The treatment of Cushing's disease by trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy

Thirteen patients aged 24 to 65 with Cushing's disease have been treated by transphenoidal hypophysectomy. There was one incident of meningitis and one late death from myocarditis. No radiotherapy was given. In 12 patients pituitary histology showed Crooke's changes and an adenoma was present in seven. On review of the 12 survivors two to 11 years later, 11 are in complete remission. One patient still showed some clinical features of Cushing's syndrome but steroid levels were normal. In five of the seven premenopausal women normal menstruation has returned and pregnancy has occurred in three. In four patients replacement hormone therapy is no longer required and a further four take only partial treatment. We conclude that transphenoidal hypophysectomy is an effective treatment for Cushing's disease.