Plurihormonal pituitary adenoma with concomitant adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and growth hormone (GH) secretion: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2014 Jan;156(1):141-6. doi: 10.1007/s00701-013-1890-y. Epub 2013 Oct 1.

Abstract

Plurihormonal pituitary adenomas are tumours that show immunoreactivity for more than one hormone that cannot be explained by normal adenohypophysial cytodifferentiation. The most common combinations in these adenomas include growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and one or more glycoprotein hormone sub-units (β-TSH, β-FSH, β-LH and αSU). The authors report two cases of a plurihormonal pituitary adenoma expressing the rare combination of ACTH and GH. They both underwent successful transphenoidal hypophysectomy (TSH). Long-term post-operative follow-up revealed no evidence of tumour recurrence. Due to the multiple secretions and plurihormonal characteristics clinical diagnosis of composite pituitary adenomas can be difficult. The authors discuss the diagnosis and management of composite pituitary adenomas and review the literature regarding this rare phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenoma / metabolism
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism*
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Growth Hormone