Endocrine function and gland volume after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctional pituitary macroadenomas

Prognostic indicators in pituitary adenoma surgery: a comprehensive analysis of surgical outcomes and complications

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to identify predictive factors associated with onset of de-novo clinically significant pituitary insufficiencies following endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for pituitary adenomas. The secondary objective explored the predictive factors of surgical success.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 211 patients who underwent EES. Logistic regression models were employed for the primary and secondary objectives. Patients were stratified into specific groups based on surgical indications and prolactin levels for nuanced analysis.

Results

Significant predictors for de-novo pituitary insufficiencies included male sex (OR 3.3, CI95% 1.3-8.1, p=0.01), immediate postoperative insufficiencies (OR 5.6, CI95% 2.8-11.1, p<0.001), and HYPRONOS criteria (OR 5.7, CI95% 1.6-20.9, p=0.008). For surgical success, preoperative insufficiencies (OR 0.7, CI95% 0.5-0.9, p=0.008), repeat surgeries (OR 0.1, CI95% 0-0.4, p=0.001), and gonadotroph or somatotroph adenomas were significant. Age and adenoma size were not predictive in multivariate analysis. Furthermore, we observed a "dip and recover" effect of prolactin after surgery and lower prolactin levels at follow-up (< 3 ng/ml) are correlated with more anterior pituitary insufficiencies than normoprolactinemic patients (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

This study identifies key predictors for outcomes in pituitary surgery. Our research is the first to employ individualized success criteria for EES, challenging existing perceptions about the role of age and adenoma size. These findings open avenues for nuanced, individualized preoperative risk assessment and postoperative management.

Pituitary adenoma consistency affects postoperative hormone function: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Tumor consistency recently emerged as a key factor in surgical planning for pituitary adenomas, but its impact on postoperative endocrine function is still unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of tumor consistency on the development of postoperative pituitary deficiencies.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive pituitary surgeries performed between January 2017 and January 2021 at Policlinico Umberto I in Rome. All patients underwent radiological and biochemical evaluations at baseline, and hormone assessments 3 and 6 months after pituitary surgery. Postoperative MRI studies were used to determine resection rates following surgery. Data on tumor consistency, macroscopic appearance, neurosurgical approach, and intraoperative complications were collected.

RESULTS

Fifty patients [24 women, mean age 57 ± 13 years, median tumor volume 4800 mm³ [95% CI 620-8828], were included. Greater tumor volume (χ² = 14.621, p = 0.006) and male sex (χ² = 12.178, p < 0.001) were associated with worse preoperative endocrine function. All patients underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy. Fibrous consistency was observed in 10% of patients and was associated with a Ki-67 greater than 3% (χ² = 8.154, p = 0.04), greater risk of developing postoperative hormone deficiencies (χ² = 4.485, p = 0.05, OR = 8.571; 95% CI: 0.876-83.908), and lower resection rates (χ2 = 8.148, p = 0.004; OR 1.385, 95% CI; 1.040-1.844). Similarly, worse resection rates were observed in tumors with suprasellar extension (χ2 = 5.048, p = 0.02; OR = 6.000, 95% CI; 1.129-31.880) and CSI (χ2 = 4.000, p = 0.04; OR = 3.857, 95% CI; 0.997-14.916).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor consistency might provide useful information about postoperative pituitary function, likely due to its impact on surgical procedures. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.

New developments and concepts in the diagnosis and management of diabetes insipidus (AVP-deficiency and resistance)

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a disorder characterised by the excretion of large amounts of hypotonic urine, with a prevalence of 1 per 25,000 population. Central DI (CDI), better now referred to as arginine vasopressin (AVP)-deficiency, is the most common form of DI resulting from deficiency of the hormone AVP from the pituitary. The less common nephrogenic DI (NDI) or AVP-resistance develops secondary to AVP resistance in the kidneys. The majority of causes of DI are acquired, with CDI developing when more than 80% of AVP-secreting neurons are damaged. Inherited/familial CDI causes account for approximately 1% of cases. Although the pathogenesis of NDI is unclear, more than 280 disease-causing mutations affecting the AVP2 protein or AVP V2 receptor, as well as in aquaporin 2 (AQP2), have been described. Although the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway remains the major regulatory pathway of AVP/AQP2 action, in vitro data have also revealed additional cAMP independent pathways of NDI pathogenesis. Diagnosing partial forms of DI, and distinguishing them from primary polydipsia, can be challenging, previously necessitating the use of the water deprivation test. However, measurements of circulating copeptin levels, especially after stimulation, are increasingly replacing the classical tests in clinical practice because of their ease of use and high sensitivity and specificity. The treatment of CDI relies on desmopressin administration, whereas NDI requires the management of any underlying diseases, removal of offending drugs and, in some cases, administration of diuretics. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of DI has led to novel evolving therapeutic agents that are under clinical trial.

