Path: Pit, Hyp, Pineal Flashcards
Most common cause of any hyperpituitarism.
Adenoma in AP
What is the “mass effect” and what causes it?
Mass effect is the symptoms that arise from a non-functional adenoma in the anterior pituitary. The symptoms are the same as that of any space occupying lesion.
Bi-temporal hemianopsia from compression of optic chiasm
Diplopia from expansion into the cavernous sinus affecting nerves III, IV, and VI
Headache from increased ICP
Hypopituitarism from compression of the rest of the pituitary gland
Morphological Characteristics of Prolactinomas.
Dystrophic Calcification Psammoma Bodies (collections of calcium)
Treatment for Hyperprolactinemia
Bromocriptine (DA receptor agonist)
Two clinical syndromes associated with GH adenoma.
Gigantism: if tumor occurs in childhood
Acromegaly: if tumor occurs after growth plates close
What is the most sensitive test for acromegaly?
Failure to suppress GH levels in response to an oral load of glucose.
GH responds to low blood glucose and would normally drop if a high dose was given
What is Nelson Syndrome?
Rapid enlargement of a pituitary adenoma in response to removal of the adrenal glands. Usually an ACTH adenoma.
What is Pituitary Apoplexy.
Sudden hemorrhage into the pituitary gland resulting in hypopituitarism, headache, and visual disturbance.
What is Sheehan syndrome?
Hypopituitarism caused by ischemic necrosis due to blood loss and hypovolemic shock during and after childbirth.
What is a Craniopharyngioma?
Vestigial remnants of Rathkes Pouch. Often compress the pituitary gland causing hypopituitarism.
Adults: headaches
Children: growth retardation
What are the two histologic variants of Craniopharyngiomas?
Adamantinomatous: children, calcifies, wet keratin
Papillary: adults, doesn’t calcify, no keratin
What is a risk of not treating a craniopharyngioma?
Transformation into squamous cell carcinoma
