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[Latent pituitary adenoma. Autopsy study].
La Semaine Des Hopitaux : Organe Fonde Par L'Association D'Enseignement Medical Des Hopitaux De Paris
|November 3, 1983
Summary
Latent pituitary microadenomas are more common than previously thought, found in 10% of routine autopsies. These tumors, often prolactinomas, are most frequent in individuals aged 50-60.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Neuroscience
Context:
- The prevalence of latent pituitary microadenomas remains largely uncharacterized due to limited research.
- Routine post-mortem examinations provide a unique opportunity to investigate the incidence of occult pituitary adenomas.
Purpose:
- To systematically determine the incidence of latent pituitary microadenoma in a cohort undergoing routine post-mortem examinations.
- To characterize the types and prevalence of microadenomas in individuals without diagnosed endocrine disorders.
Summary:
- Microadenomas were identified in 10 out of 100 routine post-mortem examinations.
- Immunocytochemistry revealed prolactinomas (6 cases), somatotropic adenomas (1 case), mixed adenomas (1 case), and non-functional adenomas (2 cases).
- The incidence appeared higher in individuals aged 50 to 60 years.
Impact:
- This study suggests a higher prevalence of pituitary microadenomas than previously estimated.
- Findings contribute to understanding the natural history and potential outcomes of unrecognised pituitary microadenomas.
- Highlights the importance of considering occult pituitary pathology in post-mortem assessments.