Ovarian Hyperstimulation Caused by Gonadotroph Pituitary Adenoma--Review.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs mostly as an iatrogenic complication of assisted reproductive technology. Gonadotroph pituitary adenomas are rarely associated with OHSS. To the authors' knowledge, to date only 30 cases of spontaneous ovarian stimulation associated with gonadotroph adenomas have been reported in women and only 2 in children. The most common symptoms in such cases included menstrual disturbances, abdominal or pelvic pain, abdominal distension and increased girth. Galactorrhea, nausea and vomiting were also reported. Neurological symptoms occurred when the size of the pituitary tumor reached at least 20 mm. Transvaginal ultrasound examination usually demonstrated enlarged multicystic ovaries. MRIs of the pituitary revealed macroadenomas up to 61 mm in maximum diameter. The hormonal profiles of the reported cases showed normal or elevated FSH levels, suppressed LH levels, elevated estradiol levels and supranormal concentrations of prolactin. Transsphenoidal surgery is the therapy of choice, however other treatment modalities can be utilized in selected cases.

Pituitary disorders and osteoporosis.

Various hormonal disorders can influence bone metabolism and cause secondary osteoporosis. The consequence of this is a significant increase of fracture risk. Among pituitary disorders such effects are observed in patients with Cushing's disease, hyperprolactinemia, acromegaly, and hypopituitarism. Severe osteoporosis is the result of the coexistence of some of these disorders and hypogonadism at the same time, which is quite often.

Gonadotroph adenoma causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a premenopausal woman.

INTRODUCTION: Gonadotroph adenomas occur commonly in middle-aged adults without any specific endocrinological symptoms. To date, only 30 cases of gonadotropinoma causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in pre-menopausal women have been reported. CASE REPORT: A 37-year old woman with pituitary macroadenoma and hyperprolactinaemia was admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope Therapy. She presented with recurrent ovarian cysts, menstrual disturbances, headaches, visual impairment and galactorrhea. Her endocrine profile showed normal values of FSH, elevated concentrations of estradiol and suppressed LH levels. Transsphenoidal resection of the tumor tissue resulted in normalization of the hormone values and improvement in the clinical picture. CONCLUSIONS: Gonadotroph adenomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis in premenopausal women with OHSS.