Endoscopic endonasal approach for growth hormone secreting pituitary adenomas: outcomes in 53 patients using 2010 consensus criteria for remission

Endocrine Outcomes and Associated Predictive Factors for Somatotrophin Pituitary Adenoma after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: 10 Years of Experience in a Single Institute

Objective  Biochemical remission rates of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) and its associated predictive factors were evaluated in patients with somatotrophin pituitary adenomas. Methods  The patients who underwent EETS in Jinling Hospital were identified between 2011 and 2020. The surgeons' experience, preoperative insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), basal growth hormone (GH) levels, nadir GH levels, and the tumor characteristics were analyzed for their relationships with endocrine outcomes. Total 98 patients were included for single factor analysis and regression analysis. They were divided into three groups according to the admission chronologic order. Results  The overall remission rate of the patients was 57% (56/98) for all the patients over 10 years. In the single factor analysis, we found that the tumor size, cavernous invasion, and sellar invasion were valuable to predict the endocrine outcome after surgery. As for the suprasellar invasion, no significant difference was found between the noninvasive group and the invasive group. The preoperative IGF-1 level ( p  = 0.166), basal GH level ( p  = 0.001), and nadir GH level ( p  = 0.004) were also different between the remission group and the nonremission group in the single factor analysis. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the preoperative nadir GH (odds ratio = 0.930, 95% confidence interval = 0.891-0.972, p  = 0.001) was a significant predictor for the endocrine outcomes after surgery. Conclusion  The surgeons' experience is an important factor that can affect the patients' endocrine outcomes after surgery. The macroadenomas with lateral invasion are more difficult to cure. Patients with higher preoperative nadir GH levels are less likely to achieve remission.

Growth hormone storm following infarction of a residual growth hormone secreting pituitary macroadenoma

BACKGROUND

Thyrotroph pituitary adenomas have been reported to be a rare cause of 'thyroid storms', causing myriad metabolic and autonomic disturbances. In this case, we describe the second reported case in literature of a 'GH storm' in an infarcted somatotroph adenoma.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a residual invasive somatotroph macroadenoma that underwent infarction, producing a dramatic elevation in serum GH levels. While infarction of adenomas may in some cases lead to remission, the patient went on to require re-surgery and re-radiation due to growth of the residual viable tumour.

CONCLUSIONS

'GH storms' are rare but interesting events that may occur in somatotroph adenomas. Infarction or apoplexy must be considered when managing residual adenomas.

Early Predictors of Remission in Acromegaly Patients after Pure Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery

Objective Surgery is the first-line treatment in acromegaly but it takes months to confirm remission. It is crucial to determine remission early in order to inform the patient and plan further treatment options. We aimed to evaluate the predictors of remission at the early phase after endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery in acromegaly patients.

Methods Fifty-four growth hormone (GH)-adenoma patients operated via pure endoscopic endonasal approach were analyzed in this observational study. We compared the basic clinical, radiological characteristics, and the preoperative and postoperative hormone levels in terms of remission according to current guidelines.

Results The surgical remission rate was 61.1%. When the patients were compared according to surgical remission, the age, gender, and immunohistochemical granulation type were found to be nonsignificant, while diabetes mellitus was more common (55.6 vs. 44.4%). The preoperative tumor volume (1.2 ± 0.9 vs. 4.1 ± 4.2 cm3) and postoperative GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were higher in the nonremission group (p < 0.05). We defined a number of cut-off values of both GH and IGF-1 levels to predict remission at the postoperative phase. Age standardized regression analyses showed that postoperative day 1 (POD-1) GH levels (odds ratio [OR]: 8.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99–40.0, p = 0.004) and tumor volume (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.09–9.0, p = 0.034) were found to be significant independent predictors for remission.

Conclusion We demonstrated that tumor volume and POD-1 GH levels are independent predictors of remission in acromegaly patients operated via the pure endoscopic endonasal technique and may be used as an early marker of remission, and this may lead to taking adjuvant medical therapies early into account to improve prognosis.

Functioning Endocrine Outcome after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsellar Approach for Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is a well-established technique for the treatment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor Preservation of normal gland tissue is crucial to retain effective neuroendocrine pituitary function. The aim of this paper is to analyze pituitary endocrine secretion after EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor to identify potential predictors of functioning gland recovery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent an exclusive EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors between October 2014 and November 2019 were reviewed. Patients were divided into groups according to postoperative pituitary function (Group 1, unchanged; group 2, recovering; group 3, worsening).

RESULTS

Among the 45 patients enrolled, 15 presented a silent tumor and showed no hormonal impairment, and 30 patients presented pituitary dysfunction. A total of 19 patients (42.2%) were included in group 1, 12 (26.7%) patients showed pituitary function recovery after surgery (group 2), and 14 patients (31.1%) exhibited the onset of new pituitary deficiency postoperatively (group 3). Younger patients and those with functioning tumor were more likely to have complete pituitary hormonal recovery (p = 0.0297 and p = 0.007, respectively). No predictors of functional gland worsening were identified.

CONCLUSION

EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor is a reliable and safe technique regarding postoperative hormonal function. Preserving pituitary function after tumor resection should be a primary goal in a minimally invasive approach.

Anatomical variations of the cavernous Internal Carotid Artery: Validation of an MRI-based classification

OBJECTIVE

Variations of the cavernous Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) angulation (C4-bend) have been classified into 4 anatomical subtypes with particular surgical relevance, as a very angulated ICA comes in closest contact with the pituitary gland leading to higher risk of iatrogenic vascular injury. This study aimed to validate this classification using current routine imaging techniques.

METHODS

The different cavernous ICA bending angles were measured on 109 MRI TOF sequences, within a retrospective database of patients with no sellar lesions. Each ICA was classified into one of 4 anatomical subtypes as already defined in a previous study [1]. Interrater agreement was assessed by a Kappa Correlation Coefficient.

RESULTS

Kappa Correlation Coefficient was of 0.90 [0.82-0.95], validating the strong level of agreement between all observers when using the present classification.

CONCLUSION

Classification of the cavernous ICA in 4 subtypes appears statistically valid on routinely used pre-operative MRI, providing an efficient tool to estimate the vascular iatrogenic risk prior to endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

Long-Term Outcomes and Complications from Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Cushing's Disease: A 15-Year Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is the main transsphenoidal approach for pituitary surgery in many centers; however, few studies compare the endoscopic and microscopic surgical approaches with regard to long-term follow-up. This single-center study aimed to compare the 2 techniques over 15 years.

METHODS

Medical records and magnetic resonance images from 40 patients with primary transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 2003 and 2018 were reviewed. 14 patients who underwent microscopic surgery and 26 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery were included in this study.

RESULTS

In the microscopic group, 12 of 14 patients achieved endocrine remission, compared to 19 of 26 patients in the endoscopic group (n. s.). Three patients in each group developed a late recurrence. Complications were seen in 5 patients in the microscopic group and in 8 patients in the endoscopic group (n. s.). No serious complications, such as carotid artery damage, cerebrovascular fluid leakage, epistaxis, or meningitis, occurred in any group. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the endoscopic than in the microscopic group.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for Cushing's disease showed no difference in remission, recurrence, and complication rates compared to the microscopic approach. The endoscopic group had a shorter postoperative hospital stay than the microscopic group, which in part may be due to the minimal invasiveness of the endoscopic approach.

Outcomes in pituitary adenoma causing acromegaly following endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to study the analysis of outcomes after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETSS) in acromegaly in terms of surgical complications, clinical improvement, endocrinological remission, achievement of prognostically critical growth hormone (GH) level, and requirement of additional treatment.

Materials and Methods

The study included 28 acromegaly patients, who underwent EETSS. A 2010 consensus criterion was used for defining remission. Assessment of prognostically critical GH level (random value <2.5 ng/ml), the extent of resection and additional treatment, was done at post-operative week (POW) 12.

