[Diseases of the pituitary gland: clinical aspects and biochemical evaluation]

Endocrine inactive and prolactin-secreting adenomas are the most commonly observed forms of pituitary tumors counting for more than 50 percent of diseases. In most cases first clinical symptoms can be attributed to insufficiency of the adenohypophysis which is also true for gonadotropin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) producing adenomas. Clinical signs and symptoms of secondary insufficiency and primary forms of endocrine deficits do not differ significantly and the diagnosis may be hampered by involvement of more than one organ system. In contrast, symptoms and signs of ACTH or GH producing tumors are more impressive leading to diagnosis at an earlier stage. In case of corticotropic and somatotropic dysfunction dynamic tests are necessary for diagnosis. Close cooperation of endocrinologists, radiologists, and neurosurgeons is necessary for the effective workup of pituitary gland diseases.