Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Retrospective multicentric study of pituitary incidentalomas
Patricia Fainstein Day1,2, Mirtha Guitelman3, Rosa Artese3
1Neuroendocrinology Department of the Argentine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Buenos Aires (Departamento de Neuroendocrinología de la Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinología y Metabolismo, Buenos Aires), Díaz Velez, Buenos Aires, 1200, Argentina. patricia.fainstein@hospitalitaliano.org.ar.
Previously unsuspected pituitary tumors (incidentalomas) are often macroadenomas, particularly in males, frequently requiring intervention. This study highlights their higher incidence and clinical impact compared to prior expectations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Previously unsuspected pituitary tumors (incidentalomas) are detected in autopsies and MRI scans, with most being micro-pituitary incidentalomas (PIs).
- However, some patients with PIs present with macroadenomas, potentially linked to neurological or endocrine issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of macro- versus micro-pituitary incidentalomas (PIs).
- To assess the need for medical or surgical treatment for PIs.
- To evaluate neurological and endocrine dysfunction associated with PIs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 46 patients with PIs over six years (1994-2000).
- Follow-up included hormonal testing, ophthalmologic evaluation, and MRI.
- Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on operated tumors.
Main Results:
- 63% of patients had macro-PIs, and 17% had micro-PIs.
- Macro-PIs were more common in males (75%), with 34.5% experiencing visual field defects.
- 41.3% of PIs showed anterior pituitary dysfunction, and 37% required surgery.
Conclusions:
- Pituitary incidentalomas (PIs) are frequently macroadenomas, contrary to previous findings.
- Macro-PIs predominantly affect males and are often clinically non-functioning, necessitating surgery and hormonal substitution in many cases.
