Pituitary Gland

Question 1

Name the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland

• 6 anterior
• 2 posterior

Answer 1

Anterior: (Secretes and Makes)

• FSH
• LH
• Prolactin
• TSH
• ACTH
• GH (Growth Hormone)

Posterior: (Secretes only, made in the hypothalmus)

• Oxytoxin
• ADH

Question 2

What is the definition of a pituitary adenoma?

Name 3 conditions it causes

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Features of functioning and non functioning adenomas

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Deffinition and features of Mass effect

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Deffinition and features of a prolactinoma

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Investigations and treatment of a proclactinoma

Answer 6

Investigations:

• Basal Prolactin ( non stressfull, take between 9am - 4pm)
• TFT’s
• Pregnancy test
• +/- MRI pituitary

Treatment:

• Dopamine agomist
• Refer