Vidhu V Thaker1,2, Adrianne E Lage3, Garima Kumari4, V Michelle Silvera5, Laurie E Cohen2,6. 1. Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York. 2. Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 3. Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts. 4. Clinical Research Informatics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 5. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. 6. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract
CONTEXT: Pituitary lesions consistent with microadenomas are increasingly discovered by MRI. Sparse data are available on the long-term clinical and imaging course of such lesions in children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to define the clinical and imaging course of pituitary lesions representing or possibly representing nonfunctioning microadenomas in children to guide clinical management. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: The clinical data warehouse at a tertiary care academic children's hospital was queried with the terms "pituitary" AND "microadenoma" and "pituitary" AND "incidentaloma." The electronic health records of the identified subjects were reviewed to extract data on the clinical and imaging course. RESULTS: A total of 78 children had nonfunctioning pituitary lesions incidentally discovered during clinical care, of which 44 (56%) were reported as presumed or possible microadenomas. In the children with microadenoma (median age 15 years, interquartile range 2), a majority (70%) underwent imaging for nonendocrine symptoms, the most common being headache (n = 16, 36%). No significant increase in the size of the microadenoma or cysts or worsening of pituitary function was seen over the average clinical follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.6 years. Four cases of drug-induced hyperprolactinemia resolved with discontinuation of the offending medication. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic pituitary lesions representing cysts, microadenomas, or possible microadenomas follow a benign course in children. In the absence of new endocrine or visual symptoms, repeat MRI may not be needed, and if performed, should be done in no less than a year. When possible, it is prudent to discontinue hyperprolactinemia-inducing medications before imaging.
CONTEXT: Pituitary lesions consistent with microadenomas are increasingly discovered by MRI. Sparse data are available on the long-term clinical and imaging course of such lesions in children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to define the clinical and imaging course of pituitary lesions representing or possibly representing nonfunctioning microadenomas in children to guide clinical management. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: The clinical data warehouse at a tertiary care academic children's hospital was queried with the terms "pituitary" AND "microadenoma" and "pituitary" AND "incidentaloma." The electronic health records of the identified subjects were reviewed to extract data on the clinical and imaging course. RESULTS: A total of 78 children had nonfunctioning pituitary lesions incidentally discovered during clinical care, of which 44 (56%) were reported as presumed or possible microadenomas. In the children with microadenoma (median age 15 years, interquartile range 2), a majority (70%) underwent imaging for nonendocrine symptoms, the most common being headache (n = 16, 36%). No significant increase in the size of the microadenoma or cysts or worsening of pituitary function was seen over the average clinical follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.6 years. Four cases of drug-induced hyperprolactinemia resolved with discontinuation of the offending medication. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic pituitary lesions representing cysts, microadenomas, or possible microadenomas follow a benign course in children. In the absence of new endocrine or visual symptoms, repeat MRI may not be needed, and if performed, should be done in no less than a year. When possible, it is prudent to discontinue hyperprolactinemia-inducing medications before imaging.
Authors: M Mercè Fernández-Balsells; Mohammad Hassan Murad; Amelia Barwise; Juan F Gallegos-Orozco; Anu Paul; Melanie A Lane; Julianna F Lampropulos; Inés Natividad; Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez; Paula G Ponce de León-Lovatón; Patricia J Erwin; Jantey Carey; Victor M Montori Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2011-04 Impact factor: 5.958
Authors: Kevin C J Yuen; David M Cook; Prem Sahasranam; Pragnesh Patel; David E Ghods; Hrayr K Shahinian; Theodore C Friedman Journal: Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) Date: 2008-01-25 Impact factor: 3.478