Endocrine Abstracts

Several recent studies have identified Npr2 gene mutations (encoding the guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B) receptor) as causing dwarfism and achondroplasia. Npr2 null mice have a similar bone phenotype, pituitary growth hormone deficiency and female infertility. As the endogenous ligand for GC-B, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is expressed at high levels in the anterior pituitary of rats and mice, we examined whether components of the natriuretic peptide system were al...

Co-existence of a brain tumour (not associated with previous irradiation) and a pituitary adenoma has been rarely described. Astrocytomas have an incidence of <5/100,000 and somototroph adenomas of <4/1,000,000. In astrocytomas, a positive correlation between IGF-I immunoreactivity and histopathological grade/cell proliferation rates have been proposed. Here, we report a case of acromegaly detected incidentally shortly after the diagnosis of an anaplastic astrocytoma.<...

Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a recognised complication of pituitary surgery, and occasionally occurs following pituitary radiotherapy. Macroprolactinomas (MPRL) may result in spontaneous or dopamine-agonist-induced CSF leaks, however no detailed large comparisons have been made with non-functioning adenomas (NFA). The incidence of this phenomenon and the mechanisms underlying it are not understood.We have performed a retrospective review of s...

Background: Rathke cleft cysts (RCC) are benign, epithelial-lined cystic lesions arising from remnants of Rathke's pouch. Although reported in 13-22% of normal autopsies, they are rarely symptomatic. Their outcome after surgery remains unclear.Aim: To analyse the clinical/laboratory features and treatment outcome of patients who presented to the Departments of Endocrinology and Neurosurgery with symptomatic RCC (histologically confirmed) between 1977-200...

BACKGROUND: Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LHy) is an uncommon inflammatory disorder of the pituitary with features mimicking those of sellar tumours, thereby often being misdiagnosed. However, no long-term follow-up studies have been published.OBJECT: To evaluate the clinical/radiological characteristics and the prognosis of patients with LHy.PATIENTS-METHODS: The records of the patients who presented to the Department of Endocrinology...

Craniopharyngiomas are tumours of the squamous epithelium, which arise in the sellar and/or suprasellar regions from embryonic squamous cell rests of the involuted hypophyseal-pharyngeal duct. They account for approximately 3% of intracranial neoplasms, present with symptoms relating to pressure effects on adjacent organs and often have an unpredictable behaviour. Corticotroph adenomas, usually measuring a few millimeters in diameter, are found in 10-12% of surgically removed ...

Objective: Macroprolactinomas (MPRL) may result in spontaneous or dopamine-agonist-induced CSF rhinorrhoea. The incidence of, and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of non-surgical (spontaneous and dopamine-agonist-induced) rhinorrhoea, and to identify biochemical, radiological and histopathological factors associated with this phenomenon.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed MPR...

Late onset Cushing’s disease, occurring years following the diagnosis of a silent corticotroph adenoma (SCA) is rare, with very few previously reported cases. We present a series of 5 subjects with SCA, aggressive tumour recurrences and late onset Cushing’s disease.The mean age of subjects at initial presentation was 41 yrs (35–52), sex 3:2 (M:F). There were no clinical features of hypercortisolism at diagnosis. Two subjects had hypocortis...

Introduction: Pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly are immunocytochemically divided into 3 main groups: growth hormone (GH) cell (A), those with GH and prolactin (PRL) cell differentiation (B) and plurihormonal (C). Recent large series comparing the hormonal and imaging features of these tumours at diagnosis are lacking.Objectives: To investigate differences in the presenting hormonal and imaging data associated with the above groups of adenomas.<p ...

Background: Current available data demonstrate the ability of somatostatin analogues (Ssan) to reduce tumoral size in GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Somatostatin receptors are present on both tumour cells and vascular endothelium; therefore, potential mechanisms for tumour shrinkage with Ssan include inhibition of cell proliferation, increased cell loss, and inhibition of angiogenesis.Objective: To assess the mechanisms for tumour shrinkage in GH-secre...