Predictive factors for recovery from adult growth hormone deficiency after transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma

OBJECTIVE

Recovery from adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) has not been well discussed because of the lack of examinations including pituitary provocation tests (PPTs) before and after the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the growth hormone (GH) axis function of patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) via pre- and postoperative PPTs. Moreover, the predictive factors for recovery from AGHD after TSS were validated to facilitate surgery for AGHD in patients with NFPA.

METHODS

In total, 276 patients (median age 60.0 years) who underwent TSS for NFPA were included in this study. PPTs were performed before and 3 months after TSS. Then, the relationships between recovery from AGHD after TSS and clinical, surgical, and hormonal factors, including peak GH level based on PPTs, were evaluated statistically.

RESULTS

In this study, 114 patients were diagnosed with preoperative AGHD. Approximately 25.4% recovered from AGHD after TSS. In contrast, among the 162 patients without preoperative AGHD, 13 (8.0%) had newly developed postoperative AGHD. The predictive factors for recovery from AGHD were younger age, female sex, initial TSS, and high peak GH level based on preoperative PPT. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, patients who were aged ≤ 62.2 years and had a peak GH level of ≥ 0.74 μg/L based on preoperative PPT were likely to recover from AGHD (sensitivity: 82.8%, specificity: 72.9%, and area under the curve: 0.8229).

CONCLUSIONS

AGHD caused by NFPA can improve after initial TSS among young patients with certain peak GH levels assessed by preoperative PPT. Whether TSS for NFPA can promote recovery from AGHD is worth considering in some patients.

The value of intraoperative MRI for resection of functional pituitary adenomas-a critical assessment of a consecutive single-center series of 114 cases

This series sought to evaluate the role of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) for resection of functional pituitary adenomas (FPAs). We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 114 consecutive FPAs with excessive hormone secretion treated with transsphenoidal surgery and iMRI during 01/2010-12/2017. We focused on iMRI findings, extend of resection and postoperative hormonal remission. Variables of incomplete resections and persistent hormone excess were evaluated by binary regression. Patients with FPAs presented with hypercortisolism (n = 23, 20%), acromegaly (n = 56, 49%), and as prolactinomas (n = 35, 31%) resistant to medical treatment. Preoperative MRI showed 81 macroadenomas (71%) and optic system involvement in 41 cases (36%). IMRI was suggestive for residual tumor in 51 cases (45%). Re-inspection of the cavity cleared equivocal findings in 16 cases (14%). Additional tumor was removed in 22 cases (19%). Complete resection was achieved in 95 cases (83%). Postoperative morbidity was low (1.7% revision surgeries, 0.8% permanent diabetes insipidus). Overall hormonal remission-rate was 59% (hypercortisolism 78%, acromegaly 52%, prolactinoma 57%). Supra- and parasellar invasion and preoperative visual impairment were significant predictors for incomplete resections despite use of iMRI. Risk for persistent hormone excess was increased sevenfold after incomplete resections. IMRI enabled reliable identification of tumor remnants during surgery and triggered further resection in a considerable proportion of cases. Nevertheless, tumor size and invasiveness set persistent boundaries to the completeness of resections. The low rate of surgical complications could point at a less invasive iMRI-guided surgical approach while achieving a complete tumor resection was a crucial determinant for hormonal outcome.

Hypogonadism in Male Patients with Pituitary Adenoma and Its Related Mechanism: A Review of Literature

Maintaining normal gonadal axis hormone levels is important for improving the condition of male patients with pituitary adenoma. The current literature is somewhat divided on the results of evaluations of gonadal axis function in male patients with pituitary adenoma before and after treatment, and the increasing demand for better quality of life has provided motivation for this research to continue. In this article, we summarize the feasibility of using testosterone as an indicator for assessing male function and discuss the changes reported in various studies for gonadal hormones before and after treatment in male patients with pituitary adenoma. It is important for clinicians to understand the advantages of each treatment option and the effectiveness of assessing gonadal function. The rationale behind the theory that pituitary adenomas affect gonadal function and the criteria for evaluating pituitary–gonadal axis hormones should be explored in more depth.

Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with Sinonasal, Nasopharyngeal, and Anterior Skull Base Tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article will review functional and QOL outcomes among patients treated predominantly for sinonasal and nasopharyngeal malignancies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Treatment advances and interdisciplinary supportive care help to lessen the functional impairments and the reduction in quality of life (QOL) that were once accepted as inevitable tradeoffs for cure. Recent progress in QOL and Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) instruments for this population will be covered. Sinonasal and nasopharyngeal tumors affect patients' quality of life, appearance, and critical functions. Tumors arise in proximity of vital structures including the orbit, cranial nerves, carotid artery, brain, cervical spine, and pituitary gland. Surgical morbidity, along with acute and late effects of systemic therapy and radiotherapy on normal tissues in this functionally critical region, may result in wide-ranging symptoms. Patients with skull base tumors report a high symptom burden at presentation, prior to treatment, relative to other malignancies in the head and neck region.

Pseudocapsular resection in elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma

OBJECTIVE

The safety of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma in elderly populations is becoming a new topic in our aging society. However, previous studies did not focus on the surgical procedures in elderly patients. We attempted to clarify the safety of TSS and the influence of pseudocapsular resection in elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA).

METHODS

A total of 284 patients undergoing initial TSS for NFPA were categorized into two groups as follows: 1) Elderly group (n = 69; age ≥ 70 years); and 2) Younger group (n = 215; age < 70 years). Furthermore, all patients were newly divided into the two following categories: 1) Resected group (n = 121, with total pseudocapsule resection); and 2) Non-Resected group (n = 163, without total pseudocapsule resection). The main outcome measure was the incidence of perioperative complications and the rate of severe growth hormone deficiency (sGHD) after TSS.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the rates of perioperative complication between the Elderly and Younger groups. Furthermore, pseudocapsular resection did not increase the surgical risks in either group. On the other hand, sGHD only showed a significant improvement in the Younger group. The only factor predicting the new development of sGHD following TSS was an older age, not pseudocapsule resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Aging does not increase the perioperative complications of TSS for NFPA; however, aging has a negative influence on the postoperative function of GH secretion. In contrast, pseudocapsular resection does not have any negative influence on the perioperative complications or postoperative function of GH secretion, even in elderly patients, based on the authors' experience and surgical technique.

Predictors of visual and endocrine outcomes after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas

Surgery for pituitary adenoma is indicated for relief of mass effect and control of endocrinopathy. Setting benchmarks for visual and hormonal outcomes is important for monitoring performance of surgical centres, while understanding the preoperative factors that predict endocrine cure and visual improvement facilitates tailored counselling for patients prior to surgery. A prospective, consecutive cohort of surgically managed (endoscopic transsphenoidal) pituitary adenoma (n = 304) were analysed. Preoperative and postoperative endocrine and visual field assessments were performed and compared to demographic, imaging and pathological data. Larger adenomas tended to have preoperative endocrine deficiency (p < 0.001) and visual field defects (p < 0.001). The largest tumours did not experience normalisation of their endocrinopathy or visual fields with surgery. Of the adenomas with normal preoperative endocrine function, 92.0% (126/137) maintained this postoperatively; only 2 of the 11 patients with new hypopituitarism required long-term hormone replacement. Functional tumour cure was achieved in 65.2% (86/116) after surgery; 74.4% (32/43) of acromegalics and 70.0 (35/50) of Cushing's disease patients achieved hormonal control. All patients with isolated hyperprolactinaemia from stalk effect normalised with surgery, while only 15.9% (7/44) with hypopituitarism recovered normal endocrine function. New hypopituitarism was predicted by younger age and functional adenoma, particularly Cushing's disease. Resolution of endocrinopathy was less likely with reoperative cases and those with cavernous sinus invasion (Knosp grade > 2) or preoperative ophthalmoplegia. One-third of the cohort (102/304, 33.6%) had a preoperative field cut, most commonly an incomplete (51.0%) or complete (31.4%) bitemporal hemianopsia. Only two patients (2/304, 0.7%) had visual field worsening after surgery, while 71.6% (73/102) experienced partial or complete resolution of their field cut after surgery. Complete resolution of visual field defect was predicted by younger age and incomplete bitemporal hemianopsia. Surgery is a safe and effective therapy for pituitary adenomas. Nearly all patients experience improvement in visual fields, especially the young and those with incomplete bitemporal defects. Reoperative cases and those with cavernous sinus involvement (high Knosp grade/ophthalmoplegia) are less likely to have resolution of endocrinopathy. Visual worsening, new ophthalmoplegia or endocrinopathy were rare complications of surgery.

