Growth hormone secreting pituitary adenomas show distinct extrasellar extension patterns compared to nonfunctional pituitary adenomas.

PURPOSE: Patterns of extension of pituitary adenomas (PA) may vary according to PA subtype. Understanding extrasellar extension patterns in growth hormone PAs (GHPA) vis-a-vis nonfunctional PAs (NFPAs) may provide insights into the biology of GHPA and future treatment avenues. METHODS: Preoperative MR imaging (MRI) in 179 consecutive patients treated surgically for NFPA (n = 139) and GHPA (n = 40) were analyzed to determine patterns of extrasellar growth. Extension was divided into two principal directions: cranio-caudal (measured by infrasellar/suprasellar extension), and lateral cavernous sinus invasion (CSI) determined by Knosp grading score of 3-4. Suprasellar extension was defined as tumor extension superior to the tuberculum sellae- dorsum sellae line, and inferior extension as invasion through the sellar floor into the sphenoid sinus or clivus. Categorical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: GHPAs were overall more likely to remain purely intrasellar compared to NFPA (50% vs 26%, p < 0.001). GHPAs, however, were 7 times more likely to exhibit isolated infrasellar extension compared to NFPA (20% vs 2.8%, p = 0.001). Conversely, NFPAs were twice as likely to exhibit isolated suprasellar extension compared to GHPA (60% vs 28%, p < 0.001), as well as combined suprasellar/infrasellar extension (25% vs 3%, p = 0.011). There were no overall differences in CSI between the two subgroups. DISCUSSION: GHPA and NFPA demonstrate distinct extrasellar extension patterns on MRI. GHPAs show proclivity for inferior extension with bony invasion, whereas NFPAs are more likely to exhibit suprasellar extension through the diaphragmatic aperture. These distinctions may have implications into the biology and future treatment of PAs.

Discrepancies in the Recommended Management of Adrenal Incidentalomas by Various Guidelines.

PURPOSE: Adrenal incidentalomas are being discovered with increasing frequency, and their discovery poses a challenge to clinicians. Despite the 2002 National Institutes of Health consensus statement, there are still discrepancies in the most recent guidelines from organizations representing endocrinology, endocrine surgery, urology and radiology. We review recent guidelines across the specialties involved in diagnosing and treating adrenal incidentalomas, and discuss points of agreement as well as controversy among guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed®, Scopus®, Embase™ and Web of Science™ databases were searched systematically in November 2019 in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement to identify the most recently updated committee produced clinical guidelines in each of the 4 specialties. Five articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: There is little debate among the reviewed guidelines as to the initial evaluation of an adrenal incidentaloma. All patients with a newly discovered adrenal incidentaloma should receive an unenhanced computerized tomogram and hormone screen. The most significant points of divergence among the guidelines regard reimaging an initially benign appearing mass, repeat hormone testing and management of an adrenal incidentaloma that is not easily characterized as benign or malignant on computerized tomography. The guidelines range from actively recommending against any repeat imaging and hormone screening to recommending a repeat scan as early as in 3 to 6 months and annual hormonal screening for several years. CONCLUSIONS: After reviewing the guidelines and the evidence used to support them we posit that best practices lie at their convergence and have presented our management recommendations on how to navigate the guidelines when they are discrepant.

Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging for localization of corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas.

Cushing's disease manifests as symptoms of glucocorticoid excess secondary to the increased secretion of corticotropin by a corticotroph adenoma in the pituitary gland. Unfortunately, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at conventional clinical field strengths of 1.5 or 3 Tesla has limited sensitivity for the detection of these pituitary tumors, and radiologic uncertainty often necessitates more invasive workup to confirm diagnosis and guide resection. It has been postulated that higher static magnetic field strengths may increase the adenoma detection rate and thus the utility of MRI for this clinical application. In this report, we describe our initial experience using ultra-high field 7 Tesla (7 T) MRI in patients with suspected Cushing's disease and negative or equivocal imaging at conventional field strengths. We performed contrast-enhanced 7 T pituitary MRI in 10 patients with up to three different T1-weighted sequences and correlated the imaging abnormalities identified with results of histologic evaluation in patients who subsequently underwent resection. We found that 7 T MRI enabled the identification of previously undetected areas of focal pituitary hypoenhancement in 9 patients (90%), of which 7 corresponded histologically to corticotroph adenomas. These early findings suggest an important adjunctive role for ultra-high field MR imaging in the noninvasive clinical workup of suspected Cushing's disease.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY IN ADULTS AND PATIENTS TRANSITIONING FROM PEDIATRIC TO ADULT CARE.

