus did not significantly change across epochs (37.5, 68.4, 71.4%; = 0.078). Preservation of normal endocrine function across epochs was 25, 0, and 23.8%; ( = 0.001). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks significantly decreased over time (40, 4.5, and 0%; [ = 0.0001]). Stalk preservation group retained higher normal endocrine function (40.9 vs. 0%; = 0.001) and less normal-preoperative to postoperative panhypopituitarism (18.4 vs. 56%; = 0.001). Stalk sacrifice group achieved higher GTR (70.8 vs. 28%, = 0.005). At last follow-up, there was no difference in recurrence/progression rates between the two groups. There is a continuous evolution in the management of craniopharyngiomas. Gross total resection, higher rates of pituitary stalk and hormonal preservation, and low rates of postoperative CSF leak can be achieved with increased surgical experience.
PubMed: 37405242
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1751291 -
Endocrine Oct 2023Non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMs) may present with hypopituitarism. Pituitary surgery and radiotherapy pose an additional risk to pituitary function.
BACKGROUND
Non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMs) may present with hypopituitarism. Pituitary surgery and radiotherapy pose an additional risk to pituitary function.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the incidence of hypopituitarism at presentation, the impact of treatment, and the likelihood of endocrine recovery during follow-up.
METHODS
All patients treated surgically with and without radiotherapy for NFPMs between 1987 and 2018 who had longer than six months follow-up were identified. Demographics, presentation, investigation, treatment, and outcomes were collected.
RESULTS
In total, 383 patients were identified. The median age was 57 years, with a median follow-up of 8 years. Preoperatively, 227 patients (227/375; 61%) had evidence of at least one pituitary deficiency. Anterior panhypopituitarism was more common in men (p = 0.001) and older patients (p = 0.005). Multiple hormone deficiencies were associated with large tumours (p = 0.03). Patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy had a higher incidence of all individual pituitary hormone deficiency, anterior panhypopituitarism, and significantly lower GH, ACTH, and TSH deficiencies free survival probability than those treated with surgery alone. Recovery of central hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and anterior panhypopituitarism was also less likely to be reported in those treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Those with preoperative hypopituitarism had a higher risk of pituitary impairment at latest review than those presented with normal pituitary function (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
NFPMs are associated with a significant degree of hypopituitarism at time of diagnosis and post-therapy. The combination of surgery and radiotherapy is associated with a higher risk of pituitary dysfunction. Recovery of pituitary hormone deficit may occur after treatment. Patients should have regular ongoing endocrine evaluation post-treatment to assess changes in pituitary function and the need for long-term replacement therapy.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Hypopituitarism; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary Neoplasms; Pituitary Hormones; Hypothyroidism
PubMed: 37389717
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03434-3 -
Neuro-oncology Dec 2023Childhood craniopharyngioma (cCP) has excellent survival, but quality of life may be severely hampered by hypothalamic dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate treatment and...
BACKGROUND
Childhood craniopharyngioma (cCP) has excellent survival, but quality of life may be severely hampered by hypothalamic dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate treatment and hypothalamic outcomes of a Dutch cCP cohort, and evaluate the effect of centralization of care.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was performed, including cCP patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2021. Treatment characteristics and hypothalamic outcomes were evaluated and compared before and since centralization of care in May 2018.
RESULTS
We included 87 cCP patients. Cyst drainage/fenestration was performed in 29.9%, limited resection in 27.6%, near-total resection in 16.1%, and gross total resection (GTR) in 25.4%. Radiotherapy was given in 46.0%. After a median follow-up of 6.5 years, hypothalamic obesity (HO) was present in 24.7% and panhypopituitarism with diabetes insipidus in 71.3%. Higher body mass index (BMI) SDS at diagnosis and Muller grade II at last magnetic resonance imaging of follow-up were associated with overweight/obesity. No association was found between extensiveness of resection and overweight/obesity at last follow-up. When comparing before and after centralization of care, rates of GTR remained similar, but BMI outcomes changed; mean ΔBMI SDS 1 year after diagnosis from 1.12 (SD 1.15) to 0.81 (SD 1.24), and HO after 1 year decreased from 33.3% to 12.0% (P = .067), and after 2 years from 28.6% to 6.7% (P = NS).
CONCLUSIONS
In our nationwide cohort, GTR was performed in a relatively low percentage of patients and extensiveness of resection was no longer associated with HO at follow-up. A trend toward improvement of BMI is observed since centralization of care, which needs further exploration.
Topics: Humans; Child; Craniopharyngioma; Cohort Studies; Retrospective Studies; Overweight; Quality of Life; Pituitary Neoplasms; Obesity; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37381692
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad112 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Jun 2024Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare phenomenon, characterized by a hemorrhagic or ischemic event of the pituitary gland, most often in association with a pituitary... (Review)
Review
Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare phenomenon, characterized by a hemorrhagic or ischemic event of the pituitary gland, most often in association with a pituitary lesion. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the strain of virus responsible for the internationally recognized global pandemic COVID-19. Multiple clinical manifestations associated with this virus have been described, ranging from asymptomatic, mild flu symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome, end-organ failure leading to death. Cases of patients with concomitant COVID-19 infections and PA are being further recognized in the literature, but the causal association between the 2 entities remains speculative. The objectives of this case series are 3-fold: to describe additional cases of patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection and PA (1), to review the current evidence regarding this potential complication associated with a COVID-19 infection (2), and to discuss physiopathological hypotheses, treatments, and prognoses of this newly recognized association (3). We conducted an electronic chart review of patients treated for PA with concomitant COVID-19 infection from March 2020 to December 2021. A literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase databases to identify other cases of COVID-19-associated PA. From March 2020 to December 2021, 3 patients presented to our center with PA following a symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Two of these patients developed PA symptoms days following the viral infection, whereas the third patient developed PA after a 2-month period. The 2 first patients were managed surgically because of persistent visual symptoms. Results from our literature review yielded 12 other cases of COVID-19-associated PAs. The association between COVID-19 infection and PA has been increasingly reported in the literature. With the addition of the 3 cases described in our article, a total of 15 cases have been published. Many contributing mechanisms may lead to PA following COVID-19 infection. Coagulopathy is probable major contributing cause responsible for hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland. Our case series provides further arguments that PA may be a direct manifestation of a COVID-19 infection.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Pituitary Apoplexy; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 37291861
DOI: 10.1177/01455613231179714 -
Balkan Medical Journal Jul 2023
Topics: Humans; Autoimmune Hypophysitis; Hypopituitarism; Germinoma; Diagnostic Errors
PubMed: 37227236
DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2023.2023-3-60