Non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas: factors affecting postoperative recurrence, and pre- and post-surgical endocrine and visual function

BACKGROUND

Non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPAs) with visual field defects are ideally managed by transsphenoidal tumour resection to improve vision, and long-term postsurgical follow up is necessary to monitor for tumour recurrence. Regular updates from global data are necessary for developing optimal management strategies of these tumours.

METHODS

Pre- and postoperative visual and endocrine profile, imaging characteristics and details of surgical interventions among patients with NFPAs managed between 2008 and 2019 in a UK regional centre were assessed. The radiological and surgical outcomes including postoperative complications, recurrence risk and the factors influencing outcomes also were assessed.

RESULTS

105 cases with mean (SD) age 60.1 (14.3) years and follow-up duration 60 (37) months were studied. 67 (64%) patients were male. Five-year recurrence-free survival rate was 71.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 62.7% to 81.6%) with 33 (31%) tumour recurrences of whom 20 (60%) received radiotherapy and 9 (27%) underwent further surgery. Younger age, tumour volume, and bilateral cavernous sinus extension were the predictors of recurrence on univariate analysis, while younger age was the only factor on multivariate analysis (Hazard ratio 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.97). 72/78 patients (92%) with preoperative visual field defects improved after surgery, of whom 27 (35%) had full recovery. 20 (24%) patients had recovery of an abnormal hormone axis. 15 patients (16%) developed perioperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leak (12 cases), meningitis (2 cases), and bleeding (2 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Five-year recurrence-free survival after transsphenoidal resection for NFPAs was 71.5% with older age at surgery conferring lower risk of recurrence. Visual recovery/ improvement occurred in 92% of cases with preoperative visual defects following surgery.

Pituitary function after transsphenoidal surgery including measurement of basal morning cortisol as predictor of adrenal insufficiency

INTRODUCTION

Patients with pituitary adenomas undergoing transsphenoidal surgery require pre- and post-surgery examination of pituitary hormones. There is currently no consensus on how to evaluate the adrenal axis post-surgery. The aims of this study were to investigate factors that may predict postoperative adrenal insufficiency (AI) and to investigate the overall effect of transsphenoidal surgery on pituitary function.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-three consecutive patients who had undergone transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas were included. Data on tumour size, pituitary function pre-surgery, plasma basal cortisol measured within 48 h post-surgery and pituitary function 6 months post-surgery were collected. Patients with AI prior to surgery, perioperative glucocorticoid treatment, Cushing's disease and no re-evaluation after 1 month were excluded (n = 93) in the basal cortisol analysis.

RESULTS

Low plasma basal cortisol post-surgery, tumour size and previous pituitary surgery were predictors of AI (all P < 0.05). A basal cortisol cut-off concentration of 300 nmol/L predicted AI 6 months post-surgery with sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%, specificity of 81% and positive predictive value of 25%. New gonadal, thyroid and adrenal axis insufficiencies accounted for 2, 10 and 10%, respectively. The corresponding recovery rates were 17, 7 and 24%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Transsphenoidal surgery had an overall beneficial effect on pituitary endocrine function. Low basal plasma cortisol measured within 48 h after surgery, tumour size and previous surgery were identified as risk factors for AI. Measurement of basal cortisol post-surgery may help to identify patients at risk of developing AI.

Optimizing pre-, intra-, and postoperative management of patients with sellar pathology undergoing transsphenoidal surgery

OBJECTIVE

Perioperative management of patients with sellar lesions is complex, requiring input from a multidisciplinary team of specialists for ongoing management of both endocrinological and neurosurgical issues. Here, the authors reviewed the experience of a single multidisciplinary center over 10 years to identify key postoperative practices that ensure positive outcomes for patients with sellar lesions who undergo transsphenoidal surgery.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of all transsphenoidal operations carried out by the senior author at a single center from April 2008 through November 2018. They included only adult patients and recorded perioperative management. They also reviewed the evolution of clinical practices for perioperative care at their institution to identify strategies for ensuring positive patient outcomes, and they reviewed the literature on select related topics.

