A double pituitary adenoma presenting as a prolactin-secreting tumor with partial response to medical therapy. Case report

Double PitNETs: A Case Report and Literature Review

Double pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (double PitNETs) are two distinct tumors in the same gland and are infrequent in clinical practice. In typical double PitNETs, an MRI detects two separate tumors that are diagnosed by pathology; they could also appear as a single tumor, and pathology would then identify the two independent tumors. A literature review was conducted, and 142 cases were analyzed to determine the characteristics of double PitNETs. Of these cases, acromegaly (45.5%) was the most common clinical feature, followed by Cushing's disease (35.1%) and prolactinoma (17.9%), indicating that double PitNETs are usually noticed by hormonal excess symptoms due to at least one functional tumor. The pathological analysis of 284 tumors showed that somatotroph (28.9%) and corticotroph (26.8%) tumors were predominant, with a recent increase in the proportion of gonadotroph tumors. Regarding transcription factors, 51.1% were of GH-PRL-TSH PIT1-lineage, 26.1% ACTH TPIT-lineage, and 17.9% LH-FSH SF1-lineage. The radiological analysis of 82 cases revealed that double tumors (45.1%) and single tumors (47.6%) were comparable, suggesting that double PitNETs are often detected as a single tumor, and attention should be paid to hidden micro-tumors during surgery. Double PitNETs are complicated by a wide variety of clinical, radiological, and pathological findings, but diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are advancing.

A rare case of double pituitary prolactinomas: the diagnostic application of intraoperative ultrasonography and DNA methylation markers

The aim of this study is to describe the management and evolution of a patient with the rare condition of double lactotroph tumors and assess the role of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) for their detection and methylation-based liquid biopsy for their diagnosis and monitoring. A 29-year-old woman diagnosed with double lactotroph tumors through hormonal and MRI workup underwent surgical resection due to cabergoline intolerance. To detect a tumor missing through visual inspection, IOUS was performed. Pituitary tumor (PT) and nontumor (NT) tissues and blood were collected for pathological and molecular assessments (genome-wide methylation level profiled using the EPIC array, at surgery and follow-up). Reference methylome data were obtained from publicly available repositories. Both tumors (T1 and T2) were detected via IOUS and confirmed as lactotroph tumors through immunohistochemistry. In tissue specimens, PT-specific markers distinguished T1 from NT tissue, while T2, primarily nontumor cells, clustered with NT specimens. In liquid biopsies, these markers differentiated between T and NT cohorts. During the 12-month follow-up, methylation profiling and prolactin blood assessments showed that methylation markers clustered with NT specimens, which coincided with prolactinemia normalization, indicating successful tumor control after surgery. This case illustrates the translational use of methylation-based liquid biopsy methodologies in detecting and monitoring PTs through the detection of tumor-specific markers in blood specimens. This approach can be useful to distinguish sellar masses mimicking PTs based on nonspecific imaging features and to monitor for early recurrence of PTs, particularly nonfunctioning PTs lacking specific biochemical markers. This case also illustrated the role of IOUS in identifying multiple PTs missed by visual inspection alone, leading to improved patient outcomes through complete tumor resection.

Double pituitary adenomas: report of two cases and systematic review of the literature

Objective

Double pituitary adenomas (DPA) are a rare clinical condition, and our knowledge of them is limited. Missing the second lesion leading to incomplete biochemical remission after surgery is an important challenge in DPA management. This study aims to analyze independent prognostic factors in DPA patients and summarize clinical experiences to prevent surgical failure.

Methods

Two cases of DPA patients with Cushing's disease diagnosed and surgically treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital are reported. A literature review was performed on the online database Pubmed, and 57 DPA patients from 22 retrieved articles were included. Demographic characteristics, endocrine manifestations, diagnostic methods, tumor size, and immunohistochemical features of 59 patients were analyzed. Binary logistic regression models were used to identify independent prognostic factors affecting postoperative biochemical remission.