Results

All adenomas were macroadenomas; with a mean volume of 16.34 cm3 (range, 0.4-99 cm3). Most adenomas had high-grade extensions. Most common suprasellar, infrasellar, anterior, and posterior extension grades were 3 (n = 13), 1 (n = 16), 1 (n = 14), and 0 (n = 20), respectively. Knosp Grade 3 was common on both sides (right, n = 9 and left, n = 8). One patient had already been operated on with EETSS, 1.5 years back from current surgery. Sixteen patients were on hormonal support, preoperatively. Four patients died during follow-up. Post-operative common complications were diabetes insipidus (DI, n = 18), cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (n = 10), surgical site hematoma (n = 3), meningitis (n = 3), hydrocephalus (n = 2), and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (n = 1). The mean hospital stay was 11.62 days and 12.17 months were the mean follow-up period. At 12 POW, no improvement was seen in body enlargement and visual complaints, but all other complaints improved significantly except perspiration. Adenomas were decreased in all extensions except posterior and mean adenoma volume was reduced from 16.34 cm3 to 2.92 cm3 after surgery. Sub-total resection (STR, n = 10), near-total resection (NTR, n = 7), gross-total resection (GTR, n = 5), and partial resection (PR, n = 2) were achieved. Endocrinological remission and prognostically critical GH levels were attained in 29.17% (n = 7) and 66.67% (n = 16), respectively. NTR, GTR, STR, and PR were associated with 57.14%, 40%, 10%, and 0% endocrinological remission, respectively. Additional treatment was required in a total of 17 patients, three in GTR, nine in STR, three in NTR, and two in PR. Ten were treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery along with medical treatment and seven with medical treatment alone.

Conclusion

A successful EETSS can reduce adenoma volume to achieve clinical improvement, endocrinologic remission, and prognostically critical GH level with some complications related to surgery. Pre-operative larger volume and higher extension grades affect these outcomes adversely.

Determinants of immediate and long-term remission after initial transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly and outcome patterns during follow-up: a longitudinal study on 659 patients

OBJECTIVE

Treatment outcomes following initial transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for acromegaly are erratic. Identifying outcome patterns can assist in informing patients about possible treatment outcomes and planning for individualized adjuvant treatments in advance. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the immediate and long-term endocrine remission rates following initial TSS for acromegaly, identify clinical determinants of treatment outcomes, and explore outcome patterns during a long-term follow-up and the pattern-specific patient features.

METHODS

This prospective, single-center, longitudinal cohort study enrolled patients with acromegaly who underwent TSS in the period from 2015 to 2018 at the authors' institution. Immediate remission, assessed on the 2nd postoperative morning, and long-term remission, assessed at least 18 months after TSS, were evaluated according to the strict 2010 consensus criteria (random growth hormone [GH] < 1 ng/ml or GH nadir < 0.4 ng/ml after oral glucose tolerance test, and age- and sex-normalized insulin-like growth factor 1). Univariate and bivariate regression analyses were used to identify determinants of remission.

RESULTS

A total of 659 patients with acromegaly (average age 42 years, 44% males) underwent TSS for pituitary adenomas (macroadenomas, 85%; invasive tumors, 35%) and were followed up during a median of 51 months. Immediate and long-term remission rates after initial TSS were 37% and 69%, respectively. Older age at diagnosis (OR 1.7), male sex (OR 1.6), smaller tumors (OR 2.0), noninvasive tumors (OR 4.8), and tumors positive for follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone (OR 1.5) were predictors of immediate surgical remission. In addition to the above predictors, lower preoperative GH (OR 2.4), absence of preoperative central hypothyroidism (OR 2.6), and endoscopic TSS (OR 10.6) were predictors of long-term remission. Regression analyses revealed that endoscopic TSS (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.524-5.291, p = 0.001), absence of cavernous sinus invasion (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.522-6.613, p < 0.001), older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.006-1.048, p = 0.013), and male sex (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.224-3.247, p = 0.006) were independent determinants of long-term remission. Five outcome patterns were identified based on the changes in hormonal results during follow-up, including continuous remission (34%), refractory acromegaly (28%), delayed remission (21%), remission after adjuvant therapy (14%), and recurrence after initial remission (3%). The clinical characteristics of each subgroup were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Cavernous sinus invasion, age at diagnosis, and sex are the best determinants of immediate and long-term remission after initial TSS for acromegaly. Endoscopic TSS predicts a higher long-term remission rate than that with microscopic TSS. The authors identified five outcome patterns in acromegaly and group-specific patient characteristics for clinical decision-making.

Outcomes in Pituitary Adenoma Causing Acromegaly Following Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery

Objectives The objective of this study was the analysis of outcomes after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETSS) in acromegaly in terms of surgical complications, clinical improvement, endocrinological remission, achievement of prognostically critical growth hormone (GH) level, and requirement of additional treatment.

Materials and Methods The study included 28 acromegaly patients, who underwent EETSS. 2010 consensus criterion was used for defining remission. Assessment of prognostically critical GH level (random value less than 2.5 ng/mL), the extent of resection, and additional treatment was done at postoperative week (POW) 12.

Results All adenomas were macroadenomas, with the mean volume of 16.34 cm3 (range, 0.4–99 cm3). Most adenomas had high-grade extensions. Most common suprasellar, infrasellar, anterior, and posterior extension grades were 3 (n = 13), 1(n = 16), 1(n = 14), and 0 (n = 20), respectively. Knosp grade 3 was common on both sides (right, n = 9 and left, n = 8). One patient had already been operated on with EETSS, 1.5 years back from current surgery. Sixteen patients were on hormonal support, preoperatively. Four patients died during follow-up. Postoperative common complications were diabetes insipidus (n = 18), cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (n = 10), surgical site hematoma (n = 3), meningitis (n = 3), hydrocephalus (n = 2), and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (n = 1). The mean hospital stay was 11.62 days, and 12.17 months was the mean follow-up period. At 12 POW, no improvement was seen in body enlargement and visual complaints, but all other complaints improved significantly except perspiration. Adenomas were decreased in all extensions except posterior, and mean adenoma volume was reduced from 16.34 to 2.92 cm3 after surgery. Subtotal resection (STR, n = 10), near-total resection (NTR, n = 7), gross-total resection (GTR, n = 5), and partial resection (PR, n = 2) were achieved. Endocrinological remission and prognostically critical GH levels were attained in 29.17% (n = 7) and 66.67% (n = 16), respectively. NTR, GTR, STR, and PR were associated with 57.14, 40, 10, and 0% endocrinological remission, respectively. Additional treatment was required in a total of 17 patients: 3 GTR, 9 STR, 3 NTR, and 2 PR patients. Ten patients were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery along with medical treatment and seven with medical treatment alone.

Conclusion A successful EETSS can reduce adenoma volume to achieve clinical improvement, endocrinological remission, and prognostically critical GH level with some complications related to surgery. Preoperative larger volume and higher extension grades affect these outcomes adversely.

Fluorescence-guided detection of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) tissue during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery available agents, their potential, and technical aspects

Differentiation of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) tissue from surrounding normal tissue during surgery is challenging. A number of fluorescent agents is available for visualization of tissue discrepancy, with the potential of improving total tumor resection. This review evaluates the availability, clinical and technical applicability of the various fluorescent agents within the field of pituitary surgery. According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was performed to identify reports describing results of in vivo application of fluorescent agents. In this review, 15 publications were included. Sodium Fluorescein (FNa) was considered in two studies. The first study reported noticeable fluorescence in adenoma tissue, the second demonstrated the strongest fluorescence in non-functioning pituitary adenomas. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) was investigated in three studies. One study compared laser-based optical biopsy system (OBS) with photo-diagnostic filter (PD) and found that the OBS was able to detect all microadenomas, even when MRI was negative. The second study retrospectively analyzed twelve pituitary adenomas and found only one positive for fluorescence. The third investigated fifteen pituitary adenomas of which one displayed vague fluorescence. Indocyanine green (ICG) was researched in four studies with variable results. Second-Window ICG yielded no significant difference between functioning and non-functioning adenomas in one study, while a second study displayed 4 times higher fluorescence in tumor tissue than in normal tissue. In three studies, OTL38 showed potential in non-functioning pituitary adenomas. At present, evidence for fluorescent agents to benefit total resection of PitNETs is lacking. OTL38 can potentially serve as a selective fluorescent agent in non-functioning pituitary adenomas in the near future.

