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Ramírez-Rentería C, Hernández-Ramírez LC. Genetic diagnosis in acromegaly and gigantism: From research to clinical practice. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 38:101892. [PMID: 38521632 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2024.101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
It is usually considered that only 5% of all pituitary neuroendocrine tumours are due to inheritable causes. Since this estimate was reported, however, multiple genetic defects driving syndromic and nonsyndromic somatotrophinomas have been unveiled. This heterogeneous genetic background results in overlapping phenotypes of GH excess. Genetic tests should be part of the approach to patients with acromegaly and gigantism because they can refine the clinical diagnoses, opening the possibility to tailor the clinical conduct to each patient. Even more, genetic testing and clinical screening of at-risk individuals have a positive impact on disease outcomes, by allowing for the timely detection and treatment of somatotrophinomas at early stages. Future research should focus on determining the actual frequency of novel genetic drivers of somatotrophinomas in the general population, developing up-to-date disease-specific multi-gene panels for clinical use, and finding strategies to improve access to modern genetic testing worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ramírez-Rentería
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura C Hernández-Ramírez
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, e Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Yamamoto M, Takahashi Y. Genetic and Epigenetic Pathogenesis of Acromegaly. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163861. [PMID: 36010855 PMCID: PMC9405703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Various genetic and epigenetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors. Although GNAS mutations are the most prevalent cause of somatotroph tumors, the cause of half of all pathogenesis occurrences remains unclarified. However, recent findings including the pangenomic analysis, such as genome, transcriptome, and methylome approaches, and histological characteristics of pituitary tumors, the involvement of AIP and GPR101, the mechanisms of genomic instability, and possible involvement of miRNAs have gradually unveiled the whole landscape of underlying mechanisms of somatotroph tumors. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in the pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors. Abstract Acromegaly is caused by excessive secretion of GH and IGF-I mostly from somatotroph tumors. Various genetic and epigenetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors. While somatic mutations of GNAS are the most prevalent cause of somatotroph tumors, germline mutations in various genes (AIP, PRKAR1A, GPR101, GNAS, MEN1, CDKN1B, SDHx, MAX) are also known as the cause of somatotroph tumors. Moreover, recent findings based on multiple perspectives of the pangenomic approach including genome, transcriptome, and methylome analyses, histological characterization, genomic instability, and possible involvement of miRNAs have gradually unveiled the whole landscape of the underlying mechanisms of somatotroph tumors. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in genetic and epigenetic pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-382-5861
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
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Genetics of Acromegaly and Gigantism. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071377. [PMID: 33805450 PMCID: PMC8036715 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary tumours represent the most genetically determined pituitary tumour type. This is true both for germline and somatic mutations. Germline mutations occur in several known genes (AIP, PRKAR1A, GPR101, GNAS, MEN1, CDKN1B, SDHx, MAX) as well as familial cases with currently unknown genes, while somatic mutations in GNAS are present in up to 40% of tumours. If the disease starts before the fusion of the epiphysis, then accelerated growth and increased final height, or gigantism, can develop, where a genetic background can be identified in half of the cases. Hereditary GH-secreting pituitary adenoma (PA) can manifest as isolated tumours, familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) including cases with AIP mutations or GPR101 duplications (X-linked acrogigantism, XLAG) or can be a part of systemic diseases like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 or type 4, McCune-Albright syndrome, Carney complex or phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma-pituitary adenoma association. Family history and a search for associated syndromic manifestations can help to draw attention to genetic causes; many of these are now tested as part of gene panels. Identifying genetic mutations allows appropriate screening of associated comorbidities as well as finding affected family members before the clinical manifestation of the disease. This review focuses on germline and somatic mutations predisposing to acromegaly and gigantism.
