[Anterior pituitary hypersecretion syndromes]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Anterior pituitary hypersecretion stems from hypothalamic dysfunction, reduced hormone feedback, or pituitary tumors.
• Clinical syndromes like acromegaly, hyperprolactinemia, and excess ACTH can result from pituitary hypersecretion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes and clinical manifestations of anterior pituitary hypersecretion.
• To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pituitary tumors causing hormone excess.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pituitary hypersecretion and tumors.
• Analysis of clinical syndromes associated with specific hormone excesses.

Main Results:

• Growth hormone (GH)-secreting tumors are the primary cause of acromegaly.
• Prolactin (PRL)- and ACTH-secreting tumors are less common causes of hyperprolactinemia and excess cortisol.
• Glycoprotein-secreting tumors (gonadotropin, free subunits) often lack distinct clinical syndromes but are increasingly identified histopathologically.
• Mixed hormonal secretions are frequent.
• Medical therapy can reduce tumor size.
• Surgery, irradiation, or target gland treatment may be necessary.

Conclusions:

• Pituitary tumors are a significant cause of anterior pituitary hypersecretion with diverse clinical presentations.
• Effective management strategies exist, including medical, surgical, and radiological interventions.