A Preoperative MRI-Based Radiomics-Clinicopathological Classifier to Predict the Recurrence of Pituitary Macroadenoma Within 5 Years

Objective: To investigate the ability of a MRI-based radiomics-clinicopathological model to predict pituitary macroadenoma (PMA) recurrence within 5 years.

Materials and Methods: We recruited 74 recurrent and 94 non-recurrent subjects, following first surgery with 5-year follow-up data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent clinicopathological risk factors. Two independent and blinded neuroradiologists used 3D-Slicer software to manually delineate whole tumors using preoperative axial contrast-enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI) images. 3D-Slicer was then used to extract radiomics features from segmented tumors. Dimensionality reduction was carried out by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Two multilayer perceptron (MLP) models were established, including independent clinicopathological risk factors (Model 1) and a combination of screened radiomics features and independent clinicopathological markers (Model 2). The predictive performance of these models was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results: In total, 1,130 features were identified, and 4 of these were selected by LASSO. In the test set, the area under the curve (AUC) of Model 2 was superior to Model 1 {0.783, [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.718—.860] vs. 0.739, (95% CI: 0.665–0.818)}. Model 2 also yielded the higher accuracy (0.808 vs. 0.692), sensitivity (0.826 vs. 0.652), and specificity (0.793 vs. 0.724) than Model 1.

Conclusions: The integrated classifier was superior to a clinical classifier and may facilitate the prediction of individualized prognosis and therapy.

Final Outcome in Growth Hormone-Secreting Adenomas After Combination of Maximal Tumor Resection and Medical Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Gross total resection (GTR) is not always possible in acromegalic patients, especially in patients with invasive growth hormone-secreting adenomas. We analyzed the biochemical remission outcome in relation to extent of tumor resection and effectiveness of medical treatment in cases of remnant tumor.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed of acromegalic patients operated on between 2002 and 2017. Preoperative imaging, tumor invasiveness, extent of resection, and biochemical remission were collected. Patients with tumor remnant not amenable to second surgery began medical treatment. The relationship between pituitary adenoma remnant volume and final biochemical outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 120 acromegalic patients operated on, 82 underwent transsphenoidal microsurgery and 38 underwent endonasal endoscopic approach. GTR was achieved in 72 cases (60%); subtotal resection (STR), 21 (17.5%) cases; and partial resection, 27 (22.5%) cases. There was a nonsignificant higher rate of GTR/STR in patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic approach. However, a significantly higher remission rate (89.45% vs. 67.1%) was achieved in these patients (P < 0.01). Greater tumor volume and invasiveness were associated with a lower remission (P < 0.05). Patients with tumor remnant who achieved biochemical remission with added medical therapy had a significantly smaller tumor volume (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The more aggressive surgical resection is, the greater the chance of attaining final biochemical remission, whether or not GTR is achieved. Medical therapy effectiveness is enhanced in cases with STR. Invasive growth hormone-secreting macroadenomas that are not surgically amenable to total resection are best managed with a combination of safe STR and medical treatment.

Outcomes of Transsphenoidal Surgery in Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas

Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (PA) make up 15 to 20% of total amount of hormonally active adenomas. In addition to acromegaly and gigantism, these tumors cause deep metabolic disturbances. Its systemic impact leads to increased mortality ratio of 1.32 compared with general population. Surgical removal remains the priority treatment option in controlling acromegaly and provides endocrinologic remission in up to 72% patients. A total of 92 patients were included in the study. All surgeries were performed via microscopic transsphenoidal approach (TSA) by the senior author in our institution between December 2009 and October 2019. Only patients who were followed-up with 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), GH, and insulin-like growth factor I (IFG-I) measurements preoperatively, 1 week, and every 6 months postoperatively were analyzed. Based on standard preoperative 1.5-T MR imaging with contrast enhancement, the adenomas were identified and distributed according to the size and KNOSP classification. The efficacy depends on KNOSP grade, which is directly correlated with invasiveness to cavernous sinus (CS). Grades 3 and 4 are unfavorable factors influencing prognosis. Excluding grade 0 adenomas, as the surgery was not difficult with the excellent outcomes, we reached 75% (36 out of 48) remission in grade 1 to 2 groups. In contrast, only 17% (2 out of 12) had successful outcomes after surgery alone. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the efficiency of TS surgery in patients with confirmed GH-secreting PA.

A Preoperative MRI-Based Radiomics-Clinicopathological Classifier to Predict the Recurrence of Pituitary Macroadenoma Within 5 Years

Objective: To investigate the ability of a MRI-based radiomics-clinicopathological model to predict pituitary macroadenoma (PMA) recurrence within 5 years. Materials and Methods: We recruited 74 recurrent and 94 non-recurrent subjects, following first surgery with 5-year follow-up data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent clinicopathological risk factors. Two independent and blinded neuroradiologists used 3D-Slicer software to manually delineate whole tumors using preoperative axial contrast-enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI) images. 3D-Slicer was then used to extract radiomics features from segmented tumors. Dimensionality reduction was carried out by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Two multilayer perceptron (MLP) models were established, including independent clinicopathological risk factors (Model 1) and a combination of screened radiomics features and independent clinicopathological markers (Model 2). The predictive performance of these models was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: In total, 1,130 features were identified, and 4 of these were selected by LASSO. In the test set, the area under the curve (AUC) of Model 2 was superior to Model 1 {0.783, [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.718-.860] vs. 0.739, (95% CI: 0.665-0.818)}. Model 2 also yielded the higher accuracy (0.808 vs. 0.692), sensitivity (0.826 vs. 0.652), and specificity (0.793 vs. 0.724) than Model 1. Conclusions: The integrated classifier was superior to a clinical classifier and may facilitate the prediction of individualized prognosis and therapy.

Comparing primary gamma knife radiosurgery and postoperative gamma knife radiosurgery for acromegaly: A monocenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety between primary GKS and postoperative GKS for acromegaly, and to elucidate predictors associated with endocrine remission, we performed a monocenter, retrospective study.

METHOD

Seventy-five patients with acromegaly who had received GKS in West China Hospital between March 2010 and December 2018 were included in this study. Endocrine remission was defined as age-sex matched IGF-I normalization and either nadir level of GH <1 ng/mL after OGTT or the random GH < 2.0 ng/mL.

RESULTS

We didn't find significant differences in endocrine remission, biochemical recurrence, imaging regression, imaging progression, radiation-induced complications between the primary GKS group and the postoperative GKS group(P > 0.05). Actuarial rates of durable endocrine remission at 3, 5, 8 year were 10.60 %, 33.80 % and 70.60 % in the primary GKS group and 6.70 %, 43.40 % and 78.80 % in the postoperative GKS group(P = 0.800). Only base nadir GH after OGTT (HR = 0.637,95 % CI:0.416-0.977; P = 0.039) was found to be a predictor of duration endocrine remission.

CONCLUSION

We find comparable efficacy and safety between primary GKS and postoperative GKS. Lower base nadir GH after OGTT was a positive predictor associated with endocrine remission. GKS should be considered for residual or recurrent tumor after surgery. For those who couldn't sustain surgery, GKS is an alternative treatment. Further studies are required to elucidate the efficacy and safety of GKS in acromegaly.

Whole Sella vs Targeted Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Acromegaly: A Multicenter Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Targeted stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with sparing of the residual pituitary is the traditional radiosurgical method for pituitary adenomas. Whole-sella SRS is an alternative choice for radiologically indeterminate or large adenomas, the safety and efficacy of which has yet to be determined.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if whole-sella SRS in acromegaly would have comparable radiographic and biochemical control to targeted SRS. We performed a multicenter, retrospective matched cohort study to compare outcomes between groups.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of acromegalic patients who underwent SRS from 1990 to 2016 at 10 centers participating in the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation. Whole-sella and targeted SRS patients were then matched in a 1:1 ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 128 patients were eligible for inclusion. Whole-sella patients had a higher pre-SRS random serum growth hormone, larger treatment volume, and higher maximum point dose to the optic apparatus. The rates of initial/durable endocrine remission, new loss of pituitary function, and new cranial neuropathy were similar between groups. Mortality and new visual deficit were higher in the whole-sella cohort, though not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in biochemical remission or recurrence between treatment groups. Although not statistically significant, the higher rates of tumor regression and lower rates of mortality and new visual deficit may suggest consideration of targeted SRS over whole-sella SRS in acromegaly treatment. Further research is needed to determine the association between visual deficits and mortality with whole-sella SRS.