Results

Among 59 DPA patients, the mean ± SD age was 43.64 ± 14.42 years, with 61.02% being female (n = 36). The most common endocrine manifestations were Cushing's syndrome (23/59, 38.98%) and acromegaly (20/59, 33.90%). The most prevalent immunohistochemical types were ACTH-immunopositive (31/118, 26.27%) and GH-immunopositive (31/118, 26.27%) tumors. Microadenomas (<1cm) were the most frequent in terms of tumor size (62/92, 67.39%). The detection rate for double lesions on 3.0T MRI was 50.00% (14/28), which significantly higher than 1.5T MRI (P = 0.034). Univariate analysis revealed that female, Cushing's syndrome and only single lesion detected by surgical exploration were associated with significantly worse prognosis (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified double lesion detected by surgical exploration (OR = 0.08, P = 0.003) and contiguous type tumor (OR = 0.06, P = 0.017) as independent protective factors for DPA patients.

Conclusions

The double lesion detected by surgical exploration is independently associated with a better prognosis for DPA patients. Comprehensive intraoperative exploration are crucial measures to avoid missing causative lesions.

Intrasphenoidal Rathke's Cleft Cyst: An Uncommon Feat

Usually occurring entirely intrasellarly or extending suprasellarly (intra-suprasellar), Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) can present with an intrasphenoidal location. Extrasellar positions are rare. To date, only seven patients with intrasphenoidal RCC have been reported in the literature. Despite the rarity of the condition and the lack of pathognomonic radiological features, preoperative diagnosis remains challenging. A trans-sphenoidal approach can be adopted to treat this type of cyst, which has great clinical relevance. Awareness of this different presentation of RCC before respective management may be of value in its approach. Intrasphenoidal RCC should be diagnosed preoperatively and the surgical approach should be changed accordingly by aspiration and partial removal before the histological examination.

Co-occurrence of Functional Gonadotroph Adenoma and Lactotroph Adenoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background/Objective

Functional gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) are adenomas producing active gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone. Double pituitary adenomas are 2 distinct adenomas occurring in an individual. This report aimed to present an extremely rare case of an FGA, itself an uncommon disorder, co-occurring with a lactotroph adenoma.

Case Report

A 33-year-old woman presented with menorrhagia and was found to have ovarian enlargement, large uterine leiomyomas, and bitemporal hemianopsia. Initially, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and prolactin were 73.3 mIU/mL (midcycle peak, 2.3-20.9 mIU/L), 3.74 mIU/L (midcycle peak, 8.7-76.3 mIU/L), 1071 pg/mL (midcycle peak 38-649 pg/mL), and 402 ng/mL (2-30 ng/mL), respectively. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a single sellar mass (2.0 × 2.2 cm). Two months of cabergoline did not reverse visual field deficits; therefore, transsphenoidal resection was performed. Diagnosis of 2 separate adenomas, a gonadotroph and lactotroph adenoma, was confirmed on pathology.

Discussion

In this case, gonadotropins did not suppress in response to hyperprolactinemia. Although marked hyperprolactinemia has been associated with functional and clinically silent gonadotroph adenomas in prior cases, this is the first case to confirm an FGA co-occurring with a lactotroph adenoma.

Conclusion

In patients who present with elevated gonadotropin levels despite hyperprolactinemia, we suggest considering FGA. Further research is needed to clarify whether there is underdiagnosis of lactotroph adenomas co-occurring with gonadotroph adenomas.

Genetics of Pituitary Tumours

Pituitary tumours are relatively common in the general population. Most often they occur sporadically, with somatic mutations accounting for a significant minority of somatotroph and corticotroph adenomas. Pituitary tumours can also develop secondary to germline mutations as part of a complex syndrome or as familial isolated pituitary adenomas. Tumours occurring in a familial setting may present at a younger age and can behave more aggressively with resistance to treatment. This chapter will focus on the genetics and molecular pathogenesis of pituitary tumours.

Double separate versus contiguous pituitary adenomas: MRI features and endocrinological follow up

PURPOSE

Double pituitary adenomas are defined as two adenomas within a gland. These have distinct light microscopic and immunohistochemical features and may be clearly-separate or contiguous. Most reports have focused on the various hormonal combinations in double tumors rather than on any potential increased risk for residual mass or endocrinopathy.

METHODS

Departmental files were searched to identify all double adenomas from 1/1/2000 to 3/1/2016, with review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if the dual nature of the lesions could be discerned retrospectively after histologic diagnosis of double adenoma. All cases were immunostained for standard anterior pituitary hormones.

