Endocrine Abstracts

Somatotroph adenomas (SA) causing acromegaly are histologically classified into densely (DG) and sparsely granulated (SG) subtypes. We1 and others have shown that these histological subtypes may be clinically relevant. In short, SGSAs are generally found in younger, mainly female patients. They are larger at presentation, more invasive and show higher proliferation indices compared with DGSAs. Fibrous bodies (FBs) are the histological hallmark of SGSAs; they consist...

Somatotroph adenomas (SA) causing acromegaly exist as two major pathological variants: densely and sparsely granulated, according to the number and distribution of growth-hormone-containing secretory granules. These variants are increasingly recognised by neuropathologists and endocrinologists, but the consequences for tumour behaviour and patient outcome remain to be defined. Sparsely granulated SAs are associated with younger, female patients and are more invasive and prolif...

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 ...

This 22 year old lady presented with Haemophilus Influenza meningitis. Given an unusual organism, she had an MRI which revealed an incidental pituitary macroadenoma extending into the right cavernous sinus and breaching the anterioinferior wall of the pituitary fossa. Thyroid function showed raised T4 (24.7 pmol/L) and T3 (8.3 pmol/L) with unsuppressed TSH (1.75 munit/L). IGF-1 was also raised at 56.7 nmol/L (12–50.1 nmol/L).<p c...

This 22 year old lady presented with Haemophilus Influenza meningitis. Given an unusual organism, she had an MRI which revealed an incidental pituitary macroadenoma extending into the right cavernous sinus and breaching the anterioinferior wall of the pituitary fossa. Thyroid function showed raised T4 (24.7 pmol/L) and T3 (8.3 pmol/L) with unsuppressed TSH (1.75 munit/L). IGF-1 was also raised at 56.7 nmol/L (12–50.1 nmol/L).<p c...