A pituitary adenoma secreting follicle-stimulating hormone with ovarian hyperstimulation: treatment using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist

Functioning gonadotroph adenoma with hyperestrogenemia and ovarian hyperstimulation in a reproductive-aged woman: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are extremely rare pituitary tumors that secrete gonadotropins and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations. Here, we report a case of functioning gonadotroph adenoma in a reproductive-aged woman and discuss its diagnosis and management.

CASE SUMMARY

A 21-year-old female patient with abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, hyperestrogenemia, and an ovarian mass was included. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a pituitary macroadenoma, and transsphenoidal surgery relieved her clinical symptoms. Before transsphenoidal surgery, plasma CA125, estradiol levels were elevated, while prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, PROG, cortisol, FT4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, parathyroid hormone, and GH levels were maintained at normal levels. After transsphenoidal surgery, the patient was diagnosed with a functioning gonadotroph adenoma. During follow-up, pelvic ultrasound confirmed normal-sized ovaries in the patient, the menstrual cycle returned to regular, and her hormones were maintained within a normal range. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence after two years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of functioning gonadotroph adenomas should be considered in patients with hyperestrogenism, irregular menstruation, large or recurrent ovarian cysts, and visual field defects. Pituitary MRI should be performed, and transsphenoidal surgery is recommended for the management of this disease.

Current medical treatment and perspective in gonadotroph tumors

Gonadotroph cell adenoma is the most common clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma; and is pathologically defined by immunopositivity for SF-1, GATA2 and ER-α. Most tumors also stain for follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone β-subunits, but are usually hormonally silent and discovered incidentally or due to local mass effects. Complete transsphenoidal resection should be attempted when surgery is indicated. Post-surgical treatment can include radiation of the tumor remnant and medical treatment. Among medical treatments, dopamine agonists show the best evidence for preventing the need for recurrent surgery or radiation, and should be considered in patients with relatively bulky remnants or who have high risk features associated with tumor progression. Temozolomide is indicated for aggressive adenomas and carcinomas. Less well-established treatments include somatostatin receptor ligands, peptide receptor radionucleotide therapy and immunomodulatory agents.

Co-occurrence of Functional Gonadotroph Adenoma and Lactotroph Adenoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background/Objective

Functional gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) are adenomas producing active gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone. Double pituitary adenomas are 2 distinct adenomas occurring in an individual. This report aimed to present an extremely rare case of an FGA, itself an uncommon disorder, co-occurring with a lactotroph adenoma.

Case Report

A 33-year-old woman presented with menorrhagia and was found to have ovarian enlargement, large uterine leiomyomas, and bitemporal hemianopsia. Initially, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and prolactin were 73.3 mIU/mL (midcycle peak, 2.3-20.9 mIU/L), 3.74 mIU/L (midcycle peak, 8.7-76.3 mIU/L), 1071 pg/mL (midcycle peak 38-649 pg/mL), and 402 ng/mL (2-30 ng/mL), respectively. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a single sellar mass (2.0 × 2.2 cm). Two months of cabergoline did not reverse visual field deficits; therefore, transsphenoidal resection was performed. Diagnosis of 2 separate adenomas, a gonadotroph and lactotroph adenoma, was confirmed on pathology.

Discussion

In this case, gonadotropins did not suppress in response to hyperprolactinemia. Although marked hyperprolactinemia has been associated with functional and clinically silent gonadotroph adenomas in prior cases, this is the first case to confirm an FGA co-occurring with a lactotroph adenoma.

Conclusion

In patients who present with elevated gonadotropin levels despite hyperprolactinemia, we suggest considering FGA. Further research is needed to clarify whether there is underdiagnosis of lactotroph adenomas co-occurring with gonadotroph adenomas.

Updating the Landscape for Functioning Gonadotroph Tumors

Functioning gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) are rare tumors, as the overwhelming majority of gonadotroph tumors are clinically silent. Literature is based on case reports and small case series. Gonadotroph tumors are poorly differentiated and produce and secrete hormones inefficiently, but in exceptional cases, they cause clinical syndromes due to hypersecretion of intact gonadotropins. The clinical spectrum of endocrine dysfunction includes an exaggerated response of ovaries characterized as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in premenopausal females and adolescent girls, testicular enlargement in males, and isosexual precocious puberty in children. Transsphenoidal surgery and removal of tumor reduces hormonal hypersecretion, improves endocrine dysfunction, and provides tissue for further analysis. Medical therapies (somatostatin analogues, dopamine agonists, GnRH agonists/antagonists) are partially or totally ineffective in many cases, especially with respect to antitumor effect. This review aims to update recent literature on these rare functioning tumors and highlight their therapeutic management.