RESULTS

Eight cases were identified: 2 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/alpha subunit (ASU) + prolactinoma (PRL); 1 PRL + corticotroph (ACTH); 1 hormone-negative + PRL; 1 ACTH + ASU/growth hormone (GH)/PRL; 1 GH/PR + PRL; 1 FSH/ASU, + ACTH; 1 GH + luteinizing hormone (LH). One patient had clearly-separate lesions identified preoperatively and required two surgical procedures for gross total resection. A second patient had 2 lesions recognized at surgery and afterwards on retrospective neuroimaging. The remaining 6 patients had double adenomas discovered at the time of histologic examination that were not resolvable at surgery or on retrospective neuroimaging. Four patients, 2 with clearly-separate and 2 with contiguous double adenomas, had persistent MRI abnormalities, and one had continued endocrine abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Double contiguous pituitary adenomas are difficult to anticipate preoperatively or to resolve intraoperatively. Although double contiguous adenomas are much more common than double separate lesions, both have a risk for subtotal resection and, thus, residual mass and/or endocrinopathy may ensue.

Isolated double adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas: A case report and review of the literature

Only a few cases of double or multiple pituitary adenomas have previously been reported in the literature; however, isolated double adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas are even more rare. The present study reports a rare case of a 50-year-old female patient who presented with typical clinical features of Cushing's disease and was diagnosed with isolated double ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Endocrinological examination revealed an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma, and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a microadenoma with a lower intensity on the right side of the pituitary gland. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, which revealed another pituitary tumor in the left side of the pituitary gland. The two, clearly separated, pituitary adenomas identified in the same gland were completely resected. Immunohistochemistry and pathology revealed that the clearly separated double pituitary adenomas were positive for ACTH, thyroid-stimulating, growth and prolactin hormones. Postoperatively, the levels of ACTH and cortisol hormone decreased rapidly. The case reported in the present study is considerably rare, due to the presence of a second pituitary adenoma in the same gland, which was not detected by preoperative MRI scan, but was noticed during surgery. Intraoperative evaluation may be important in the identification of double or multiple pituitary adenomas.

Multiple Pituitary Adenomas: A Systematic Review

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases were systematically searched for studies reporting synchronous double or multiple pituitary adenomas (MPA), a rare clinical condition, with a vague pathogenesis. Multiple adenomas of the pituitary gland are referred to as morphologically and/or immunocytochemically distinct tumors that are frequently small-sized and hormonally non-functional, to account for the low detection rate. There is no general agreement on how to classify MPA, various criteria, such as tumor contiguity, immunoreactivity, and clonality analysis are being used. Among the component tumors, prolactin (PRL)-immunopositive adenomas are highly prevalent, albeit mute in the majority of cases. The most frequent clinical presentation of MPA is Cushing's syndrome, given the fact that in more than 50% of reported cases at least one lesion stains for adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Plurihormonal hyperactivity may be diagnosed in a patient with MPA when more than one tumor is clinically active (e.g., ACTH and PRL) or in cases with at least one composite tumor (e.g., GH and PRL), to complicate the clinical scenario. Specific challenges associated with MPA include high surgical failure rates, enforcing second-look surgery in certain cases, and difficult preoperative neuroradiological imaging evaluation, with an overall sensitivity of only 25% for magnetic resonance imaging to detect distinct multiple tumors. Alternatively, minor pituitary imaging abnormalities may raise suspicion, as these are not uncommon. Postoperative immunohistochemistry is mandatory and in conjunction to electron microscopy scanning and testing for transcription factors (i.e., Pit-1, T-pit, and SF-1) accurately define and classify the distinct cytodifferentiation of MPA.

Isolated double pituitary adenomas: A silent corticotroph adenoma and a microprolactinoma

We report a 27-year-old woman with amenorrhea and galactorrhea with mildly elevated serum prolactin levels. Her MRI demonstrated a cystic macroadenoma in the left aspect of the sella and a small microadenoma in the right aspect of the sella. Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the tumors revealed two histologically distinct tumors. The left tumor was consistent with a silent corticotroph macroadenoma and the right tumor was a prolactin producing microadenoma. Isolated double pituitary adenomas that are clearly separated by normal pituitary gland tissue are extremely rare. The incidence is approximately 0.37-2.6%. The coexistence of double adenomas can pose diagnostic and management challenges for the pituitary neuroendocrine team.