RESULTS

In total, 1023 operations in 928 patients were reviewed. Of these, 712 operations were for pituitary adenomas (69.6%), and 122 were for Rathke cleft cysts (11.9%). The remainder included operations for craniopharyngiomas (3.6%), arachnoid cysts (1.7%), pituitary tumor apoplexy (1.0%), and other sellar pathologies (12.2%). Among the reviewed operations, the median hospital stay was 3 days (IQR 2-3). Patient management details during the pre-, intra-, and postoperative periods were identified, including both shared characteristics of all patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery and unique characteristics that are specific to certain lesion types or patient populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with sellar lesions who undergo transsphenoidal surgery require complex, multidisciplinary perioperative care to monitor for common adverse events and to improve outcomes, but there is a dearth of high-quality evidence guiding most perioperative practices. Here, the authors reviewed practices at their institution across more than 1000 transsphenoidal operations that may help ensure successful patient outcomes.

Radiographic and clinical outcomes using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging for transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas

OBJECTIVE

The utility and safety of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) for resection of pituitary adenomas is not clearly established in the context of advances in endoscopic approaches. The goal in this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of iMRI for pituitary adenoma resection, with endoscopic transsphenoidal (ETS) versus microscopic transsphenoidal (MTS) approaches.

METHODS

Radiographic and clinical outcomes of all pituitary adenomas resected using iMRI between 2008 and 2017 at a single institution were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 212 tumors treated, 131 (62%) underwent further resection based on iMRI findings, resulting in a significant increase in gross-total resection on postoperative MRI compared with iMRI (p = 0.0001) in both ETS and MTS groups. iMRI increased rates of gross-total resection for cavernous sinus invasion Knosp grades 1 and 2, but not in Knosp ≥ 3 across treatment groups (p < 0.0001). The extent of resection on postoperative MRI was significantly correlated with increased progression-free survival (p < 0.0001). Initial hormone remission off medical therapy was achieved in 64%, with a significantly higher rate of remission in tumors resected via the ETS approach (81%) compared with the MTS approach (55%) (p = 0.02). The rate of persistent new hormone deficit was low at 8%, including a 2.8% rate of permanent diabetes insipidus, and 45% of patients had improvement in preoperative hormone deficit following surgery. Serious postoperative complications including CSF leaks requiring reoperation were rare at 1%, with no postoperative infections.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that iMRI is a safe and effective method of increasing the extent of resection for pituitary adenomas while preserving hormone function. When paired with the endoscope, iMRI may offer the ability to tailor more aggressive removal of tumors while optimizing pituitary function, resulting in high rates of secretory hormone remission. Secretory tumors and adenomas with Knosp grade < 3 cavernous sinus invasion may benefit most from the use of iMRI.

Early hormonal recovery following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for silent non-functioning pituitary adenomas with hormone dysfunction

PURPOSE

The role of transsphenoidal surgery in the recovery of preexisting hormone dysfunction from pituitary tumors remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of hormone dysfunction among asymptomatic non-functioning pituitary adenomas and their recovery following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria included age under 80 years, presence of a non-functioning pituitary adenoma compressing the normal gland resulting in deviation of the stalk, absence of visual symptoms, and availability for regular follow-up using MRI and pre- and post-operative endocrinological assessments. 182 patients with silent non-functioning pituitary adenomas were included in this study between March 2014 and December 2018. All patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and complete hormonal evaluation, with basal hormone assays and a combined pituitary function test before and after surgery until the end of last follow-up.

RESULTS

Preoperative assessment of hormonal function revealed that 124 of 182 patients (68.1%) had at least a single hormone dysfunction preoperatively. Among these, 61 of 124 (49.2%) had a dysfunction in a single axis, and 63 (50.8%) had a hormone dysfunction in two or more axes. Overall, the median endocrinological follow-up duration was 15.0 months (6-57 months). At 1 month following surgery, 91 patients (73.4%) with hormone dysfunction experienced improvement in at least a single hormone axis. Prolactin was the most common hormone among those that recovered at the last follow up (92.8% improvement) followed by growth hormone (GH, 50.0%), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, 50.0%), gonadotropin (Gn, 46.9%), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, 45.0%). Time to recovery varied from 1.1 months (for prolactin) to 2.2 months (for gonadotropin, and ACTH). In patients with preoperative deficiency in GH, and ACTH, postoperative transient diabetes insipidus was associated with poor recovery (GH: HR = 0.50, p = 0.048; ACTH: HR = 0.39, p = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas with silent hormone dysfunction are often overlooked by clinicians and patients. We suggest that even silent hormone dysfunction in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas can be improved with effective surgical decompression and these tumors may be potential indications of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Guidelines in the management of CNS tumors

INTRODUCTION

Evidence-based, clinical practice guidelines in the management of central nervous system tumors (CNS) continue to be developed and updated through the work of the Joint Section on Tumors of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

METHODS

The guidelines are created using the most current and clinically relevant evidence using systematic methodologies, which classify available data and provide recommendations for clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

This update summarizes the Tumor Section Guidelines developed over the last five years for non-functioning pituitary adenomas, low grade gliomas, vestibular schwannomas, and metastatic brain tumors.