Long-term outcomes of transsphenoidal surgery for management of growth hormone-secreting adenomas: single-center results

OBJECTIVE

Transsphenoidal surgery is advocated as the first-line management of growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas. Although disease control is defined by strict criteria for biochemical remission, the length of follow-up needed is not well defined in literature. In this report, the authors present their long-term remission rate and identify various predictive factors that might influence the clinical outcome.

METHODS

The authors conducted a single-institute retrospective analysis of all transsphenoidal procedures for GH-secreting adenomas performed from January 2000 to June 2016. The primary outcome was defined as biochemical remission according to the 2010 consensus criteria and measured at the 1-year postoperative mark as well as on the last recorded follow-up appointment.Secondary variables included recurrence rate, patterns of clinical presentation, and outcome of adjuvant therapy (including repeat surgery). Subgroup analysis was performed for patients who had biochemical or radiological "discordance"-patients who achieved biochemical remission but with incongruent insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/GH or residual tumor on MRI. Recurrence-free survival analysis was conducted for patients who achieved remission at 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients (45 female and 36 male) with confirmed acromegaly treated with transsphenoidal surgery were included. In 62 cases the patients were treated with a pure endoscopic approach and in 19 cases an endoscopically assisted microscopic approach was used.Primary biochemical remission after surgery was achieved in 59 cases (73%) at 1 year after surgery. However, only 41 patients (51%) remained in primary surgical remission (without any adjuvant treatment) at their last follow-up appointment, indicating a recurrence rate of 31% (18 of 59 patients) over the duration of follow-up (mean 100 ± 61 months). Long-term remission rates for pure endoscopic and endoscopically assisted cases were not significantly different (48% vs 52%, p = 0.6). Similarly, no significant difference in long-term remission was detected between primary surgery and repeat surgery (54% vs 33%, p = 0.22).Long-term remission was significantly influenced by extent of resection, cavernous sinus invasion (radiologically as well as surgically reported), and preoperative and early postoperative GH and IGF-1 levels (within 24-48 hours after surgery) as well as by clinical grade, with lower remission rates in patients with dysmorphic features and/or medical comorbidities (grade 2-3) compared to minimally symptomatic or silent cases (grade 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term surgical remission rate appears to be significantly less than "early" remission rates and is highly dependent on the extent of tumor resection. The authors advocate a long-term follow-up regimen and propose a clinical grading system that may aid in predicting long-term outcome in addition to the previously reported anatomical factors. The role of repeat surgery is highlighted.

A follow-up study on outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for acromegaly

OBJECTIVE

A thorough follow-up study in which the same clinic presents the change in the surgical outcomes of acromegaly over the years, is still lacking in the endoscopic era. In this study, we intended to evaluate the clinical characteristics, radiological features, surgical and late remission rates of newly diagnosed acromegaly patients treated in our clinic between 2014 and 2019 in order to delineate the surgical remission status according to radiological, microscopic, and hormonal features. As a follow-up to our initial report, we also aimed to display the change of surgical remission rates over time in a tertiary center.

METHODS

A total of newly diagnosed 106 patients with acromegaly, who underwent endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach (EETSA) in the last five years were retrospectively analyzed and presented in this study. Medical records were reviewed in clinical, biochemical, pathological, and radiological aspects to assess the relationship of preoperative patient characteristics with surgical remissions.

RESULTS

The percentages of the giant pituitary adenomas (≥4 cm), adenomas with suprasellar extension and adenomas with surgically proven invasion of the cavernous sinus in the present series were 13%, 34%, and 20%, respectively. Gross total resection was achieved in 80% of the patients. Surgical remission and late remission rates were 66% and 86%, respectively. Nine (9.4%) patients in our current report had postoperative transient diabetes insipidus. The mean follow-up period in this series was 36.1 ± 18.1 (range 12-59) months.

CONCLUSION

The presented surgical results are considerably better than our published initial series of acromegaly patients operated in the same clinic between 2007 and 2014. The improvement in surgical remission rate support a positive surgical volume - remission rate relationship for acromegaly in the era of endoscopic endonasal skull base approaches. One possible factor for better results may be the increasing surgical experience in EETSA, which follows a trend toward gradual improvement of long-term late remissions via a multidisciplinary approach.

The medial wall of the cavernous sinus. Part 2: Selective medial wall resection in 50 pituitary adenoma patients

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary adenomas often invade the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (CS), but this structure is generally not surgically removed because of the risk of vascular and cranial nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to report the surgical outcomes in a large series of cases of invasive pituitary adenoma in which the medial wall of the CS was selectively removed following an anatomically based, stepwise surgical technique.

METHODS

The authors' institutional database was reviewed to identify cases of pituitary adenoma with isolated invasion of the medial wall, based on an intraoperative evaluation, in which patients underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach with selective resection of the medial wall of the CS. Cases with CS invasion beyond the medial wall were excluded. Patient complications, resection, and remission rates were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were eligible for this study, 15 (30%) with nonfunctional adenomas and 35 (70%) with functional adenomas, including 16 growth hormone-, 10 prolactin-, and 9 adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors. The average tumor size was 2.3 cm for nonfunctional and 1.3 cm for functional adenomas. Radiographically, 11 cases (22%) were Knosp grade 1, 23 (46%) Knosp grade 2, and 16 (32%) Knosp grade 3. Complete tumor resection, based on intraoperative impression and postoperative MRI, was achieved in all cases. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 4-64 months) for patients with functional adenomas and 16 months (range 4-30 months) for those with nonfunctional adenomas. At last follow-up, complete biochemical remission (using current criteria) without adjuvant treatment was seen in 34 cases (97%) of functional adenoma. No imaging recurrences were seen in patients who had nonfunctional adenomas. A total of 57 medial walls were removed in 50 patients. Medial wall invasion was histologically confirmed in 93% of nonfunctional adenomas and 83% of functional adenomas. There were no deaths or internal carotid artery injuries, and the average blood loss was 378 ml. Four patients (8%) developed a new, transient cranial nerve palsy, and 2 of these patients required reoperation for blood clot evacuation and fat graft removal. There were no permanent cranial nerve palsies.

CONCLUSIONS

The medial wall of the CS can be removed safely and effectively, with minimal morbidity and excellent resection and remission rates. Further follow-up is needed to determine the long-term results of this anatomically based technique, which should only be performed by very experienced endonasal skull base teams.

Long-Term Effects of Intracapsular Debulking and Adjuvant Somatostatin Analogs for Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Macroadenoma: 10 Years of Experience in a Single Institute

OBJECTIVE

Long-term effects of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal intracapsular debulking and adjuvant somatostatin analogs (SSAs) were evaluated in patients with growth hormone- (GH) secreting pituitary macroadenomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 45 patients with acromegalic macroadenoma who underwent endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal intracapsular debulking and received adjuvant SSAs (octreotide) between 2006 and 2015 who had >1 year of follow-up. To evaluate the predictive factors for 1 year and long-term biochemical outcomes, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Biochemical remission was achieved in 1 year in 20 of the 45 (44.4%) patients, and in 31 of the 45 patients after long-term adjuvant SSA treatment. Tumor control was achieved in 43 of the 45 (93.3%) patients. The univariate analysis showed age (≥55 years), tumor size (diameter ≤1.5 cm), premedication GH levels (≤2.8 ng/mL), premedication insulin-like growth factor 1 levels (≤2-fold of upper limit of normal range), cavernous sinus invasion (Knops grades 2, 3, and 4), and near-total tumor resection were associated with long-term outcomes. The multivariate analysis showed near-total resection was a significant predictor for long-term outcomes (P = 0.019). There were no new pituitary dysfunctions. The observed complications included one case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and one case of epistaxis requiring intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracapsular debulking and adjuvant SSAs are a safe and viable treatment for patients with GH secreting pituitary macroadenoma to achieve biochemical remission and tumor control. Although adjuvant SSA treatment enhances residual tumor control, cavernous sinus invasion impedes the remission of endocrine tumors.