Epidemiology and etiopathogenesis of pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are usually benign monoclonal tumours presenting either due to hypersecretion of pituitary hormones, and/or due to local space occupying effects and hyposecretion of some or all of the pituitary hormones. Some pituitary adenomas cause prominent symptoms, while others may result in slowly developing, insidious, non-specific complains delaying accurate diagnosis, with a third group remaining symptomless and recognised only incidentally. Therefore, it is a challenge to accurately determine the prevalence and incidence of pituitary adenomas in the general population. The vast majority of pituitary adenomas occur sporadically, but familial cases are now increasingly recognised. Hereditary predisposition, somatic mutations and endocrine factors were shown to have a pathophysiologic role in the initiation and progression of pituitary adenomas, which interestingly almost always remain benign. Here, we summarize the available epidemiological data and the known pathogenesis of the pituitary adenomas.

A somatotropin-producing pituitary adenoma with an isolated adrenocorticotropin-producing pituitary adenoma in a female patient with acromegaly, subclinical Cushing's disease and a left adrenal tumor

A 67-year-old female with hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance was admitted to our hospital because of a typical acromegalic appearance, including large, thickened bulky hands and feet, and a large prominent forehead and tongue. She did not have a Cushingoid appearance, such as a moon-face, buffalo hump, purple striae or central obesity. The laboratory data revealed a serum GH level of 4.6 ng/mL and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 level of 811 ng/mL. The oral glucose tolerance test showed no suppression of the GH values. An endocrine examination showed a lack of circadian rhythmicity of ACTH and cortisol. Cortisol was not suppressed by a low dose of dexamethasone during the suppression test, but was suppressed by a high dose of dexamethasone. A radiological study revealed two isolated adenomas in the pituitary and a left adrenal tumor. These findings strongly suggested a diagnosis of acromegaly with subclinical Cushing's disease and a left adrenal incidentaloma. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the left and right pituitary adenomas were composed of basophilic and acidophilic cells, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining showed the left adenoma to be positive for ACTH and negative for GH. In contrast, the right adenoma was GH-positive and ACTH-negative. This is a rare case of independent double pituitary adenomas with distinct hormonal features. We also provide a review of the previously reported cases of double pituitary adenomas and discuss the etiology of these tumors.

Double, synchronous pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly and Cushing's disease. A case report and review of literature

Double pituitary adenomas are very rare and present up to 1 % of pituitary adenomas in unselected autopsy series and up to 2 % in large surgical series. We report a case of a 47-year-old man presented slight clinical features of acromegaly with 2 years duration. Endocrine evaluation confirmed active acromegaly and revealed adrenocorticotropin hormone-dependent hypercortisolemia. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary demonstrated clearly separated double microadenomas with different intensity. The patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery and both tumors were completely removed and were fixed separately. The histological and ultrastructural examination confirmed coincidence of the double, clearly separated pituitary adenomas in one gland. Postoperative function of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis was normalized. We conclude from this case and a literature review that double endocrinologically active pituitary adenomas leading to acromegaly and Cushing's disease may occur. Additionally, a review of the literature regarding multiple pituitary adenomas has also been performed.

Double pituitary adenomas

Double pituitary adenomas represent up to 2.6 % of pituitary adenomas in large surgical series and up to 3.3 % of patients with Cushing's disease have been found to have double or multiple pituitary adenomas. We report the case of a 60-year-old male patient whose medical history began in 2002 with erectile dysfunction; hyperprolactinemia was found and MRI showed a 6-mm area of delayed enhancement in the lateral portion of the right pituitary lobe. Treatment with cabergoline was started with normalization of prolactin levels; the following MRI, performed in 2005 and 2008, showed shrinkage of the pituitary lesion. In 2005, the patient began to manifest weight gain, hypertension, and facial plethora, but no further evaluations were done. In January 2010, the patient came to our attention and underwent multiple tests that suggested Cushing's disease. A new MRI was negative. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling showed significant pituitary-to-peripheral ratio and, in May 2010, the patient underwent exploratory pituitary surgery with evidence of a 1-2-mm white-coloured midline area compatible with pituitary adenoma that was surgically removed. Post-operatively, the patient's clinical conditions improved with onset of secondary hypoadrenalism. The histologic examination confirmed a pituitary adenoma (immunostaining was found to be positive for ACTH and negative for prolactin). We report the case of an ACTH-producing microadenoma metachronous to a prolactin secreting microadenoma although not confirmed histologically, shrunk by medical treatment. A review of data in the literature regarding double or multiple pituitary adenomas has also been done.