Hyperprolactinemia and Hypopituitarism in Acromegaly and Effect of Pituitary Surgery: Long-Term Follow-up on 529 Patients

PURPOSE

Studies on hyperprolactinemia and hypopituitarism in acromegaly are limited. We aimed to analyze the preoperative status, postoperative alterations, and correlated factors of hyperprolactinemia and hypopituitarism in acromegaly patients.

METHODS

This is a single-center cohort study with long-term follow-up. We prospectively enrolled 529 acromegaly patients. Hyperprolactinemia and hypopituitarism were evaluated by testing hypothalamus-pituitary-end organ (HPEO) axes hormones before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Hyperprolactinemia (39.1%) and hypopituitarism (34.8%) were common in acromegaly. The incidences of axis-specific hypopituitarism varied (hypogonadism, 29.7%; hypothyroidism, 5.9%; adrenal insufficiency, 5.1%), and multiple HPEO axes dysfunction was diagnosed in 5.3% of patients. Patients with preoperative hyperprolactinemia [hazard ratio (HR)=1.39 (1.08-1.79); p=0.012], hypogonadism [HR=1.32 (1.01-1.73); p=0.047], and hypothyroidism [HR=3.49 (1.90-6.44); p<0.001] had higher recurrence rates than those without. Age, sex, body mass index, tumor size, invasiveness, prolactin staining, ki-67 index, and GH/IGF-1 levels were significantly correlated with preoperative hypopituitarism and hyperprolactinemia. At median 34-month follow-up after surgery, hyperprolactinemia in 95% and axis-specific hypopituitarism in 54%-71% of patients recovered, whereas new-onset hypopituitarism (hypogonadism, 6.2%; hypothyroidism, 4.0%; adrenal insufficiency, 3.2%) was also diagnosed. A shorter tumor diameter was associated with the normalization of preoperative hyperprolactinemia after surgery. Cavernous sinus non-invasion, a shorter tumor diameter, cure at follow-up, and a lower GH nadir level were associated with the improvement of preoperative hypopituitarism after surgery. A larger tumor diameter was associated with the newly developed hypopituitarism after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Hyperprolactinemia and hypopituitarism are common among acromegaly patients and predict worse surgical outcomes. After surgery, improvement and worsening of HPEO axes function co-exist. Correlated factors are identified for clinical management.

Axis-specific analysis and predictors of endocrine recovery and deficits for non-functioning pituitary adenomas undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery

PURPOSE

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) is a well-established treatment for patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). Data on the rates of pituitary dysfunction and recovery in a large cohort of NFPA patients undergoing ETSS and the predictors of endocrine function before and after ETSS are scarce. This study is purposed to analyze the comprehensive changes in hormonal function and identify factors that predict recovery or worsening of hormonal axes following ETSS for NFPA.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 601 consecutive patients who underwent ETSS between 2010 and 2018 at one institution was performed. Recovery or development of new hypopituitarism was analyzed in 209 NFPA patients who underwent ETSS.

RESULTS

Patients with preoperative endocrine deficits (59.8%) in one or more pituitary axes had larger tumor volumes (P = 0.001) than those without preoperative deficits. Recovery of preoperative pituitary deficit occurred in all four axes, with overall mean recovery of 29.7%. The cortisol axis showed the highest recovery whereas the thyroid axis showed the lowest, with 1-year cumulative recovery rates of 44.3% and 6.1%, respectively. Postoperative hypopituitarism occurred overall in 17.2%, most frequently in the thyroid axis (24.3%, 27/111) and least frequently in the cortisol axis (9.7%, 16/165). Axis-specific predictors of post-operative recovery and deficiency were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic alterations in pituitary hormones were observed in a proportion of patients following ETSS in NFPA patients. Postoperative endocrine vulnerability, recovery, and factors that predicted recovery or loss of endocrine function depended on the hormonal system, necessitating an axis-specific surveillance strategy postoperatively.