Pituitary Adenoma Flashcards
What hormones does the anterior pituitary secrete?
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Luteinising hormone (LH) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Prolactin (PRL) Growth hormone (GH)
What does ACTH do?
stimulates cortisol release from the adrenal glands
what does prolactin do>
inhibits spermatogenesis and ovulation
activates lactation
what is the most common adenoma?
prolactinoma
What are the signs of a prolactinoma?
Women:
amenorrhea
galactorrhea
Men:
Low libido
Gynaecomastia
What is the 2nd most common pituitary adenoma?
Somatotroph adenomas (Growth hormone)
what are the signs of a somatotroph adenoma?
Children - gigantism
adults -acromegaly
Heart failure (due to enlarged heart not letting enough blood in).
What does an adrenocorticotrophic hormone cause?
Cushings disease:
moon face
buffalo hump
truncal obesity
What does a thyrotrophin adenoma cause?
features of hyperthyroidism
What are gonadotroph derived hormones?
Non functional - don’t secrete hormones.
Asymptomatic unless they’re big enough where they can cause headaches or visual changes.
What visual change can be seen in pituitary adenomas?
Bitemporal hemianopia.
How is a pituitary adenoma diagnosed?
Hormone levels
MRI
How are pituitary adenomas treated?
Prolactinoma - medication
somatotrophin or corticotrophin - transsphenoidal surgical resection
What is the treatment for non functional adenomas?
Surgery is only required if they are big enough to cause symptoms.
