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Microadenomas of the human pituitary
C Camaris1, R Balleine, D Little
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales.
Pathology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Occult pituitary microadenomas were found in 3.2% of autopsy cases. These small tumors showed varied hormonal activity, with prolactin being the most common.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pituitary microadenomas are small tumors of the pituitary gland.
- Their prevalence in the general population, especially occult (hidden) ones, is not well-established.
- Understanding their incidence is crucial for diagnosing pituitary disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of occult pituitary microadenomas in an unselected autopsy series.
- To characterize the immunohistochemical profile of these microadenomas.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 434 pituitary glands from autopsy cases.
- Identification and histological assessment of pituitary tumors.
- Immunohistochemical staining for pituitary hormones: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Main Results:
- Fourteen occult pituitary microadenomas (3.2%) were identified.
- Tumors occurred across a wide age range (11-86 years) with no gender predominance.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of nine microadenomas revealed: 4 reactive for prolactin, 1 for growth hormone, scattered positivity for ACTH, FSH, LH, and TSH in one, and 4 nonreactive tumors.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of occult pituitary microadenomas is approximately 3.2% in the general population.
- These microadenomas exhibit diverse hormonal expressions, with prolactin-reactive tumors being most frequent.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance and long-term implications of these incidental findings.