Analysis of pituitary adenoma expression patterns suggests a potential role for the NeuroD1 transcription factor in neuroendocrine tumor-targeting therapies

NeuroD1’s roles in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas and in the biology of the normal adult pituitary gland have been insufficiently researched. Much of the work investigating its expression patterns has yielded contradictory results. Objective: morphological study of NeuroD1 transcription factor expression in different types of pituitary adenomas and in normal adult human pituitary glands. Materials and methods: This study analyzed 48 pituitary adenomas and nine normal pituitary glands. In all cases, immunohistochemical study was performed with antibodies to NeuroD1, 6 hormones of adenohypophysis, Ki-67, and CK7. We used confocal laser scanning microscopy, electron microscopy and electron immunocytochemistry. Results: NeuroD1 expression was detected in all cases of plurihormonal adenomas, mammosomatotropinomas, corticotropinomas, prolactinomas, gonadotropinomas, null-cell pituitary adenomas, and in normal pituitary glands. The average numbers of NeuroD1 expressing cells in normal adenohypophysis specimens were significantly lower than in the adenomas overall (p=0.006). NeuroD1 expression was confirmed by several methods (in prolactinomas, by double stain immunohistochemistry; in mammosomatotropinomas, by double stain immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electron immunocytochemistry; and in somatotropinomas, by electron immunocytochemistry). Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and double label electron immunocytochemistry confirmed NeuroD1’s key role in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors, regardless of their hormonal state. Its expression level in pituitary adenomas is significantly higher than in the normal pituitary gland and has no reliable correlation with any studied hormones or Ki-67. These findings suggest that NeuroD1 should be investigated further as a potential molecular target in tumor-targeting therapies.

Invasive pituitary adenomas with gross total resection: The wait-and-see policy during postoperative management

Although pituitary adenomas (PAs) are regarded as benign neoplasm, efficient postoperative management of PAs, especially invasive PAs, is still a major challenge for neurosurgeons. Thus, in order to verify the effect of postoperative surveillance alone for invasive PAs and identify helpful predictive factors of relapse after initial surgery, a series of 107 cases of surgically gross-totally resected invasive PAs were retrospectively investigated. With regarded to pituitary function, the preoperative incidence of hypothyroidism was higher than that of hypoadrenocorticism and hypogonadism (66.4% vs. 31.8% and 29.9%; p < 0.001). Tumors extended into sphenoid sinus or cavernous sinus may be less likely to develop hypoadrenocorticism or hypogonadism. Postoperative relapse was found in 35 cases (32.7%) during a median follow-up of 27 months. The overall relapse rates were 12.3, 28.9 and 38.4% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Tumor size was the exclusive independent risk factor for relapse. Higher relapse rates presented in large invasive PAs (more than 3.45 cm) were 24.5, 48.9 and 59.2% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. In conclusion, preoperative larger tumors shared significantly higher risk of relapse after initial surgical total resection. Due to the relatively high relapse rate, close surveillance should be executed in strict rotation in postoperative management of gross-totally resected invasive PAs. Moreover, special attention should be payed to tumors with diameter of more than 3.45 cm for more than half of them relapsed in 5 years.

Clinical assessment of patients with acromegaly

Background:

In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate treatment outcomes and treatment methods in acromegaly patients.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 65 acromegaly patients followed in Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine Department of Endocrinology in Turkey between 2004 and 2013. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological data were obtained retrospectively from the medical files of the patients. All cases have been discussed in the endocrinology and pituitary surgery council, and a multidisciplinary treatment approach had been chosen in management.

Results:

Sixty-five patients were included in the study. Of the patients, 57% were female. Mean age was 45.3 ± 9.2 years old. Of the cases, 12.3% were microadenomas (n = 8, tumor diameter <10 mm) and 87.6% were macroadenomas (n = 57, tumor diameter ≥10 mm). In our study, 70% remission was achieved with the first operation and medical treatment. Patients with invasive acromegaly without remission after the first operation underwent reoperation, medical treatment, and conventional or stereotactic radiotherapy and achieved 45% remission rate.

Conclusion:

Pituitary surgery is the first treatment option for acromegaly. In patients who could not be remissioned after the first operation, remission can be achieved by combined therapy consist of reoperation, medical treatment, and conventional or stereotactic radiotherapy.

Long-Term Endocrine Outcomes Following Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Acromegaly and Associated Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

Long-term remission rates from endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly and their relationship to prognostic indicators of disease aggressiveness are not well documented.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-term remission rates in patients with acromegaly after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and correlate this with molecular and radiographic markers of disease aggressiveness.

METHODS

We identified all patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly from 2005 to 2013 at Cedars-Sinai Pituitary Center. Hormonal remission was established by normal insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, basal serum growth hormone <2.5 ng/mL, and growth hormone suppression to <1 ng/mL following oral glucose tolerance test. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 3 months after surgery, and then as indicated. IGF-1 was measured at 3 months and then at least annually. We evaluated tumor granularity, nuclear expression of p21, Ki67 index, and extent of cavernous sinus invasion, and correlated these with remission status.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients that underwent surgery had follow-up from 38 to 98 months (mean 64 ± 32.2 months). There were 21 microadenomas and 37 macroadenomas. Three months after surgery 40 of 58 patients (69%) were in biochemical remission. Four additional patients were in remission at 6 months after surgery, and 1 patient had recurrence within the first year after surgery. At last follow-up, 43 of 44 (74.1%) of patients remained in remission. Cavernous sinus invasion by tumor predicted failure to achieve remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic markers of disease aggressiveness other than cavernous sinus invasion did not correlate with surgical outcome. Long-term remission after surgery alone was achieved in 74% of patients, indicating long-term efficacy of endoscopic surgery.

The posterior nasoseptal flap: A novel technique for closure after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas

Background:

While effective for the repair of large skull base defects, the Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap increases operative time and can result in a several-week period of postoperative crusting during re-mucosalization of the denuded nasal septum. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma resection is generally not associated with large dural defects and high-flow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks requiring extensive reconstruction. Here, we present the posterior nasoseptal flap as a novel technique for closure of skull defects following endoscopic resection of pituitary adenomas. This flap is raised in all surgeries during the transnasal exposure using septal mucoperiosteum that would otherwise be discarded during the posterior septectomy performed in binostril approaches.

Methods:

We present a retrospective, consecutive case series of 43 patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma followed by posterior nasoseptal flap placement and closure. Main outcome measures were extent of resection and postoperative CSF leak.

Results:

The mean extent of resection was 97.16 ± 1.03%. Radiographic measurement showed flap length to be adequate. While a defect in the diaphragma sellae and CSF leak were identified in 21 patients during surgery, postoperative CSF leak occurred in only one patient.

Conclusions:

The posterior nasoseptal flap provides adequate coverage of the surgical defect and is nearly always successful in preventing postoperative CSF leak following endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas. The flap is raised from mucoperiosteum lining the posterior nasal septum, which is otherwise resected during posterior septectomy. Because the anterior septal cartilage is not denuded, raising such flaps avoids the postoperative morbidity associated with the larger Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap.

Microsurgical therapy of pituitary adenomas

PURPOSE

We report the efficacy and safety of transsphenoidal microsurgery in a large and homogeneous cohort of patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs) treated at a single Institute by a single neurosurgeon.

METHODS

A total of 2145 consecutive patients undergoing first surgery for a PA were included: 795 (37.1%) had a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA), 595 (27.7%) acromegaly, 496 (23.1%) Cushing's disease, 208 (9.7%) a PRL-secreting adenoma, and 51 patients (2.4%) a TSH-secreting adenoma. Remission was achieved when strict hormonal and radiological criteria were met.

