Non-Functioning Tumours and Pituitary hormone testing Flashcards
Name two structures in the parasellar area of the pituitary gland
- Optic chiasm
2. Hypothalamus
Describe the development of the pituitary gland (embryology)
- infundibulum becomes hypothalamus and infundibulum
- Rathe’s pouch stalk degenerates and the body of the pouch becomes the intermediate and anterior lobe of the pituitary glands
Where do craniopharyngiomas arise from
- Squamous epithelial remnants of Rathe’s such
Name the two types of craniopharyngiomas
- Adamantinous: cyst formation and calcification
- Squamous papillary: well circumscribed
These extend into suprasellar region
Age prevalence of craniopharyngiomas
- 5 to 14
2. 50 to 74
Clinical presentation of crnaiopharyngiomas
- Headaches (obstructive hydrocephalus)
- Polydipsia
- Polyuria
- Bitemporal hemianopia (presses against optic chiasm)
- Vomiting
- Raised ICP
- Weight increase
What would be seen in a CT for crnaiopharyngiomas
CYSTIC MASS
Diagnosis of craniopharyngiomas
- MRI
2. CT
What is Rathke’s cysts
- Single layer of epithelial cells with mucoid and cellular components in cyst fluid
Difference between Rathke’s cyst and craniopharyngiomas
- Intrasellar component (don’t usually extend to parasellar)
Clinical presentation of Rathke cyst
ASYMPTOMATIC:
- Headache
- Ammorheoa
- Hypopituitarism
- Hydrocephalus
When are meningiomas common
After radiotherapy
Clinical presentation of meningioma
- Visual acuity loss and visual field defects
- Endocrine dysfunction
- Focal seizures
- ICP raised
- Diplopia if third and 6th cranial palsy occurs
How is meningioma diagnosed
MRI with contrast
Why is an MRI done with contrast for meningioma
Because meningiomas can hypo intense to pituitary
What is lymphocytic hypophysitis
- Inflammation of pituitary gland due to an autoimmune reaction
Name three types of lymphocytic hypophysitis
- Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis
- Lymphocytic infindibuloneurohypophysitis
- Lymphocytic panhypophysitis
In what gender is LAH common in
Women
Age of presentation of LAH
- 35 - women
- 45 - men
Usually occurs postpartum
What is seen in a CT for LAH
- Stalk enlargement
2. Pituitary enlargement
What is non-functioning pituitary adenoma
- A type of intracranial tumours
Peak incidence for NFPA
20 and 60
Clinical presentation of non-functioning pituitary adenoma
- Large cerebral size
- Cavernous sinus invasion
- Lobulated suprasellar margins
- Visual disturbances
- Headaches
How are pituitary adenomas classified
- Microadenomas without sella expansion
- Macroadenomas which extend above sella
- Macroadenomas with enlargement and invasion of floor or suprasellar extension
- Destruction of the sella
Diagnostics of non-functioning pituitary adenomas
- Test for absence of hormone secretion
2. Test normal pituitary function
What surgical procedure is done to remove NFPA
- Trans-sphenoidal surgery
How do we test for pituitary function
- If peripheral target organ is working normally then that hormone is being secreted fine
A LOT OF HORMONES ARE SECRETED BY THE PITUITARY GLAND
How do test the pituitary-thyroid axis for Primary hypothyroidism
Raised TSH low T4 (WE LOOK AT Ft4 in pituitary diseases)
Result of axis test in hypopituitary
Low T4 normal or low TSH
Test for Grave disease via axis
Suppressed TSH
High T4
Test for TSHoma via axis
High TF
High TSH
Test for hormone reisstance via the axis
High T4
High TSH