Pituitary adenoma Flashcards
How are pitutiary adenomas classified
Size and hormonal status
How big is a micro vs macroadenoma
<1 cm
>1cm
What is the most common type of pituitary adenoma
Prolactinomas
Then non secreting, GH, ACTH
How do pituitary adenomas cause symptoms
Excess hormone - cushings, acromegaly, amenorrhea + galactorrhea
Depletion of homrones - compression of pituitary
Stretching of dura -> headaches
Compression of optic chiasm -> bitemporal hemianopia
Investigations for pituitary adenoma
Pituitary blood profile incl GH, prolactin, ACTH, FSH, LSH TFTs
Formal visual field testing
MRI brain with contrast
Differentials for pituitary adenoma
pituitary hyperplasia
craniopharyngioma
meningioma
brain metastases
lymphoma
hypophysitis
vascular malformation (e.g. aneurysm)
What is first line for prolactinomas
Bromocriptine
Surgery - transphenoidal transnasla hypophysectomy
Radiotherapy
