Pituitary Gland Flashcards
1
Q
Name the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland
- 6 anterior
- 2 posterior
A
Anterior: (Secretes and Makes)
- FSH
- LH
- Prolactin
- TSH
- ACTH
- GH (Growth Hormone)
Posterior: (Secretes only, made in the hypothalmus)
- Oxytoxin
- ADH
2
Q
What is the definition of a pituitary adenoma?
Name 3 conditions it causes
A
Deffinition: A benign tumour of the pituitary gland that results in excess hormon production and mass effect
- Excess Prolactin = Prolactinoma
- Excess ACTH / Cortisol = Cushings
- Excess Growth Hormone = Acromegaly
3
Q
Features of functioning and non functioning adenomas
A
Functioning:
- Secrete Hormones
- Present earlier than Non- Functioning
- Presence detected due to effect excess hormone
Non Functioning Adenoma:
- Englarge Gradually
- Present late due to effects of mass effect
- bi temporal haemianopia
4
Q
Deffinition and features of Mass effect
A
Deffinition: The effect of an expanding tumour on the surrouding areas
Features:
- Bi Temporal Haemianopia
- CN III, IV, VI palsys
- Headaches
- Change in appetite, temperature, thirst and GCS etc
5
Q
Deffinition and features of a prolactinoma
A
Deffinition: Functioing adenoma producing excess prolactin
Features:
- Galactorrhoea
- Decreased Libido
- Amehorrea
- Small testes
- Decresased potency in men
- Increased weight
- decreased facial hair
- Late puberty
- Osteoporosis (Chronically)
- Decreased fertility
6
Q
Investigations and treatment of a proclactinoma
A
Investigations:
- Basal Prolactin ( non stressfull, take between 9am - 4pm)
- TFT’s
- Pregnancy test
- +/- MRI pituitary
Treatment:
- Dopamine agomist
- Refer
