[Endocrinologic evidence for differential diagnosis and follow-up of expanding intraseller processes]

In expectance of early chromophobic adenomata the transsphenoidal intervention revealed in 5 cases cerebrospinal fluid only, 3 times in closed cysts, 2 times with connection to the endocranial space. In one case the neuro-surgical approach revealed basal arachnoidal cysts. Endocrine studies detected no significant differences between empty sella patients and chromophobic adenomata. Compared with this in suspected acromegalia, the measurement of the different functions of the pituitary gland and especially the repeated control of somatropin proved most effective for early diagnosis, control of the operative effect and long-term success or failure.