A Case of Undiagnosed Functional Gonadotroph Adenoma Leading to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

A functional gonadotroph adenoma is a very rare endocrinopathy, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of a woman in her early 50s with a past medical history of recurrent ovarian cysts who developed bilateral hemianopsia and was referred to the endocrinology clinic after a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a pituitary mass. Anterior pituitary hormone workup confirmed hypersecretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which suggested ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) as the etiology of recurrent ovarian cysts. The patient underwent transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary tumor with improvement in visual symptoms. Our case illustrates that functional gonadotroph adenoma can be a potential cause of OHSS apart from the setting of assisted reproductive technology and hence warranting a meticulous endocrine evaluation to rule out this rare disease.

Functioning gonadotroph adenomas in premenopausal women: clinical and molecular characterization and review of the literature

PURPOSE

To summary the clinical features of premenopausal women with functioning gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) and preliminarily explore their molecular characterization.

METHODS

12 premenopausal females with FGAs in our center were retrospectively analyzed. Previously reported cases were also summarized. The patients were clinically divided into FSH- or LH-predominant types according to their preoperative serum FSH/LH ratio. The expressions of related genes in the tumor tissues of female FGAs, non-functioning gonadotroph adenomas (NFGAs), and silent corticotropin adenomas were evaluated by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Of all the 12 patients with FGAs from our center, 11 (91.7%) were diagnosed as FSH-predominant type, and they all had menstrual disorders, including 9 with spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (sOHSS). Their hormonal profiles showed non-suppressed FSH (12.45 ± 7.34 IU/L) with hyperestrogenemia [median estradiol level 1353.0 pg/mL (636.0, 3535.0)]. The other patient (8.3%) with LH-predominant type mainly manifested with infertility and sustained elevated serum LH without FSH or estradiol increasing. 65 premenopausal FGAs patients were systematic reviewed. 60 patients (92.3%) were FSH-predominant type, including 86.7% presented with menstrual disorders, 16.7% reported infertility, and 98.2% (55/56) showed sOHSS. No sOHSS or hyperestrogenemia were found in the 5 patients (7.7%) with LH-predominant type. Pituitary imaging data revealed macroadenomas and microadenomas accounted for 89.2% and 10.8%, respectively. Of 63 patients (96.9%) who underwent pituitary adenoma resection, 77.8% had complete tumor resection and no recurrence at the last follow-up. The relative expressions of KISS1 mRNA were significantly higher in FGA group than in NFGA group (p = 0.018), and significantly positively correlated with the preoperative serum estradiol levels (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Different clinical features were observed in premenopausal women with FGAs of FSH- or LH-predominant types. The elevated KISS1 expression in tumor tissues might involve in the secretion function of FGAs.

Gonadotroph Pituitary Adenoma Causing Treatable Infertility and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in Female Patients: Neurosurgical, Endocrinologic, Gynecologic, and Reproductive Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Gonadotroph pituitary adenoma (Gn-PA) may rarely cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, leading to infertility in women, although this remains poorly described.

METHODS

We present a quantitative systematic review including 2 patients from our institutional and 48 from the literature with Gn-PA causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome to thoroughly describe the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes from multidisciplinary aspects.