RESULTS

Early surgical remission was achieved in 66% of acromegalic patients, 79.6% of patients with Cushing's disease, 64.4% of prolactinomas, 74.5% of patients with a TSH-secreting adenoma, and 66.9% of NFPAs. The mean (±SE) follow-up was 60.1 ± 1.3 months. The recurrence-free survival at 10 years was 78.2% in acromegalic patients, 68.1% in prolactinomas, 74.3% in Cushing's disease, 70.3% in TSH-secreting adenomas, and 75.3% in NFPAs. Preoperative hypoadrenalism recovered in 35.3%, hypogonadism in 43.3% and hypothyroidism in 37.4% of patients with impaired function before surgery. The mortality rate was 0.2% and major morbidity 2.1%. New onset hypoadrenalism occurred after surgery in 2.5% of patients at risk, hypogonadism in 4.1%, and hypothyroidism in 1.8%. Permanent diabetes insipidus (DI) occurred in 0.9% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In experienced hands, transsphenoidal microsurgery for PAs achieves remission in most patients with a low complication rate. Pituitary function is preserved in most cases and can recover in more than one-third of patients with preoperative hypopituitarism.

Reoperation for growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas: report on an endonasal endoscopic series with a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

OBJECTIVE Surgery is generally the first-line therapy for acromegaly. For patients with residual or recurrent tumors, several treatment options exist, including repeat surgery, medical therapy, and radiation. Reoperation for recurrent acromegaly has been associated with poor results, with hormonal control usually achieved in fewer than 50% of cases. Extended endonasal endoscopic approaches (EEAs) may potentially improve the results of reoperation for acromegaly by providing increased visibility and maneuverability in parasellar areas. METHODS A database of all patients treated in the authors' center between July 2004 and February 2016 was reviewed. Cases involving patients with acromegaly secondary to growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas who underwent EEA were selected for chart review and divided into 2 groups: first-time surgery and reoperation. Disease control was defined by 2010 guidelines. Clinical and radiological characteristics and outcome data were extracted. A systematic review was done through a MEDLINE database search (2000-2016) to identify studies on the surgical treatment of acromegaly. Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the included studies were reviewed for surgical approach, tumor size, cavernous sinus invasion, disease control, and complications. Cases were divided into reoperation or first-time surgery for comparative analysis. RESULTS A total of 44 patients from the authors' institution were included in this study. Of these patients, 2 underwent both first-time surgery and reoperation during the study period and were therefore included in both groups. Thus data from 46 surgical cases were analyzed (35 first-time operations and 11 reoperations). The mean length of follow-up was 70 months (range 6-150 months). The mean size of the reoperated tumors was 14.8 ± 10.0 mm (5 micro- and 6 macroadenomas). The patients' mean age at the time of surgery was younger in the reoperation group than in the first-time surgery group (34.3 ± 12.8 years vs 49.1 ± 15.7 years, p = 0.007) and the mean preoperative GH level was also lower (7.7 ± 13.1 μg/L vs 25.6 ± 36.8 μg/L, p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in disease control rates between the reoperation (7 [63.6%] of 11) and first-time surgery (25 [71.4%] of 33) groups (p = 0.71). Univariate analysis showed that older age, smaller tumor size, lower preoperative GH level, lower preoperative IGF-I level, and absence of cavernous sinus invasion were associated with higher chances of disease control in the first-time surgery group, whereas only absence of cavernous sinus invasion was associated with disease control in the reoperation group (p = 0.01). There was 1 case (9%) of transient diabetes insipidus and hypogonadism and 1 (9%) postoperative nasal infection after reoperation. The systematic review retrieved 29 papers with 161 reoperation and 2189 first-time surgery cases. Overall disease control for reoperation was 46.8% (95% CI 20%-74%) versus 56.4% (95% CI 49%-63%) for first-time operation. Reoperation and first-time surgery had similar control rates for microadenomas (73.6% [95% CI 32%-98%] vs 77.6% [95% CI 68%-85%]); however, reoperation was associated with substantially lower control rates for macroadenomas (27.5% [95% CI 5%-57%] vs 54.3% [95% CI 45%-62%]) and tumors invading the cavernous sinus (14.7% [95% CI 4%-29%] vs 38.5% [95% CI 27%-50%]). CONCLUSIONS Reoperative EEA for acromegaly had results similar to those for first-time surgery and rates of control for macroadenomas that were better than historical rates. Cavernous sinus invasion continues to be a negative prognostic indicator for disease control; however, results with EEA show improvement compared with results reported in the prior literature.

Two-year audit of outcomes of pituitary surgery at an Australian teaching hospital

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that cure rates and complications are influenced by the caseload in neurosurgical centres performing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Although Australian centres may perform relatively small numbers of these procedures, there have been few published audits of their performance.

AIMS

To conduct an audit of surgery for pituitary tumours between 2012 and 2014 in the only public hospital neurosurgical unit in the state of Western Australia.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted, with standardised extraction of data relating to indications for surgery, tumour type, procedure and postoperative endocrinological and other outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 53 patients identified, most (91%) underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Most tumours were non-functioning (71.7%), and most of these extended outside the sella turcica (86.8 vs 73.3% of functioning tumours). There was complete removal in 43.4% of patients and evidence of biochemical cure in 33.3% of functioning tumours, but readmission for further surgery was infrequent (5.7%). Persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, photophobia and deep venous thrombosis occurred in <4% of patients. There were no deaths. There was a relatively high rate of permanent diabetes insipidus (DI) (13.2 vs <5% in published series), while the frequency of new postoperative anterior pituitary dysfunction (9.4%) was within the range reported in the literature (3-14%).

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of pituitary surgery in this audit were largely comparable to those reported from other neurosurgical units in Australia and other countries. The increased risk of permanent postoperative DI may reflect the high proportion of non-functioning tumours with extension outside the sella turcica.

The surgical treatment of acromegaly

PURPOSE

Surgical extraction of as much tumour mass as possible is considered the first step of treatment in acromegaly in many centers. In this article the potential benefits, disadvantages and limitations of operative acromegaly treatment are reviewed.

METHODS

Pertinent literature was selected to provide a review covering current indications, techniques and results of operations for acromegaly.

RESULTS

The rapid reduction of tumour volume is an asset of surgery. To date, in almost all patients, minimally invasive, transsphenoidal microscopic or endoscopic approaches are employed. Whether a curative approach is feasible or a debulking procedure is planned, can be anticipated on the basis of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The radicality of adenoma resection essentially depends on localization, size and invasive character of the tumour. The normalization rates of growth hormone and IGF-1 secretion, respectively, depend on tumour-related factors such as size, extension, the presence or absence of invasion and the magnitude of IGF-1 and growth hormone oversecretion. However, also surgeon-related factors such as experience and patient load of the centers have been shown to strongly affect surgical results and the rate of complications. As compared to most medical treatments, surgery is relatively cheap since the costs occur only once and not repeatedly. There are several new technical gadgets which aid in the surgical procedure: navigation and variants of intraoperative imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

For the mentioned reasons, current algorithms of acromegaly management suggest an initial operation, unless the patients are unfit for surgery, refuse an operation or only an unsatisfactory resection is anticipated. A few suggestions are made when a re-operation could be considered.

How to deal with giant pituitary adenomas: transsphenoidal or transcranial, simultaneous or two-staged?

Giant pituitary adenomas (diameter >4 cm) are a challenge to treat, and there is no consensus on the optimal surgical strategy. We report here our experience in surgical management of these lesions. Adult patients with giant pituitary adenomas (n = 62; 54 non-functioning and eight hormone-secreting adenomas) who underwent surgical resection at our hospital from 2009 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Single transsphenoidal and transcranial approaches were used in 43 (69.4%) and four (6.5%) patients, respectively. A combined transsphenoidal and transcranial approach was used in 13 patients (20.9%) and in two patients (3.2%), a transcranial procedure was followed 3 months later by a transsphenoidal approach. Greater than 90% resection was achieved in 47 cases (75.8%). During a mean follow-up period of 46.9 months, 49 patients (79%) showed improved visual impairment scores, while none experienced visual deterioration. There was no post-operative hemorrhage or mortality. A total of 27 patients (43.5%) received adjuvant medical and/or radiation therapy. At last follow-up, eight patients (12.9%) had recurrence. For giant pituitary adenoma, the transsphenoidal and transcranial approaches should be combined flexibly based on the characteristics of the tumor. In certain cases, a simultaneous combined approach can maximize tumor extirpation and lower the risk of swelling and bleeding of the residual tumor.

