Gonadotroph cell pituitary adenomas in males.
Panminerva Med
; 42(4): 237-40, 2000 Dec.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11294084
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Considered exceptional in the past, gonadotroph cell pituitary adenomas account for 3.5-6.4% of total surgically excised pituitary adenomas when examined with immunospecific staining. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, hormonal, radiological and immunohistochemical features, the management and the follow-up of our patients with gonadotroph adenoma.METHODS:
In this retrospective study we describe 14 male subjects aged 19-70 yrs affected by gonadotroph cell pituitary adenomas; the patients were studied by hormonal, radiological and immunohistochemical investigations and followed up for 3-13 yrs by ambulatory and/or hospitalized care.RESULTS:
Visual impairment and/or decreased libido and erectile dysfunction were the symptoms at presentation. Increased serum gonadotropin concentrations were shown in 3 patients. Reduced levels of testosterone were present in 9 patients, and normal in the remainder. At diagnosis all patients had pituitary macroadenomas, with wide extrasellar extension in 12. All patients underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery and immunohistochemical staining of surgically excised specimens showed the presence of gonadotroph and alpha-subunit cells in all pituitary adenomas. After surgery 3 patients had clear radiological evidence of normal pituitary; in the others a doubtful MRI picture or a residual adenomatous tissue were present. In the patients who did not undergo radiotherapy immediately after surgery, a regrowth of tumoral tissue was shown in 1-10 yrs.CONCLUSIONS:
We stress the importance of a close follow-up of patients with gonadotroph adenomas after surgery, and we raise the question of whether radiotherapy may be useful for avoiding any further adenomatous regrowth.
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Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Neoplasias Hipofisarias
/
Adenoma
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Panminerva Med
Año:
2000
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia