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Published on: January 17, 2018
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Sphenoid sinus microbiota in pituitary apoplexy: a preliminary study
Gavin J Humphreys1, Mueez Waqar2,3, Andrew J McBain1
1School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Pituitary
|August 31, 2017
Summary
Pituitary apoplexy (PA) patients show abnormal sphenoid sinus bacteria, unlike healthy controls. This suggests a potential link between PA and sinus infections, warranting further investigation into sphenoid sinusitis.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Endocrinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Abnormal sphenoid sinus changes are common in pituitary apoplexy (PA).
- The underlying cause of these changes is unknown but may involve inflammation or infection.
- This study investigates the sphenoid sinus microbiota in PA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the sphenoid sinus mucosa microbiota in patients with PA.
- To compare the microbiota of PA patients with a control group of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).
- To explore potential links between sphenoid sinus microbiota and PA pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study design.
- Inclusion of patients undergoing trans-sphenoidal surgery for PA or NFPA.
- Microbiological profiling of sphenoid sinus mucosal specimens using 16S rRNA gene PCR-cloning.
Main Results:
- Ten patients (5 PA, 5 NFPA) were analyzed.
- Significant differences in sphenoid sinus microbiota were observed between PA and NFPA groups.
- Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli) were found in four PA patients, while NFPA patients had microbiota resembling healthy sinuses (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium spp.).
Conclusions:
- Pituitary apoplexy may be associated with an abnormal sphenoid sinus microbiota.
- The observed microbiota in PA patients resembles that found in sphenoid sinusitis.
- These findings suggest a potential role for microbial factors in the pathophysiology of PA.
