Cosecreting TSH/GH pituitary adenomas-an 8-year experience in a single tertiary center

Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma is a rare disorder and was recently classified as an aggressive tumor in the World Health Organization guidelines. The number of available studies on cosecreting thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma is especially limited.

A single-center retrospective analysis of patients with thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma was performed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, one of the largest pituitary care centers in China, from January 2012 to January 2020. Additionally, data about cosecreting thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma were collected and analyzed. The diagnosis, therapy and follow-up were all compared to that of solo-secreting thyrotropin pituitary macroadenoma.

Twelve patients (10.81%) were identified with thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma at Peking Union Medical College Hospital within 8 years, all of which were classified as macroadenoma. Compared with solo-secreting thyrotropin pituitary macroadenoma, thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma presented with a higher proportion of cavernous sinus invasion (50%) and had a larger maximum tumor diameter. The patients had a lower surgical complete remission rate and a worse prognosis. Interestingly, they revealed a striking phenomenon of "solo part remission".

Thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma is rare. Some patients do not present with the typical manifestations; however, the possibility of a cosecretion tumor should not be excluded. A preoperative comprehensive evaluation of anterior pituitary hormones is necessary. Thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma revealed a high tendency of invasion, and the prognosis of patients with thyrotropin/growth hormone pituitary adenoma was poor. If necessary, timely postoperative drug administration or radiotherapy should be carried out.