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Pituitary adenoma in children
A G Lee1, P D Sforza, A K Fard
1Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Summary
Pediatric pituitary adenomas are rare brain tumors. In adolescents, these tumors often present with severe vision loss and may extend beyond the pituitary gland, requiring neurosurgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pituitary adenomas are uncommon intracranial tumors in children.
- Visual disturbances and extrasellar extension are significant clinical concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review pediatric pituitary adenoma cases.
- To analyze clinical presentation, management, and outcomes, focusing on visual loss and tumor extension.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 10 pediatric patients (<17 years) with pituitary adenoma.
- Analysis of presenting symptoms, tumor characteristics, surgical interventions, and visual outcomes.
Main Results:
- Five of 10 patients presented with visual loss, often severe and associated with optic atrophy.
- Four of these patients were adolescents (12-15 years) with extrasellar tumor extension.
- Seven patients underwent neurosurgery; three experienced visual improvement post-operatively.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric pituitary adenomas, while rare, can cause significant visual impairment.
- Adolescent pituitary adenomas may show increased extrasellar extension and invasiveness.
- Ophthalmologists should consider pituitary adenoma in children with visual loss, especially during puberty.