[Endocrinologic and ophthalmologic findings before and after transnasal surgery in so-called chromophobe pituitary...

Pre- and postoperative visual and endocrine functions were examined in 54 patients with so-called chromophobe pituitary adenomas operated on by the transnasal approach. The preoperative examination showed visual disturbances in 41 of 48 patients. A loss of gonadal function was present in 93% of the women and 69% of the men. Impairment of adrenal function was found in 37% and of thyroid function in 18% of patients. Hyperprolactinemia was present in 16 of 29 patients examined. The visual findings remained unchanged, normal or improved in 75% of patients. Impairment occurred in 3%. Eight patients experienced improvement of gonadal function and 3 of adrenal function, whereas no postoperative improvement of the thyroid function was observed. Deterioration of gonadal function occurred in 4, of adrenal function in 7, and of thyroid function in 9 patients. Hyperprolactinemia was reduced in all cases.