Objective: The development of these guidelines is sponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Board of Directors and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) Board of Trustees and adheres with published AACE protocols for the standardized production of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Methods: Recommendations are based on diligent reviews of clinical evidence with transparent incorporation of subjective factors, according to established AACE/ACE guidelines for guidelines protocols. Results: The Executive Summary of this 2019 updated guideline contains 58 numbered recommendations: 12 are Grade A (21%), 19 are Grade B (33%), 21 are Grade C (36%), and 6 are Grade D (10%). These detailed, evidence-based recommendations allow for nuance-based clinical decision-making that addresses multiple aspects of real-world care of patients. The evidence base presented in the subsequent Appendix provides relevant supporting information for the Executive Summary recommendations. This update contains 357 citations of which 51 (14%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (strong), 168 (47%) are EL 2 (intermediate), 61 (17%) are EL 3 (weak), and 77 (22%) are EL 4 (no clinical evidence). Conclusion: This CPG is a practical tool that practicing endocrinologists and regulatory bodies can refer to regarding the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of adults and patients transitioning from pediatric to adult-care services with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It provides guidelines on assessment, screening, diagnostic testing, and treatment recommendations for a range of individuals with various causes of adult GHD. The recommendations emphasize the importance of considering testing patients with a reasonable level of clinical suspicion of GHD using appropriate growth hormone (GH) cut-points for various GH-stimulation tests to accurately diagnose adult GHD, and to exercise caution interpreting serum GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, as various GH and IGF-1 assays are used to support treatment decisions. The intention to treat often requires sound clinical judgment and careful assessment of the benefits and risks specific to each individual patient. Unapproved uses of GH, long-term safety, and the current status of long-acting GH preparations are also discussed in this document. LAY ABSTRACT This updated guideline provides evidence-based recommendations regarding the identification, screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of individuals with various causes of adult growth-hormone deficiency (GHD) and patients with childhood-onset GHD transitioning to adult care. The update summarizes the most current knowledge about the accuracy of available GH-stimulation tests, safety of recombinant human GH (rhGH) replacement, unapproved uses of rhGH related to sports and aging, and new developments such as long-acting GH preparations that use a variety of technologies to prolong GH action. Recommendations offer a framework for physicians to manage patients with GHD effectively during transition to adult care and adulthood. Establishing a correct diagnosis is essential before consideration of replacement therapy with rhGH. Since the diagnosis of GHD in adults can be challenging, GH-stimulation tests are recommended based on individual patient circumstances and use of appropriate GH cut-points. Available GH-stimulation tests are discussed regarding variability, accuracy, reproducibility, safety, and contraindications, among other factors. The regimen for starting and maintaining rhGH treatment now uses individualized dose adjustments, which has improved effectiveness and reduced reported side effects, dependent on age, gender, body mass index, and various other individual characteristics. With careful dosing of rhGH replacement, many features of adult GHD are reversible and side effects of therapy can be minimized. Scientific studies have consistently shown rhGH therapy to be beneficial for adults with GHD, including improvements in body composition and quality of life, and have demonstrated the safety of short- and long-term rhGH replacement. Abbreviations: AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ACE = American College of Endocrinology; AHSG = alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein; AO-GHD = adult-onset growth hormone deficiency; ARG = arginine; BEL = best evidence level; BMD = bone mineral density; BMI = body mass index; CI = confidence interval; CO-GHD = childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency; CPG = clinical practice guideline; CRP = C-reactive protein; DM = diabetes mellitus; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; EL = evidence level; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; FD-GST = fixed-dose glucagon stimulation test; GeNeSIS = Genetics and Neuroendocrinology of Short Stature International Study; GH = growth hormone; GHD = growth hormone deficiency; GHRH = growth hormone-releasing hormone; GST = glucagon stimulation test; HDL = high-density lipoprotein; HypoCCS = Hypopituitary Control and Complications Study; IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor-1; IGFBP = insulin-like growth factor-binding protein; IGHD = isolated growth hormone deficiency; ITT = insulin tolerance test; KIMS = Kabi International Metabolic Surveillance; LAGH = long-acting growth hormone; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; LIF = leukemia inhibitory factor; MPHD = multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; P-III-NP = procollagen type-III amino-terminal pro-peptide; PHD = pituitary hormone deficiencies; QoL = quality of life; rhGH = recombinant human growth hormone; ROC = receiver operating characteristic; RR = relative risk; SAH = subarachnoid hemorrhage; SDS = standard deviation score; SIR = standardized incidence ratio; SN = secondary neoplasms; T3 = triiodothyronine; TBI = traumatic brain injury; VDBP = vitamin D-binding protein; WADA = World Anti-Doping Agency; WB-GST = weight-based glucagon stimulation test.

