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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Hypopituitarism caused by intrasellar aneurysms
H M Heshmati1, V Fatourechi, S A Dagam
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|August 14, 2001
Summary
Intrasellar aneurysms are a rare cause of hypopituitarism, affecting 0.17% of patients. Early diagnosis is crucial for surgical success, as pituitary function often remains permanently impaired after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Vascular Neurosurgery
Background:
- Hypopituitarism can result from various pituitary and suprasellar lesions.
- Intrasellar aneurysms are uncommon causes of pituitary dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of hypopituitarism caused by intrasellar aneurysms.
- To highlight the importance of preoperative diagnosis for effective surgical management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from 1950 to 1995 at Mayo Clinic.
- Analysis of patient data including prevalence, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Intrasellar aneurysms accounted for 0.17% of hypopituitarism cases (7 out of 4087 patients).
- Common deficiencies included adrenal, thyroid, and gonadal axes; all patients experienced visual impairment.
- Preoperative diagnosis was achieved in 5 of 7 patients via imaging; surgical outcomes showed no improvement in pituitary function.
Conclusions:
- Intrasellar aneurysms are a rare etiology of hypopituitarism, necessitating prompt diagnosis.
- Surgical intervention does not typically restore pituitary function, emphasizing the need for long-term management.
- Hypopituitarism secondary to intrasellar aneurysms is generally permanent.
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