Surgical treatment of acromegaly according to the 2010 remission criteria: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In 2010, the Acromegaly Consensus Group revised the criteria for cure of acromegaly and thus rates of surgical remission need to be revised in light of these new thresholds. Two subgroups consisted of patients with discordant GH and IGF-1 levels and patients in remission according to the 2000 criteria, but not to the 2010 criteria, have been reported after adenomectomy and for these subgroups the precise incidence and management has not been established. The objective of the study was to update rates of surgical remission and complications and to evaluate the incidence, management, and long-term outcome of the two previously described subgroups of patients.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical series that defined remission according to the 2010 biochemical criteria.

RESULTS

We included 13 studies (1105 patients). The pooled rate of overall surgical remission was 54.8 % (95 % CI 44.4-65.2 %), and 72.2 % with previous criteria. Remission was achieved in 77.9 % (95 % CI 68.1-87.6 %) of microadenomas; 52.7 % (95 % CI 41-64.4 %) of macroadenomas; 29 % (95 % CI 20.1-37.8 %) of invasive and 68.8 % (95 % CI 60-77.6 %) of non-invasive adenomas. Complication rates were 1.2 % (95 % CI 0.6-1.9 %) for CSF leak, 1.3 % (95 % CI 0.6-2.1 %) for permanent diabetes insipidus, 8.7 % (95 % CI 4.8-12.5 %) for new anterior pituitary dysfunction and 0.6 % (95 % CI 0.1-1.1 %) for severe intraoperative hemorrhage. We identified an intermediate group of patients, defined as: (1) Remission according to one, but not the other biochemical criteria (GH or IGF-1) or 2010 criteria (14.3 % and 47.1 % cases), (2) Remission according to 2000, but not 2010 criteria (13.2-58.8 % cases). Two studies reported a remission rate of 56.5 % and 100 %, in the two subgroups respectively, in a long-term outcome without adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall remission with transsphenoidal surgery is achieved in ∼55 % of patients. For the intermediate group of patients, future prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required to determine the long-term biochemical remission rates and clinical implications.

Advancing Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas through Targeted Molecular Therapies: The Acromegaly and Cushing Disease Paradigms

The current treatment of pituitary adenomas requires a balance of conservative management, surgical resection, and in select tumor types, molecular therapy. Acromegaly treatment is an evolving field where our understanding of molecular targets and drug therapies has improved treatment options for patients with excess growth hormone levels. We highlight the use of molecular therapies in this disease process and advances in this field, which may represent a paradigm shift for the future of pituitary adenoma treatment.

Multidisciplinary Approach for Acromegaly: A Single Tertiary Center's Experience

BACKGROUND

Acromegaly is a multisystemic disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this study was to determine early and late remissions of patients who underwent surgery at our center and to evaluate relations between pathologic and radiologic properties of adenoma and medical and radiosurgical treatments with remissions.

METHODS

The medical records of 103 patients with acromegaly who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery in Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, between 2007 and 2014 were reviewed. Clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and pathologic properties were determined.

RESULTS

The total median follow-up time was 38 months [interquartile range: 24-53.5 months]. Thirty-two percent of the adenomas were microadenomas and 68% were macroadenomas The early remission rate was 51.5% and late remission was 75.2%. The sellar floor invasion was significantly lower in patients with early and late remissions (P = 0.01 and P = 0.009, respectively). The initial growth hormone (GH; P < 0.001), first-day GH (P = 0.03), 3-month GH (P = 0.001), insulin-like growth factor-1 (P = 0.004), and 6-month insulin-like growth factor-1 (P = 0.02) levels were significantly greater in patients with sellar floor invasion. The late remission rates (P = 0.004) were greter and reoperation needs (P = 0.05) were lower in patients with Ki-67 <3% than in patients with ≥3%. Seventy (68.6%) patients needed medical therapy during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Late remission was achieved using a multidiciplinary approach in 75.2% of 103 patients with acromegaly, and young age, male sex, high Ki-67 and mitosis indices, and cavernous sinus and sellar-floor invasion had negative effects on clinical and biochemical control of the disease.

Novel Techniques in the Surgical Treatment of Acromegaly: Applications and Efficacy

Since the establishment of transsphenoidal microsurgery as the operative treatment of choice in most patients with acromegaly 40 years ago, a few novel technical developments have evolved. Their application, utility and efficacy will be briefly discussed in this review article, based on an analysis of published results and the authors' personal experience. The endoscope was additionally used to search for residual tumours in locations which could not be visualised with the operating microscope. In many centres it has by now fully replaced the operating microscope. Extended endoscopic operations hardly have limits in respect to accessible pathology. Overall, the results and complications reported from microsurgical and endoscopic series are comparable. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging allows depicting the completeness of a tumour resection. While in many patients additional tumour resections are performed on the basis of intraoperative imaging, the improvements in hormonal remission rates reported are less impressive. Neuronavigation uses imaging data to improve the surgeon's orientation, and it is certainly a major asset to the inexperienced. In high-caseload centres it is mainly appreciated in anatomical variants and reoperations. While the Doppler probe is a valuable and easily affordable gadget to avoid vascular arterial injury, intraoperative ultrasound imaging of tumour extension has a much poorer resolution than magnetic resonance imaging and is thus not widely implemented. The clinical value of intraoperative growth hormone measurements is controversially discussed. In summary, the application of modern technology has only led to a minor improvement of results, but it has widened the spectrum of accessible pathologies and increased the safety of the procedures for the patient. It is expected that outcomes will continue to improve as novel techniques and concepts are being developed.

Surgery induced hypopituitarism in acromegalic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the results

PURPOSE

Hypopituitarism is a possible complication of the surgical treatment of acromegaly. However, there is a wide variability in the incidence rates of surgery-induced hypopituitarism. The purpose of this study was the systematic collection and synthesis of information on the incidence rates of hypopituitarism, panhypopituitarism, specific axis deficiencies and diabetes insipidus after surgery for acromegaly treatment.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed all the papers that have reported pituitary deficits after surgery for acromegaly published up until December 2014, in the PubMed database. We identified 92 studies enrolling 6988 patients. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the incidence rates. We also performed several subgroup analyses to evaluate the impact of both surgical technique, and treatment prior to surgery, on the results.

RESULTS

The weighted incidence rates were 12.79 % for hypopituitarism (95 % CI 9.88-16.00 %), 2.50 % for panhypopituitarism (95 % CI 1.24-4.15 %), 6.50 % for ACTH deficiency (95 % CI 4.07-9.44 %), 4.39 % for TSH deficiency (95 % CI 2.99-6.04 %), 6.70 % for FSH/LH deficiency (95 % CI 3.89-10.17 %), 14.95 % for GH deficiency (95 % CI 7.25-24.64 %), 10.05 % for transient (95 % CI 7.18-13.33 %) and 2.42 % for permanent diabetes insipidus (95 % CI 1.70-3.27 %).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides new data on the incidence rates of hypopituitarism, specific pituitary axis deficiencies and diabetes insipidus after surgical treatment of acromegaly. Somatotroph function appears to be more prone to deficit than the other axes. However, there is a high heterogeneity between studies and several factors may influence the incidence of hypopituitarism.

Diagnosis, treatment and clinical perspectives of acromegaly

Acromegaly is an insidious disease of the pituitary caused by a growth hormone-secreting adenoma. Generally, the diagnosis is made rather late in the course of the disease. Currently, acromegaly can be cured in about half of the patients with the disease by expert surgery. The remainder of non-surgically cured patients often can be effectively treated with somatostatin analogs; either with the new generation of dopaminergic drugs or with Pegvisomant, a GH-receptor blocking agent. However, at the time of diagnosis many patients suffer from serious comorbidities, including hypertension, heart disease, arthrosis, sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus. Recent reports have shown that mortality risk can be normalized. Nevertheless, all efforts should be undertaken to treat comorbidities. New strategies for surgery and medical treatment are discussed.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas: Outcomes and Analysis of Remission Rates and Tumor Biochemical Activity with Respect to Tumor Invasiveness

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes and complications of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) performed on patients with Cushing disease at our Pituitary Center during the past 11 years.