Long-term treatment outcomes of acromegaly patients presenting biochemically-uncontrolled at a tertiary pituitary center.

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is a rare, slowly progressive disorder resulting from excessive growth hormone (GH) production by a pituitary somatotroph tumor. The objective of this study was to examine acromegaly treatment outcomes during long-term care at a specialized pituitary center in patients presenting with lack of biochemical control. METHODS: Data came from an acromegaly registry at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Pituitary Center (center). Acromegaly patients included in this study were those who presented biochemically-uncontrolled for care at the center. Biochemical control status, based on serum insulin-like growth factor-1 values, was determined at presentation and at study end. Patient characteristics and acromegaly treatments were reported before and after presentation by presenting treatment status and final biochemical control status. Data on long-term follow-up were recorded from 1985 through June 2013. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients presented uncontrolled: 40 untreated (54.1%) and 34 (45.9%) previously-treated. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 43.2 (14.7); 32 (43.2%) were female patients. Of 65 patients with tumor size information, 59 (90.8%) had macroadenomas. Prior treatments among the 34 previously-treated patients were pituitary surgery alone (47.1%), surgery and medication (41.2%), and medication alone (11.8%). Of the 40 patients without prior treatment, 82.5% achieved control by study end. Of the 34 with prior treatment, 50% achieved control by study end. CONCLUSIONS: This observational study shows that treatment outcomes of biochemically-uncontrolled acromegaly patients improve with directed care, particularly for those that initially present untreated. Patients often require multiple modalities of treatment, many of which are offered with the highest quality at specialized pituitary centers. Despite specialized care, some patients were not able to achieve biochemical control with methods of treatment that were available at the time of their treatment, showing the need for additional treatment options.

The association between biochemical control and cardiovascular risk factors in acromegaly.

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to estimate the proportion of acromegaly patients with various comorbidities and to determine if biochemical control was associated with reduced proportion of cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Data were from a single-center acromegaly registry. Study patients were followed for ≥12 months after initial treatment. Study period was from first to last insulin-like growth factor-I and growth hormone tests. RESULTS: Of 121 patients, 55% were female. Mean age at diagnosis was 42.4 (SD: 15.0). Mean study period was 8.8 (SD: 7.2) years. Macroadenomas were observed in 93 of 106 patients (87.7%), and microadenomas in 13 (12.3%). Initial treatment was surgery in 104 patients (86%), pharmacotherapy in 16 (13.2%), and radiation therapy in 1 (0.8%). Of 120 patients, 79 (65.8%) achieved control during the study period. New onset comorbidities (reported 6 months after study start) were uncommon (<10%). Comorbidities were typically more prevalent in uncontrolled versus controlled patients-24 (58.5%) vs. 33 (41.8%) had hypertension, 17 (41.5%) vs. 20 (25.3%) had diabetes, 11 (26.8%) vs. 16 (20.3%) had sleep apnea, and 3 (7.3%) vs. 3 (3.8%) had cardiomyopathy-except for colon polyps or cancer (19.5% vs. 20.3%), left ventricular hypertrophy (9.8% vs. 11.4%), and visual defects (14.6% vs. 17.7%). CONCLUSIONS: A greater number of comorbidities were observed in biochemically uncontrolled patients with acromegaly compared to their controlled counterparts in this single-center registry. About a third of the patients remained uncontrolled after a mean of >8 years of treatment, demonstrating the difficulty of achieving control in some patients.

Management of aggressive growth hormone secreting pituitary adenomas.

Aggressive GH-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHPAs) represent an important clinical problem in patients with acromegaly. Surgical therapy, although often the mainstay of treatment for GHPAs, is less effective in aggressive GHPAs due to their invasive and destructive growth patterns, and their proclivity for infrasellar invasion. Medical therapies for GHPAs, including somatostatin analogues and GH receptor antagonists, are becoming increasingly important adjuncts to surgical intervention. Stereotactic radiosurgery serves as an important fallback therapy for tumors that cannot be cured with surgery and medications. Data suggests that patients with aggressive and refractory GHPAs are best treated at dedicated tertiary pituitary centers with multidisciplinary teams of neuroendocrinologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and other specialists who routinely provide advanced care to GHPA patients. Future research will help clarify the defining features of "aggressive" and "atypical" PAs, likely based on tumor behavior, preoperative imaging characteristics, histopathological characteristics, and molecular markers.

