[Cushing's disease in children and adolescents].

Fifty-seven unselected children and adolescents with Cushing's disease underwent transsphenoidal exploration and microadenomectomy before their 16th birthday. Hypercortisolism was corrected in 42 of the 57 patients (74%). The recurrence rate was 17% and the long-term remission rate was 57%. Diagnostic peculiarities specific surgical problems and outcome were reviewed. Direct transnasal submucosal surgery for Cushing's disease is successful, and pituitary function can be preserved in most of these young patients.