Biological and radiological exploration and management of non-functioning pituitary adenoma.

ABSTRACT

Non-functioning pituitary adenoma may be totally asymptomatic and discovered "incidentally" during radiological examination for some other indication, or else induce tumoral signs with compression of the optic chiasm and pituitary dysfunction. Non-functioning adenomas are mainly gonadotroph, but may also be "silent". Treatment strategy depends on initial clinical, biological, ophthalmological and radiological findings. The present French Society of Endocrinology Consensus work-group sought to update the pitfalls associated with hormone assay and outline a hormonal exploration strategy for diagnosis and follow-up, without overlooking the particularities of silent adenoma. We also drew up basic rules for initial exploration and radiological follow-up of both operated and non-operated pituitary adenomas.