Follow-up intervals in patients with Cushing's disease: recommendations from a panel of experienced pituitary clinicians.

PURPOSE: Follow-up guidelines are needed to assess quality of care and to ensure best long-term outcomes for patients with Cushing's disease (CD). The purpose of this study was to assess agreement by experts on recommended follow-up intervals for CD patients at different phases in their treatment course. METHODS: The RAND/UCLA modified Delphi process was used to assess expert consensus. Eleven clinicians who regularly manage CD patients rated 79 hypothetical patient scenarios before and after ("second round") an in-person panel discussion to clarify definitions. Scenarios described CD patients at various time points after treatment. For each scenario, panelists recommended follow-up intervals in weeks. Panel consensus was assigned as follows: "agreement" if no more than two responses were outside a 2 week window around the median response; "disagreement" if more than two responses were outside a 2 week window around the median response. Recommendations were developed based on second round results. RESULTS: Panel agreement was 65.9% before and 88.6% after the in-person discussion. The panel recommended follow-up within 8 weeks for patients in remission on glucocorticoid replacement and within 1 year of surgery; within 4 weeks for patients with uncontrolled persistent or recurrent disease; within 8-24 weeks in post-radiotherapy patients controlled on medical therapy; and within 24 weeks in asymptomatic patients with stable plasma ACTH concentrations after bilateral adrenalectomy. CONCLUSIONS: With a high level of consensus using the Delphi process, panelists recommended regular follow-up in most patient scenarios for this chronic condition. These recommendations may be useful for assessment of CD care both in research and clinical practice.

BIOCHEMICAL CONTROL DURING LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF 230 ADULT PATIENTS WITH CUSHING DISEASE: A MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: Cushing disease (CD) results from excessive exposure to glucocorticoids caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary tumor. Inadequately treated CD is associated with significant morbidity and elevated mortality. Multicenter data on CD patients treated in routine clinical practice are needed to assess treatment outcomes in this rare disorder. The study purpose was to describe the burden of illness and treatment outcomes for CD patients. METHODS: Eight pituitary centers in four U.S. regions participated in this multicenter retrospective chart review study. Subjects were CD patients diagnosed at ≥18 years of age within the past 20 years. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to examine presenting signs, symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Of 230 patients, 79% were female (median age at diagnosis, 39 years; range, 18 to 78 years). Length of follow-up was 0 to 27.5 years (median, 1.9 years). Pituitary adenomas were 0 to 51 mm. The most common presenting comorbidities included hypertension (67.3%), polycystic ovary syndrome (43.5%), and hyperlipidemia (41.5%). Biochemical control was achieved with initial pituitary surgery in 41.4% patients (91 of 220), not achieved in 50.0% of patients (110 of 220), and undetermined in 8.6% of patients (19 of 220). At the end of follow-up, control had been achieved with a variety of treatment methods in 49.1% of patients (110 of 224), not achieved in 29.9% of patients (67 of 224), and undetermined in 21.0% of patients (47 of 224). CONCLUSION: Despite multiple treatments, at the end of follow-up, biochemical control was still not achieved in up to 30% of patients. These multicenter data demonstrate that in routine clinical practice, initial and long-term control is not achieved in a substantial number of patients with CD. ABBREVIATIONS: BLA = bilateral adrenalectomy CD = Cushing disease CS = Cushing syndrome eCRF = electronic case report form MRI = magnetic resonance imaging PCOS = polycystic ovary syndrome.

Gene expression in prolactinomas: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Prolactinomas are the most common functional pituitary adenomas. Current classification systems rely on phenotypic elements and have few molecular markers for complementary classification. Treatment protocols for prolactinomas are also devoid of molecular targets, leaving those refractory to standard treatments without many options. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed utilizing the PRISMA guidelines. We aimed to summarize prior research exploring gene and protein expression in prolactinomas in order to highlight molecular variations associated with tumor development, growth, and prolactin secretion. A PubMed search of select MeSH terms was performed to identify all studies reporting gene and protein expression findings in prolactinomas from 1990 to 2014. RESULTS: 1392 abstracts were screened and 51 manuscripts were included in the analysis, yielding 54 upregulated and 95 downregulated genes measured by various direct and indirect analytical methods. Of the many genes identified, three upregulated (HMGA2, HST, SNAP25), and three downregulated (UGT2B7, Let7, miR-493) genes were selected for further analysis based on our subjective identification of strong potential targets. CONCLUSIONS: Many significant genes have been identified and validated in prolactinomas and most have not been fully analyzed for therapeutic and diagnostic potential. These genes could become candidate molecular targets for biomarker development and precision drug targeting as well as catalyze deeper research efforts utilizing next generation profiling/sequencing techniques, particularly genome scale expression and epigenomic analyses.

Effects of low dose versus high dose human growth hormone on body composition and lipids in adults with GH deficiency: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials.

PURPOSE: Doses of growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency are now lower than previously. However, it is not clear they are as effective as higher doses. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess efficacy of low to moderate dose (LD) GH replacement on standard endpoints of GH compared to higher doses. METHODS: A meta-analysis was carried out using PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases from 1960 to 9/23/12. Three reviewers identified randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of 6 months duration. Of 173 publications, 28 representing 22 trials (591 GH-treated patients and 562 placebo) were included. Data were independently extracted by three reviewers. Endpoints were analyzed if ≥4 studies per dose group reported baseline and 6 month data. RESULTS: Mean lean body mass (LBM) increased by 2.61 kg in GH-treated subjects versus 0.04 in the placebo group (P < 0.0001). Fat mass (FM) was reduced by -2.19 kg versus 0.31 (GH vs. placebo) (P = 0.0002). Changes in LBM and FM were dose-related (P = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively), high dose (HD) being more effective than low dose (LBM P = 0.03 and FM P = 0.04). In contrast, treatment with GH reduced total cholesterol -0.38 mmol/L versus. 0.01 (placebo) (P < 0.0001), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) -0.42 mmol/L versus -0.1 (P = 0.0009), but there were no differences between LD and HD GH. CONCLUSIONS: LDs of hGH improve total- and LDL-C, and body composition. Higher doses are more effective on body composition, but not lipids.

Cyclic Cushing's disease with misleading inferior petrosal sinus sampling results during a trough phase.

Diagnosing Cushing's syndrome is challenging and is further hampered when investigations are performed in a patient with cyclic Cushing's syndrome. A subset of patients with Cushing's syndrome exhibit periods of abnormal cortisol secretion with interspersed normal secretion. Patients can have periods of clinical improvement during these quiescent phases or remain symptomatic. Initial diagnostic testing can be challenging because of the unpredictable durations of the peak and trough phases, and it is especially challenging when the diagnosis of cyclic Cushing's syndrome has not yet been determined. Here, the authors present the case of a patient with Cushing's disease with a pathology-proven adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma and whose initial inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) results were deemed indeterminate; further studies elucidated the diagnosis of cyclic Cushing's syndrome. Repeat IPSS was diagnostic of a central source for ACTH secretion, and the patient was treated successfully with transsphenoidal resection. Literature concerning the diagnosis and management of cyclic Cushing's syndrome is also reviewed.

Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus: case report of endoscopic endonasal resection and systematic review of the literature.

Ectopic pituitary adenomas are exceedingly rare entities that are often misdiagnosed. The resulting delay in diagnosis may be particularly concerning in the case of Cushing syndrome caused by an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. Although the total resection of ectopic adenomas results in rapid and durable remission, persistent Cushing syndrome is often associated with permanently damaging invasive procedures and significantly higher risk of mortality. The authors report the case of a 48-year-old man with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. On the morning before surgery, his serum cortisol measured 51 µg/dl, his ACTH level was 195.7 pg/ml, and his urinary free cortisol level was 2109 µg/day. Serum cortisol was not suppressed with the administration of high-dose dexamethasone. Imaging showed separate masses in both the sphenoid sinus and the pituitary gland, complicating the diagnostic process and requiring pathological assessment of both masses. No other abnormalities were found on thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic scans. Gross-total resection of both lesions was accomplished via an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Pathology confirmed an ectopic ACTH pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus and a Crooke hyaline change of the pituitary gland. The patient achieved stable hormonal remission without significant postoperative complications, returned to full activity within 3 months, and remained disease free nearly 1 year after tumor resection. In a systematic literature review, the authors identified 41 cases of ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, including 18 arising in the sphenoid sinus without direct involvement of the sella. Including the case described here, the total number of ectopic ACTH pituitary adenomas arising in the sphenoid sinus was 19, and the total number of ectopic ACTH pituitary adenomas without regard to location was 42. For the 19 patients with adenomas found in the sphenoid sinus, ages ranged from 16 to 76 years, and there were 15 women and 4 men. The mean and median diameters of the resected sphenoid masses were 13.9 and 8 mm, respectively, with a range of 3-55 mm. Seven were microadenomas (< 1 cm). Fifteen of the 19 cases reported serum ACTH and morning cortisol levels, the means of which were 106.7 pg/ml and 32.5 µg/dl, respectively. Gross-total tumor resection was achieved in all patients except one, and in all of them durable hormonal remission of Cushing syndrome was achieved (mean follow-up time 20 months). Ectopic pituitary adenomas are rare but important causes of Cushing syndrome and related endocrinopathies, particularly because of the rapid onset and severity of symptoms with atypical presentation. Ectopic pituitary adenomas, especially those in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, or paranasal sinuses, are easily misidentified. Any patient presenting with signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome without any obvious pituitary adenoma or other sources of hypercortisolemia should be thoroughly screened for an ectopic adenoma. However, as with the case presented here, the coincident existence of a sellar mass should not preclude the possibility of an ectopic source. There should be a high degree of clinical suspicion for any mass in the general area surrounding the sella when evaluating Cushing syndrome.