RESULTS

The patients had a mean age of 31.5 years and a mean follicle-stimulating hormone level of 14.4 IU/L. Estradiol level was high in 82% of patients, at >350 pg/mL. The mean maximal adenoma diameter was 22 mm, with a Knosp grade ≥3 in 10 patients. Abdominal surgery preceded adenoma resection in 24 patients (48%). Among 25 patients for whom extent of resection was recorded, total adenoma resection was achieved in 12. Through a mean follow-up of 25 months, adenoma recurrence was observed in 5 patients, who were treated with re-resection (n = 2), radiation (n = 2), and medical therapy followed by bilateral oophorectomy (n = 1). Medical therapies were partially effective or ineffective, and adenoma shrinkage did not follow; gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists/antagonists were partially effective in 20% of patients (2/10), dopamine agonists in 44% (8/18), and somatostatin analogues in 50% (1/2). Four experienced swelling of tumor/ovaries after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists/antagonists administration. Overall, chemical remission was obtained in 26 of 28 patients, normalization of ovaries in 25 of 27, and successful pregnancy in 12 of 14.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenoma resection is the main treatment, leading to reduction in ovarian size and biochemical remission, with a high likelihood of subsequent spontaneous pregnancy. Increased awareness of this rare condition may help avoid unnecessary abdominal procedures.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma Inducing Spontaneous Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, Treatment Using In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Case Report

OBJECTIVE

To describe the management of a patient with a pituitary adenoma secreting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) associated with spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (sOHSS) who was treated with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

We report a clinical case of a woman of reproductive age with menstrual irregularity, infertility and ovarian hyperstimulation due to recurrent pituitary adenoma secreting FSH, which persisted after transsphenoidal surgery.She underwent the diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laboratory tests,and finally she was treated with IVF-ET.

RESULTS

The patient was plagued by a recurrent pituitary adenoma for many years and tried various treatments. After complete transsphenoidal surgery, sOHSS decreased, as shown by a reduction in oestradiol levels and an improvement in the ultrasonography parameters; however, secondary amenorrhea occurred. Finally, pregnancy was achieved through IVF-ET and the symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation were relieved.

CONCLUSIONS

IVF-ET was found to be effective for the treatment of recurrent pituitary adenoma, thus representing a therapeutic option that should be taken into consideration in such cases.

A case of functioning gonadotroph adenoma in a reproductive aged woman

A 34-year-old woman presented our hospital with complaint of irregular menstruation and abnormal uterine bleeding lasting for a month. After her second parturition at the age of 27, her menstrual cycle had been regular, but it suddenly became irregular at the age of 30. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed the presence of ovarian mass, and the patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopic surgery. Bilateral ovaries temporally shrink after puncture but the size soon resumed. Gonadotropins were almost normal, but estradiol and PRL levels turned out to be elevated, and cabergoline treatment was initiated. After referral to our hospital, we found that the ovaries showed multifollicular appearance. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an 18-mm macroadenoma in the suprasellar area. To suppress the secretion of endogenous gonadotropins and estrogen, low-dose estrogen-progestin was prescribed. Surprisingly, the treatment temporarily reduced the size of the ovaries. The patient was referred to a neurosurgeon, and a functioning gonadotroph adenoma was suspected. After the resection of the pituitary tumor, her menstrual cycle became regular, and the size of bilateral ovaries became normal. We also noticed that her ovarian reserve judged by anti-Müllerian hormone had been almost diminished after the surgical treatment, probably reflecting the exhaustion of follicular pool. Women with multifollicular ovaries and elevated estradiol levels may have functioning gonadotroph adenomas, although the level of FSH is relatively normal, and ovarian reserve can be followed by measuring anti-Müllerian hormone.

FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE-PRODUCING PITUITARY ADENOMA: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Objective

To describe an unusual presentation of a follicle-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma leading to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. We also discuss the pathophysiology and subsequent management of these tumors.

Methods

This is a case report and review of the literature. A 37-year-old female with menorrhagia was found to have bilateral multilocular adnexal cysts with concern for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Results

Labs revealed elevated follicle-stimulating hormone, and an eminent estradiol level. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a macroadenoma with cavernous sinus invasion. The patient went on to have a successful transsphenoidal resection with normalization of hormones and subsequent resumption of menstrual cycles.

Conclusion

With the help of this case report, we illustrate the pathogenesis of functioning gonadotroph adenomas as well as the management challenges associated with these tumors. Our case is unique in its presentation with severe hyperestrogenemia and cavernous sinus invasion pointing towards a clinically aggressive adenoma. It is important to increase awareness of these tumors to ensure timely and effective management of their complications.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome due to follicle-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas

PURPOSE

Gonadotroph adenomas are pituitary adenomas with inefficient and variable secretory characteristics, that is why they are usually considered as a subgroup of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and are recognized only at immunohistochemistry. When gonadotroph adenomas secrete active hormones, they may cause spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in premenopausal women. Aim of our study is to describe three women with OHSS diagnosed before the removal of the adenoma and to calculate the prevalence of OHSS in premenopausal women with a clinical diagnosis of NFPA.

