Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Laparoscopic Anterior Right Hepatectomy: A Single-Center Experience
09:51

Laparoscopic Anterior Right Hepatectomy: A Single-Center Experience

Published on: December 4, 2023

1.6K

Clinical Course of Nonfunctional Pituitary Microadenoma in Children: A Single-Center Experience

Vidhu V Thaker1,2, Adrianne E Lage3, Garima Kumari4

  • 1Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|August 8, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pediatric pituitary microadenomas discovered incidentally on MRI scans typically follow a benign clinical and imaging course. Repeat imaging may not be necessary if patients remain asymptomatic, guiding management for these common findings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pituitary microadenomas are increasingly detected in children via MRI.
  • Limited data exist on the long-term outcomes of these pediatric pituitary lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical and imaging trajectory of pituitary lesions, including nonfunctioning microadenomas, in children.
  • To provide evidence-based guidance for managing incidentally discovered pituitary microadenomas in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study design.
  • Querying a clinical data warehouse for pituitary lesions (microadenoma, incidentaloma).
  • Review of electronic health records for clinical and imaging data.

Main Results:

  • 44 of 78 children had presumed or possible microadenomas (median age 15 years).
  • Most children (70%) were imaged for nonendocrine symptoms like headaches.
  • No significant changes in microadenoma size, cyst development, or pituitary function were observed over ~4.5 years of follow-up.
  • Drug-induced hyperprolactinemia resolved upon medication cessation.

Conclusions:

  • Asymptomatic pituitary lesions (cysts, microadenomas) in children exhibit a benign clinical course.
  • Routine repeat MRI may be unnecessary for asymptomatic pediatric pituitary lesions; if performed, intervals should exceed one year.
  • Discontinuation of medications inducing hyperprolactinemia is advisable prior to pituitary imaging when feasible.

More Related Videos

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells08:31

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

Published on: February 18, 2016

10.4K
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy09:18

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Published on: January 12, 2019

10.8K

Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
65.6K
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland01:27

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
9.7K
The Pituitary Gland01:17

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
10.2K
Lattice Centering and Coordination Number02:33

Lattice Centering and Coordination Number

The structure of a crystalline solid, whether a metal or not, is best described by considering its simplest repeating unit, which is referred to as its unit cell. The unit cell consists of lattice points that represent the locations of atoms or ions. The entire structure then consists of this unit cell repeating in three dimensions. The three different types of unit cells present in the cubic lattice are illustrated in Figure 1.
Types of Unit Cells
Imagine taking a large number of identical...
11.4K
Center of Gravity00:58

Center of Gravity

The center of gravity (COG) of an object is the point where the object's total weight is considered to be concentrated. Knowing the location of the center of gravity is useful when predicting the behavior of a moving object or designing static structures. In a uniform gravitational field, the center of gravity is similar to the center of mass (COM); yet, these two points can be positioned differently. For example, the Moon's center of mass lies very close to its geometric center, but...
6.6K
Center of Gravity01:15

Center of Gravity

The center of gravity is the point at which an object's weight appears to be concentrated and can be used to balance the object perfectly. This point is essential in mechanics as it provides information regarding a body's stability and moments of inertia. The center of gravity does not always have to fall within the shape or boundaries of the body; it may also lie outside the body in certain cases.
To determine its location, the principle of moments can be utilized by dividing the object into...
2.1K