Gene and protein expression in pituitary corticotroph adenomas: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECT Functional corticotroph pituitary adenomas (PAs) secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and are the cause of Cushing's disease, which accounts for 70% of all cases of Cushing's syndrome. Current classification systems for PAs rely primarily on laboratory hormone findings, tumor size and morphology, invasiveness, and immunohistochemical findings. Likewise, drug development for functional ACTH-secreting PAs (ACTH-PAs) is limited and has focused largely on blocking the production or downstream effects of excess cortisol. The authors aimed to summarize the findings from previous studies that explored gene and protein expression of ACTH-PAs to prioritize potential genetic and protein targets for improved molecular diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's disease. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A PubMed search of select medical subject heading (MeSH) terms was performed to identify all studies that reported gene- and protein-expression findings in ACTH-PAs from January 1, 1990, to August 24, 2014, the day the search was performed. The inclusion criteria were studies on functional ACTH-PAs compared with normal pituitary glands, on human PA tissue only, with any method of analysis, and published in the English language. Studies using anything other than resected PA tissue, those that compared other adenoma types, those without baseline expression data, or those in which any pretreatment was delivered before analysis were excluded. RESULTS The primary search returned 1371 abstracts, of which 307 were found to be relevant. Of those, 178 were selected for secondary full-text analysis. Of these, 64 articles met the inclusion criteria and an additional 4 studies were identified from outside the search for a total of 68 included studies. Compared with the normal pituitary gland, significant gene overexpression in 43 genes and 22 proteins was reported, and gene underexpression in 58 genes and 15 proteins was reported. Immunohistochemistry was used in 39 of the studies, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used in 26 of the studies, primarily, and as validation for 4 others. Thirteen studies used both immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Other methods used included microarray, in situ hybridization, Northern blot analysis, and Western blot analysis. Expression of prioritized genes emphasized in multiple studies were often validated on both the gene and protein levels. Genes/proteins found to be overexpressed in ACTH-PAs relative to the normal pituitary gland included hPTTG1/securin, NEUROD1/NeuroD1 (Beta2), HSD11B2/11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2, AKT/Akt, protein kinase B, and CCND1/cyclin D1. Candidate genes/proteins found to be underexpressed in ACTH-PAs relative to the normal pituitary gland included CDKN1B/p27(Kip1), CDKN2A/p16, KISS1/kisspeptin, ACTHR/ACTH-R, and miR-493. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the authors' systematic review, many significant gene and protein targets that may contribute to tumorigenesis, invasion, and hormone production/secretion of ACTH have been identified and validated in ACTH-PAs. Many of these potential targets have not been fully analyzed for their therapeutic and diagnostic potential but may represent candidate molecular targets for biomarker development and drug targeting. This review may help catalyze additional research efforts using modern profiling and sequencing techniques and alteration of gene expression.

Demographic factors, outcomes, and patient access to transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease: analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2010.

