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Pituitary tumours in the elderly: a 20 year experience
H E Turner1, C B Adams, J A Wass
1Department of Endocrinology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK.
European Journal of Endocrinology
|May 7, 1999
Summary
Pituitary tumors in older adults are often non-functioning adenomas presenting with vision loss and hypopituitarism. Despite co-existing conditions, surgery is safe and effective for elderly patients with pituitary tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- The aging global population necessitates increased focus on medical conditions prevalent in the elderly.
- Pituitary tumors require specific attention due to their potential impact on vision and hormonal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation, tumor types, and treatment outcomes of pituitary tumors in patients aged 65 and older.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical interventions for pituitary tumors in the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from a specialist endocrine and neurosurgical unit.
- Analysis of data from 84 patients aged 65+ diagnosed with pituitary tumors between 1975 and 1996.
Main Results:
- Non-functioning adenomas (NFAs) constituted the majority (60.7%) of pituitary tumors.
- Visual deterioration was a common presentation (39.3%), with significant visual impairment noted in 64.3% of patients.
- Trans-sphenoidal surgery was well-tolerated, with no peri- or post-operative mortality and a 13.1% complication rate, despite 80.8% having comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Pituitary tumors in the elderly frequently present as NFAs, often with visual deficits and hypopituitarism, suggesting diagnostic delays.
- Surgical management of pituitary tumors in older adults is safe and effective, even in the presence of significant co-existing medical conditions.
