Hyperpituitarism Flashcards
What is an adenoma?
Benign tumor of glandular origin
What is the most common cause of hyperpituitarism?
Pituitary adenoma
What is a pituitary macroadenoma?
Tumor >1 cm that can be seen with the naked eye
A pituitary macroadenoma can compress the optic chiasm causing ____
Bitemporal hemianopsia and loss of central vision
A pituitary macroadenoma can compress the meninges or internal carotid artery causing ____
Dizziness, severe headaches, or blindness
What is a pituitary microadenoma?
Tumor <1 cm that cannot be seen with the naked eye
How is a pituitary microadenoma diagnosed?
Changes in endocrine function
A pituitary macroadenoma can exert ____ and ____ effects
mass and stalk
What is a mass effect in regards to the pituitary?
When a pituitary macroadenoma blocks the release of all 6 anterior pituitary hormones, while it may be capable of secreting hormones itself
What is a stalk effect in regards to the pituitary?
When a pituitary macroadenoma presses on the pituitary stalk interrupting the flow of releasing hormones from the hypothalamus resulting in ^prolactin and possibly another hormone that the tumor secretes itself, while decreasing all other hormones
What is a lactotrope pituitary adenoma?
Anterior pituitary tumor secreting prolactin
What is the most common type of pituitary tumor?
Lactotrope pituitary adenoma
What neurotransmitter is always inhibiting prolactin in a normal system besides during pregnancy?
Dopamine
What is a null cell pituitary adenoma?
Pituitary adenoma that does not secrete any hormones itself
What effect will a null pituitary adenoma exhibiting mass effect have on hormone levels?
Decrease of all 6 hormones
What effect will a null pituitary adenoma exhibiting stalk effect have on hormone levels?
Increase in prolactin and a decrease in all 5 other hormones
What effect will a lactotrope pituitary adenoma exhibiting mass effect have on hormone levels?
Increase in prolactin and a decrease in all other hormones
What effect will a lactotrope pituitary adenoma exhibiting stalk effect have on hormone levels?
Increase in prolactin and a decrease in all other hormones
Ovulation is inhibited by what hormone?
Prolactin
What is amenorrhea?
complete lack of menstruation
What is the number one cause of amenorrhea in women?
Prolactinoma of the anterior pituitary
What are the signs and symptoms of a prolactinoma in females?
- amenorrhea
- galactorrhea
- depression
- infertility
What is galactorrhea?
ejection of milk-like material
What are the signs and symptoms of a prolactinoma in males?
- absent libido
- decreased testosterone
- ^weight
- gynecomastia
What is gynecomastia?
abnormal breast development in males
What is a corticotrope pituitary adenoma?
Pituitary adenoma that secretes ACTH
What is a somatotrope pituitary adenoma?
Pituitary adenoma that secretes GH
What is a gonadotrope pituitary adenoma?
Pituitary adenoma that secretes FSH and LH
What is a thyrotrope pituitary adenoma?
Pituitary adenoma that secretes TSH
What effect will a corticotrope pituitary adenoma exhibiting mass effect have on hormone levels?
Increased ACTH and a decrease in all other hormones
What effect will a corticotrope pituitary adenoma exhibiting stalk effect have on hormone levels?
Increased ACTH and PRL with a decrease in all other hormones
What effect will a somatotrope pituitary adenoma exhibiting mass effect have on hormone levels?
Increased GH and a decrease in all other hormones