OBJECT Cushing's disease (CD) is a potentially lethal neuroendocrinopathy that often requires specialized multidisciplinary treatment to achieve optimized outcomes. The authors analyzed data pertaining to patient, hospital, and admission characteristics as they relate to outcomes following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in more than 5500 patients treated for CD. METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify all patients admitted with CD between 2002 and 2010. A variety of patient demographic data (e.g., age, sex, race, payer status), hospital variables (e.g., bed size, TSS volume, teaching status), and admission subtypes (e.g., elective, emergency) were tested for association with postoperative endocrine and nonendocrine complications, mortality, nonroutine discharge, length of stay, and total hospital charges. All tests were performed using univariate analysis followed by multivariate analysis, with 4 models tested via an additive methodology. Statistical significance was defined as a p value < 0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS From 2002 to 2010, 5527 individuals who were admitted for TSS (54 biopsies, 4254 partial resections, and 1271 total resections; 5579 total TSS procedures) were identified as patients with CD. There were 25 deaths following TSS, resulting in a mortality incidence rate of 0.45%. Nonendocrine and endocrine complications were reported in 22.4% and 11.1% of patients, respectively. The most common nonendocrine complications were postoperative neurological complications (6.98%) and mechanical ventilation (1.71%). Diabetes insipidus was reported in 14.79% of patients. In a multivariate analysis, patients with Medicare were at increased risk of nonendocrine complications (relative risk [RR] 2.24, 95% CI 1.15-4.38; p = 0.02). Patients with Medicare had increased risk of higher charges (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.04-3.45; p = 0.04), as did those with Medicaid (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.41; p = 0.02). Additionally, as compared with white patients, Hispanic patients had an increased rate of higher charges (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.12-3.10; p = 0.02). Patients whose age was less than 40 years had a higher risk of developing diabetes insipidus (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.0-1.93; p = 0.05). When compared with those in northeast hospitals, patients in western hospitals were more likely to experience nonendocrine complications (RR 1.85, 95% CI 0.99-3.46; p = 0.05) and endocrine complications (RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.28-3.07; p < 0.01). Patients treated in teaching hospitals were at significantly lower risk of incurring higher hospital charges (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28-0.85; p = 0.01). Patients with emergency admissions had a risk of higher hospital charges (RR 3.06, 95% CI 1.26-7.46; p = 0.01) and nonendocrine complications (RR 3.18, 95% CI 1.22-8.28; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS This review of NIS data in more than 5500 patients treated surgically for CD pointed to major outcome disparities predicted primarily by payer status, admission type, and hospital region. Identification and targeting of such barriers to quality health care in patients with CD may help optimize patient outcomes on a national level and present an opportunity to improve access of high-risk patient subgroups to specialty centers of excellence.

Surgical management of pituicytomas: case series and comprehensive literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Pituicytomas are rare neoplasms that typically present as solid, noninfiltrative tumors occupying the sella and/or suprasellar space for which there is no consensus on optimal surgical management. We aimed to define a preferred surgical strategy for these tumors based on our clinical experience and comprehensive review of the world literature. DESIGN: Case series and review of the literature. METHODS: We documented the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings of three patients with pituicytoma treated at our institution, as well as complications and long-term outcomes. A comprehensive review of the medical literature identified all cases of pituicytoma for which data regarding surgical approach, outcome and complications could be extracted. We compared our results with published data. RESULTS: All three cases at our institution achieved gross total removal. Two patients underwent an expanded endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal and transplanum (EETS-TP) approach, while one tumor was removed via craniotomy. Post-operatively all patients developed pan-hypopitutarism. The patient undergoing craniotomy suffered profound visual loss but no other neurological complications were noted. A literature review identified 67 reported cases of pituicytoma. Surgical data was available in 60 cases. Surgical approach was documented in 57 patients. Sixty-three surgeries were performed in which approach and extent of resection was available. Gross total removal was obtained in 33 % of craniotomies, 42 % of transsphenoidal procedures, and 100 % of expanded transsphenoidal procedures. Neurological complications including visual loss, hemiparesis and cranial nerve palsies were reported after craniotomy, but not after transsphenoidal approaches. Overall EETS-TP approaches were associated with the highest rate of gross total removal and no visual or neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS: EETS-TP surgery is the preferred strategy for surgical removal of pituicytoma. EETS-TP and transsphenoidal approaches are associated with higher rates of gross total removal and lower rates of neurological complications than craniotomy. Gross total removal should be the intended goal of surgery.

Spontaneous regression of Rathke's cleft cysts with conservative management: patient series.