METHODS

We reviewed clinical records of premenopausal women that underwent neurosurgery for NFPA at our centre between 1993 and 2014. OHSS was diagnosed in patients with high levels of FSH, suppressed LH, hyperestrogenism, abdominal symptoms, polymenorrhea, enlarged ovaries with cysts or previous surgery for ovarian cysts.

RESULTS

171 women were included into the study; 62 (36.6%) had a gonadotroph adenoma diagnosed at immunohistochemistry. Two patients were retrospectively diagnosed as having OHSS due to gonadotroph adenoma and three had OHSS diagnosed before neurosurgery. The prevalence of OHSS was 2.9% in the overall group of patients with NFPA and 8.1% among patients with a gonadotroph adenoma detected at immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequency of OHSS due to a gonadotroph adenoma is not negligible. Increased awareness of the characteristic clinical and hormonal picture should permit an early detection of this condition in premenopausal women with a pituitary adenoma.

MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Present and future perspectives for medical therapy of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas

In contrast to the clear indication for surgical treatment in symptomatic patients with clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA), there are no randomized controlled studies comparing therapeutic strategies such as watchful waiting, irradiation or medical therapy for the management of NFPA after surgery. Further, no medical therapy is currently approved for the treatment of NFPA. In this review, we summarize accumulating data on medications currently approved for secreting pituitary adenomas, used off-label in patients with NFPA. Perspectives on overall treatment optimization and potential future therapies are also detailed.

Gonadotroph adenoma causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a premenopausal woman

INTRODUCTION

Gonadotroph adenomas occur commonly in middle-aged adults without any specific endocrinological symptoms. To date, only 30 cases of gonadotropinoma causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in pre-menopausal women have been reported.

CASE REPORT

A 37-year old woman with pituitary macroadenoma and hyperprolactinaemia was admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope Therapy. She presented with recurrent ovarian cysts, menstrual disturbances, headaches, visual impairment and galactorrhea. Her endocrine profile showed normal values of FSH, elevated concentrations of estradiol and suppressed LH levels. Transsphenoidal resection of the tumor tissue resulted in normalization of the hormone values and improvement in the clinical picture.

CONCLUSIONS

Gonadotroph adenomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis in premenopausal women with OHSS.

Gonadotropin secreting pituitary adenoma associated with erythrocytosis: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Most pituitary adenomas with FSH- or LH-positive immunohistochemistry are endocrinologically silent, and neurological symptoms due to their large volume are the first clinical signs; they are rarely reported to be secreting gonadotropins, this usually occurring in cases with clinical endocrine findings. Gonadotropinomas are often treated surgically because they are unresponsive to conventional medical therapies. Temozolomide was recently recommended for non-responder aggressive pituitary adenoma management.

CASE REPORT

A 43-year-old male with a history of 5 years of erythrocytosis presented with severe headache, orthostatic dizziness, and difficulty walking. MRI documented a giant pituitary adenoma and high uptake of 111In-pentetreotide indicated somatostatin receptor (SSR) expression. Biochemical tests revealed a secreting gonadotropinoma. Therapy with somatostatin analogs and dopamine agonists improved the patient's headache, achieved partial hormone control, slightly reduced the size of the adenoma, and controlled erythrocytosis. Six months after the diagnosis, hormone escape occurred despite therapy, thus neurosurgery was performed. After the procedure the patient died of untreatable intracranial hypertension. The surgical specimen revealed SSR 2 and 3 expression, and temozolomide did not induce apoptosis in primary cell culture.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Among gonadotropinomas, female gender (77%), macroadenoma (84%), young age at diagnosis (28 ± 12 years), delay from first symptoms to diagnosis (up to 15 years), and ovarian cysts/menstrual disorders in females or macro-orchidism in males were the foremost clinical and neuroimaging features.

CONCLUSIONS

Male gonadotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas may have a variable clinical expression secondary to testosterone excess. Somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists or temozolomide may have a role that needs to be assessed case by case.