METHODS

Clinical information and imaging in electronic medical records were reviewed for patients who underwent EEA. Statistical analysis was performed with χ² testing and Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Remission was achieved in 39 patients (79.6%) at initial evaluation within 2 weeks of surgery. At last follow-up, remission persisted in 70% of 50 patients with EEA alone (mean follow-up time, 37.5 ± 4.6 months; median, 26.2 months; range, 2.5-155.0 months). At last follow-up, remission rates were 80% among magnetic resonance imaging-negative adenomas, 70.6% among noninvasive or minimally invasive adenomas (Knosp 0, 1, 2), and 50% among invasive adenomas (Knosp 3, 4). There were no statistical differences in the remission rates among these categories (P = 0.444). Women had higher proportions of initial remission than men (P = 0.033) and patients who had no initial remission were older (P = 0.046). Higher preoperative normalized adrenocroticotropic hormone level was associated with a greater degree of invasiveness (P = 0.021). However, there was no association between preoperative normalized urine-free cortisol levels and degree of invasiveness (P = 0.582). Complications included panhypopituitarism (n = 3), hypothyroidism (n = 3), growth hormone deficiency (n = 1), hypogonadism (n = 1), postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 2), and transient diabetes insipidus (n = 4).

CONCLUSIONS

The EEA for Cushing disease resulted in remission and complication rates comparable with previous analyses of EEA, as well as microsurgical series. Preoperative adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were associated with invasiveness.

Endoscopic endonasal transsellar approach for laterally extended pituitary adenomas: volumetric analysis of cavernous sinus invasion

PURPOSE

The authors conducted a statistical analysis of surgical results of the endoscopic endonasal transsellar approach to provide quantitative indices for selection of the approach in the treatment of laterally extended pituitary adenomas.

METHODS

Surgical results of 25 patients with laterally extended pituitary adenomas of Knosp grade 3 or 4 were retrospectively analyzed. The removal rate was evaluated by the volumetric change of the lateral tumor compartment.

RESULTS

The transsellar approach was used exclusively in all cases. Gross total removal of the lateral tumor compartment was achieved in 14 (56.0%). Factors affecting the tumor removal through the transsellar approach were lateral tumor volume (p = 0.006), maximal distance to the cavernous sinus outer wall (p = 0.004) and history of previous surgery (p = 0.017). The cut-off values for the lateral tumor volume and maximal distance to the cavernous sinus outer wall predicting the gross total removal were 0.479 ml and 8.1 mm, respectively. The surgical complications of the transsellar approach included each case of anterior lobe function insufficiency and liquorrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

The transsellar approach is adequate for removal of lateral tumor compartment in the majority of cases with laterally extended pituitary adenomas. The tumor compartments dorsal and ventral to the horizontal portion of the intracavernous carotid artery are amenable to the removal. But for removal of the tumor compartment lateral to the carotid siphon requires additional use of the parasellar approach.

Outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

Since the 1990s, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas has increased in popularity. Outcomes of endoscopic surgery for clinically secretory adenomas are favorable, and results for nonfunctional tumors reveal high rates of complete resection, improvements in vision, and low rates of complications. This article discusses some of the recent studies reporting outcomes from endoscopic series for Cushing disease, acromegaly, prolactin-secreting tumors, and nonfunctioning macroadenomas.

Discordance between growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 after pituitary surgery for acromegaly: a stepwise approach and management

INTRODUCTION

Follow-up management of patients with acromegaly after pituitary surgery is performed by conducting biochemical assays of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1). Despite concordant results of these two tests in the majority of cases, there is increasing recognition of patients who show persistent or intermittent discordance between GH and IGF1 (normal GH and elevated IGF1 or vice versa).

METHOD

In this narrative review, the last three decades materials on the issue of discrepancy between GH and IGF1 were thoroughly assessed.

RESULTS

Various studies have obtained different discordance rates, ranging from 5.4 to 39.5%. At present, despite the use of current sensitive assays and more stringent criteria to define remission, the rate of discordance still remains high. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the postoperative discordance of GH and IGF1 including; altered dynamics of the GH secretion after surgery, early postoperative hormone assay, inaccurate or less sensitive tests and laboratory errors, too high cut-off point for GH suppression in the GH assays, GH nadir values not adjusted to age, sex, and body mass index, the influence of concomitant medication, co-existing physiologic and pathologic conditions, and many other proposed reasons. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms are still far from clear, and the solution continues to evade complete elucidation. Similarly, the impacts of such a discrepancy over mortality and morbidity and the risk of biochemical and/or clinical recurrence are unclear.

CONCLUSION

As a challenging clinical problem, a stepwise evaluation and management of these patients appears to be more rational.

An analysis of granulation patterns, MIB-1 proliferation indices and p53 expression in 101 patients with acromegaly

BACKGROUND

Despite the wide spectrum of adenoma behavior in patients with acromegaly, the ability of most pathological markers to predict clinical and radiological behavior remains controversial. The authors sought to comprehensively examine clinical and radiological correlates of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas with regard to several commonly used immunocytochemical techniques in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective review of histopathological findings in 101 surgically resected GH adenomas. Tumors were assessed radiologically for different patterns of extension. Each tumor specimen was subject to immunocytochemical analysis, including assessments of granulation patterns, MIB-1 labeling indices, prolactin cosecretion, p53 expression and mitotic activity. Endocrinological outcome was assessed in 93 patients, with remission defined by the 2010 consensus criteria.

RESULTS

Most tumors were macroadenomas and almost half were invasive. When compared to densely granulated tumors, sparsely granulated adenomas were associated with a younger age at presentation, higher preoperative IGF-1 levels, elevated MIB-1 index and pure GH immunostaining, but did not differ significantly in terms of extrasellar invasion or outcome. Increased mitotic activity and p53 expression were also associated with higher proliferation indices and a younger age at presentation. Mixed GH/prolactin tumors demonstrated significantly higher remission rates, independent of variations in extrasellar growth. MIB-1 indices did not correlate with the preoperative GH/IGF-1 levels, adenoma size or Knosp grade.

CONCLUSION

The pathobiology of acromegaly is complex, and the clinicoradiological significance of subtyping on the basis of the markers employed in this study is debatable. Further investigation of newer molecular markers is warranted.

Endocrinological outcomes following endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery in 113 patients with acromegaly

BACKGROUND

To describe outcomes and complications in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly using the 2010 consensus criteria for biochemical remission.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 113 treatment naïve patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery with the endoscopic (n=66) and the endonasal microscopic technique (n=47). Cure was defined if the age and sex-adjusted IGF-1 level was normal and either the basal GH was <1 ng/ml or the nadir GH was <0.4 ng/ml following oral glucose suppression at last follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 38.1 ± 7.1 years and 86% of tumors were macroadenomas. Adenoma sizes averaged 21.1 ± 9.7 mm, but 56% of all tumors were ≥ 2 cm in size and 43.4% were invasive. Remission rates between endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery did not differ significantly overall (28.8% versus 36.2%). On univariate analysis, a preoperative GH level <40 ng/ml, adenoma size <20mm and non-invasiveness were predictors of remission at follow-up. Although there were no statistically significant differences in remission rates between the endoscopic and microsurgical groups, surgically induced hypopituitarism was less frequent with the former.

CONCLUSIONS

We report our surgical experience with predominantly large, invasive GH adenomas using the 2010 criteria for cure. Patients with smaller, non-invasive tumors with lower preoperative GH levels are most likely to achieve remission. Outcomes with either the microscopic or endoscopic approach do not differ significantly, although the rate of surgically induced hypopituitarism may be higher with the former. Transsphenoidal surgery remains the first line of treatment for patients with acromegaly, but invasive adenomas will frequently require adjuvant therapy.