BACKGROUND: Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign fluid-filled cysts that develop in the pituitary gland because of the abnormal embryological development of Rathke's pouch. Most RCCs are small and asymptomatic; however, they can present with symptoms or documented growth, sometimes prompting surgical treatment. For smaller asymptomatic lesions, an unknown proportion demonstrates regression over time. This study describes 3 cases of spontaneous RCC regression. OBSERVATIONS: Three patients with a diagnosis of RCC demonstrated an average decrease of 78% in cyst volume over a mean interval of 3.7 months. One patient experienced the resolution of chronic headaches, whereas the other 2 patients had persistent headaches and endocrinopathies at follow-up. A systematic review included 9 studies that reported results from observational cohorts of patients with RCC, totaling 619 observed patients, with 158 (25.5%) patients demonstrating spontaneous cyst regression. In the patients with cyst regression, the majority had a resolution of symptoms. LESSONS: A substantial proportion of RCC patients managed nonsurgically demonstrated spontaneous regression. There is a role for the conservative management of RCCs in patients without significant symptoms, and surveillance should continue for a minimum of 5 years to confirm cyst stability. For patients undergoing planned surgery, same-day or recent imaging is recommended to prevent operating on involuted RCCs. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24268.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenomas in Patients Presenting With Monocular Blindness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Suprasellar tumors, particularly pituitary adenomas (PAs), commonly present with visual decline, and the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) is the primary management for optic apparatus decompression. Patients presenting with complete preoperative monocular blindness comprise a high-risk subgroup, given concern for complete blindness. This retrospective cohort study evaluates outcomes after EETA for patients with PA presenting with monocular blindness. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all EETA cases at our institution from June 2012 to August 2023 was performed. Inclusion criteria included adults with confirmed PA and complete monocular blindness, defined as no light perception, and a relative afferent pupillary defect secondary to tumor mass effect. RESULTS: Our cohort includes 15 patients (9 males, 6 females), comprising 2.4% of the overall PA cohort screened. The mean tumor diameter was 3.8 cm, with 6 being giant PAs (>4 cm). The mean duration of preoperative monocular blindness was 568 days. Additional symptoms included contralateral visual field defects (n = 11) and headaches (n = 10). Two patients presented with subacute PA apoplexy. Gross total resection was achieved in 46% of patients, reflecting tumor size and invasiveness. Postoperatively, 2 patients experienced improvement in their effectively blind eye and 2 had improved visual fields of the contralateral eye. Those with improvements were operated within 10 days of presentation, and no patients experienced worsened vision. CONCLUSION: This is the first series of EETA outcomes in patients with higher-risk PA with monocular blindness on presentation. In these extensive lesions, vision remained stable for most without further decline and improvement from monocular blindness was observed in a small subset of patients with no light perception and relative afferent pupillary defect. Timing from vision loss to surgical intervention seemed to be associated with improvement. From a surgical perspective, caution is warranted to protect remaining vision and we conclude that EETA is safe in the management of these patients.

Management of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly: a practical review of surgical and multimodal management strategies for neurosurgeons.

This review aimed to highlight the history, diagnostic criteria, preoperative prognostic factors, surgical management, and multimodal adjuvant therapies recommended to provide a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of and clinical approach to treating growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHPAs) in patients with acromegaly. The authors collated and reviewed published studies, many written by skull base neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, and radiation oncologists with expertise in pituitary adenoma management, to produce a practical and contemporary update pertaining to the optimal management of acromegaly for neurosurgeons. Acromegaly is a debilitating disease for which surgery can be curative in more than two-thirds of patients. Recent rates of hormonal remission by the authors' group and others following the resection of GHPAs are on the order of 70%-80%, and these increase to more than 85% with the addition of medical therapy in a minority of patients who do not achieve remission with surgery alone. Most tumors are accessible via a direct endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach, which can be augmented with a variety of extended approaches to gain access to suprasellar, clival, and parasellar compartments as needed. Preoperative growth hormone levels, cavernous sinus invasion, and pituitary adenoma consistency are important factors in determining the extent of resection. In most patients with residual or recurrent disease, medical therapy (e.g., somatostatin analogs and dopamine agonists) can be used to help achieve hormonal remission. Repeat surgery can be safely performed in most cases if needed, whereas stereotactic radiosurgery is usually reserved for medically resistant tumors in surgically inaccessible compartments. The neurosurgeon has a primary and often definitive role in the management of acromegaly. The involvement of an integrated and multidisciplinary team consisting of experts from neurosurgery, otolaryngology, endocrinology, and radiation oncology optimizes the chances for a biochemical cure, even in large and aggressive GHPAs.

Endoscopic endonasal approach for MRI-Negative Cushing's microadenoma.

A 54-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus type 2 for 12 years and hypertension was seen in the clinic due to poorly controlled diabetes. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) confirmed Cushing's disease with primary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma on the right. However, 3T and subsequent 7T MRI showed no visible tumor. An endoscopic transsphenoidal approach was selected to explore the pituitary gland and resect the presumed microadenoma. Tumor was identified in the lateral recess along the right medial cavernous sinus wall and gross-total resection (GTR) was performed. The normal pituitary gland was preserved, and the patient went into remission. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.4.FOCVID2324.