[Endocrinological evaluation of pituitary function in the prognosis of hypothalamo-pituitary disorders (author's...

Chronological endocrine changes accompanying various diseases in the hypothalamo-pituitary region (183 cases) were collectively studied by evaluating both endocrinological symptoms and anterior pituitary functions, with the following results : 1) Endocrine disorders following the operation, trauma and subarachnoideal hemorrhage in the pituitary-diencephalic region varied in the order of a) subclinical, b) clinical and c) paradoxical. This trend was especially marked in young cases of pituitary adenoma and of craniopharyngioma. 2) In young patients, the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones was markedly improved, particularly, TSH showed hypersecretion. The clinical symptom, however, remained unimproved. 3) The alteration associated with the adhesion of pituitary-diencephalic region was significant for the endodrine disorders. Such alteration was observed at 2--6 months after traumatic subarachnoideal hemorrhage. 4) The endocrine disorder developed and exacerbated in 6 months to 2 years after radio therapy of the pituitary-diencephalic region. 5) For the estimation of recurrence of tumors in the pituitary-diencephalic region endocrinological assessment was very useful.