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Srirangam Nadhamuni V, Korbonits M. Novel Insights into Pituitary Tumorigenesis: Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:bnaa006. [PMID: 32201880 PMCID: PMC7441741 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Substantial advances have been made recently in the pathobiology of pituitary tumors. Similar to many other endocrine tumors, over the last few years we have recognized the role of germline and somatic mutations in a number of syndromic or nonsyndromic conditions with pituitary tumor predisposition. These include the identification of novel germline variants in patients with familial or simplex pituitary tumors and establishment of novel somatic variants identified through next generation sequencing. Advanced techniques have allowed the exploration of epigenetic mechanisms mediated through DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs, such as microRNA, long noncoding RNAs and circular RNAs. These mechanisms can influence tumor formation, growth, and invasion. While genetic and epigenetic mechanisms often disrupt similar pathways, such as cell cycle regulation, in pituitary tumors there is little overlap between genes altered by germline, somatic, and epigenetic mechanisms. The interplay between these complex mechanisms driving tumorigenesis are best studied in the emerging multiomics studies. Here, we summarize insights from the recent developments in the regulation of pituitary tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinaya Srirangam Nadhamuni
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
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Reis LB, Konzen D, Netto CBO, Braghini PMB, Prolla G, Ashton-Prolla P. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex with rare associated findings in the gastrointestinal system: a case report and review of the literature. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:394. [PMID: 33225890 PMCID: PMC7682061 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a complex and heterogeneous genetic disease that has well-established clinical diagnostic criteria. These criteria do not include gastrointestinal tumors. Case presentation We report a 45-year-old patient with a clinical and molecular diagnosis of TSC and a family history of cancer, presenting two rare associated findings: gastrointestinal polyposis and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. This patient was subjected to a genetic test with 80 cancer predisposing genes. The genetic panel revealed the presence of a large pathogenic deletion in the TSC2 gene, covering exons 2 to 16 and including the initiation codon. No changes were identified in the colorectal cancer and colorectal polyposis genes. Discussion and conclusions We describe a case of TSC that presented tumors of the gastro intestinal tract that are commonly unrelated to the disease. The patient described here emphasizes the importance of considering polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract and low grade neuroendocrine tumor as part of the TSC syndromic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Brussa Reis
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica - Centro de Pesquisa Experimental - Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Daniele Konzen
- Hospital Mãe de Deus, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Hospital São Lucas, Escola de Medicina da Pontifícia Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cristina Brinckmann Oliveira Netto
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90035-903, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Prolla
- Hospital São Lucas, Escola de Medicina da Pontifícia Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Patricia Ashton-Prolla
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica - Centro de Pesquisa Experimental - Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. .,Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90035-903, Brazil.
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Kolin DL, Duan K, Ngan B, Gerstle JT, Krzyzanowska MK, Somers GR, Mete O. Expanding the Spectrum of Colonic Manifestations in Tuberous Sclerosis: L-Cell Neuroendocrine Tumor Arising in the Background of Rectal PEComa. Endocr Pathol 2018; 29:21-26. [PMID: 28733877 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-017-9497-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous condition that predisposes to numerous proliferative lesions, including perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas), such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and angiomyolipomas, and rare neuroendocrine neoplasms. We describe herein a TSC2-harboring tuberous sclerosis patient manifesting with a synchronous well-differentiated L-cell rectal neuroendocrine tumor and leiomyomatosis-like LAM of the rectum. The background large bowel wall was thickened by confluent nodular areas comprising vessels and spindle-to-epithelioid cells, which are immunoreactive for myoid (smooth muscle actin, muscle specific actin, and desmin) and melanocytic markers (HMB45, Melan-A, microphthalmia transcription factor, and CD117). With the exception of TSC-related pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, the association between tuberous sclerosis and neuroendocrine neoplasms remains largely unknown in the gastrointestinal tract. Neuroendocrine tumorigenesis in tuberous sclerosis is often linked to inactivating mutations of TSC2 leading to aberrant activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. In this report, we document, for the first time, two foci of L-cell rectal neuroendocrine tumor arising in the setting of tuberous sclerosis, thus broadening the spectrum of TSC-associated endocrine disorders. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is only the second documented case of gastrointestinal leiomyomatosis-like LAM in a patient with tuberous sclerosis. The current case provides further evidence that, similar to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, neuroendocrine tumors of the luminal gastrointestinal tract may also be a feature of tuberous sclerosis and can be seen in association with PEComas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Kolin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kai Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bo Ngan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pathology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Ted Gerstle
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monika K Krzyzanowska
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gino R Somers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pathology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, 11th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada.
- Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Kota SK, Meher LK, Rao ES, Modi KD. Endocrinopathy complicating a case of Tuberous sclerosis. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2013; 17:182-184. [PMID: 23776883 PMCID: PMC3659897 DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.107883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Kota
- Department of Endocrinology, Medwin Hospital, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Meher
- Department of General Medicine, MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, Orissa, India
| | - Epari Sanjeeva Rao
- Department of Pathology, KIMS Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Kirtikumar D Modi
- Department of Endocrinology, Medwin Hospital, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Abstract
The study of a number of rare familial syndromes associated with endocrine tumor development has led to the identification of genes involved in the development of these tumors. Major advances have expanded our understanding of the pathophysiology of these rare endocrine tumors, resulting in the elucidation of causative genes in rare familial diseases and a better understanding of the signaling pathways implicated in endocrine cancers. Recognition of the familial syndrome associated with a particular patient's endocrine tumor has important implications in terms of prognosis, screening of family members, and screening for associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya B Lodish
- Section on Endocrinology Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-Institute Training Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Lodish MB, Stratakis CA. Endocrine tumours in neurofibromatosis type 1, tuberous sclerosis and related syndromes. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 24:439-49. [PMID: 20833335 PMCID: PMC2939061 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are two familial syndromes known as phakomatoses that may be associated with endocrine tumours. These hereditary cutaneous conditions affect the central nervous system and are characterised by the development of hamartomas. Over the past 20 years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases. Both NF-1 and TSC are disorders of unregulated progression through the cell cycle, in which causative genes behave as tumour suppressor genes. The pathogenesis of these familial syndromes is linked by the shared regulation of a common pathway, the protein kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Additional related disorders that also converge on the mTOR pathway include Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and Cowden syndrome. All of these inherited cancer syndromes are associated with characteristic skin findings that offer a clue to their recognition and treatment. The discovery of mTOR inhibitors has led to a possible new therapeutic modality for patients with endocrine tumours as part of these familial syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya B Lodish
- Section on Endocrinology Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology Inter-Institute Training Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Abe T, Tara LA, Lüdecke DK. Growth Hormone-secreting Pituitary Adenomas in Childhood and Adolescence: Features and Results of Transnasal Surgery. Neurosurgery 1999. [DOI: 10.1227/00006123-199907000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Abe T, Tara LA, Lüdecke DK. Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence: features and results of transnasal surgery. Neurosurgery 1999; 45:1-10. [PMID: 10414559 DOI: 10.1097/00006123-199907000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pituitary tumors causing gigantism are rare in childhood and adolescence. In a review of 2367 patients with pituitary adenomas who were treated between 1970 and 1997, we found 15 cases (0.63%, 9 male and 6 female patients) of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas in patients who were less than 20 years of age at the time of surgery, and we compared their characteristics with those of adenomas in an adult group. METHODS Patients were grouped according to their ages at the first operation, with five patients (33.3%) in the prepubescent group (0-11 yr), eight (53.3%) in the pubescent group (12-17 yr), and two (13.3%) in the postpubescent group (18-19 yr). All 15 patients exhibited the typical symptoms of growth hormone oversecretion. The incidence of hyperprolactinemia among patients with prepubescent onset was 66.7%. Radiological examinations demonstrated microadenomas in 4 patients (26.7%) and macroadenomas in 11 patients (73.3%). The mean follow-up period was 73.5 months. RESULTS Direct transnasal explorations were performed for all patients. Tumor invasion into the cavernous sinus was observed in six patients (40%). Radical tumor resection was performed for four patients (80%) in the prepubescent group, for five patients (62.5%) in the pubescent group, and for neither patient in the postpubescent group. Surgical morbidity was caused by permanent diabetes insipidus in three patients (20%). Rapid growth was postoperatively improved in 80% of the prepubescent age group. The recurrence rate was 13.3% (2 of 15 patients). CONCLUSION Transnasal pituitary surgery was found to be as safe in pediatric patients with gigantism as in adults. Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence were more likely to be invasive or aggressive than were those in adulthood. The clinical biological characteristics for children were different from those for adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Abe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Partington MD, Davis DH, Laws ER, Scheithauer BW. Pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence. Results of transsphenoidal surgery. J Neurosurg 1994; 80:209-16. [PMID: 8283258 DOI: 10.3171/jns.1994.80.2.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are uncommon in childhood. Between 1975 and 1988, 36 patients underwent transsphenoidal resection at the Mayo Clinic before their 17th birthday. Fifteen (41.7%) had prolactin (PRL)-secreting tumors, 16 (44.4%) had adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors (including two patients with Nelson-Salassa syndrome), and three (8.3%) had tumors secreting growth hormone (GH); two patients (5.6%) had clinically nonfunctioning tumors. Of the 36 patients, 21 (58.3%) were girls, and girls predominated in every group except that with ACTH-secreting tumors, where they accounted for only 37.5% of the patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 14.7 +/- 2.2 years, the youngest patient being 7.3 years old. The ACTH-secreting tumors were associated with an earlier onset of symptoms than the other tumor types: six (37.5%) of 16 patients became symptomatic before 10 years of age, compared with two (10.0%) of the 20 other patients. Presenting symptoms primarily reflected endocrine dysfunction, with neurological presentation (visual field deficits) occurring in only two patients. There were no deaths in this patient group. Significant operative morbidity included steroid-induced psychosis in one patient and diabetes insipidus in three, which resolved in two. Plurihormonal tumors, broadly defined as tumors producing more than one hormone, were common, comprising five (36%) of 14 PRL-secreting tumors, all three GH-secreting tumors, and one of two clinically nonfunctioning tumors, or 25.7% overall. Macroadenomas accounted for 89% of plurihormonal tumors. Long-term follow-up review (median > 5 years) revealed good control of PRL-secreting tumors (although five of 15 patients had received postoperative radiotherapy), contrasted with a 25% late recurrence rate for ACTH-secreting tumors, which had an 80% initial remission rate. The majority of patients had good endocrine function, including reproductive function. It is concluded that: 1) although pediatric pituitary adenomas occur primarily in adolescence, Cushing's disease is found at any age; 2) transsphenoidal surgery is feasible and safe in this age group; 3) plurihormonal tumors occur more frequently in the pediatric age group than in adults; and 4) long-term control rates in PRL- and ACTH-secreting tumors are probably similar to those seen in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Partington
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Ritzén EM, Wettrell G, Davies G, Grant DB. Management of pituitary gigantism. The role of bromocriptine and radiotherapy. ACTA PAEDIATRICA SCANDINAVICA 1985; 74:807-14. [PMID: 4050429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1985.tb10040.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
True gigantism with overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) was diagnosed in two boys, aged 13 years (case I) and 7 1/2 years (case II). Both had shown increased growth rates since early childhood (from 4 years and 1 1/2 years, respectively), but no skeletal acromegalic features were noted. However, both showed increased sweating and both had advanced pubic hair relative to testis volume. No other pituitary dysfunction was recorded. Case I underwent transsphenoidal surgery with only incomplete and temporary suppression of GH and PRL levels. However, in both patients bromocriptine administration promptly suppressed PRL levels. Following combined irradiation and bromocriptine treatment, GH also gradually normalized over a period of 2 years. Both boys are still on treatment, and both showed an increase in plasma GH concentrations when the dose of bromocriptine was reduced or discontinued, indicating that even 3 1/2-5 years after irradiation therapy (and during continuous treatment with bromocriptine) the disease was controlled but not cured. However, in these two boys bromocriptine has proved effective in controlling the PRL/GH oversecretion.
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