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Wang Z, Feng Z, Zhu D, Wang X, Chen J, Zhu Y, Wang H. Clinical application of combination [ 11C]C-methionine and [ 13N]N-ammonia PET/CT in recurrent functional pituitary adenomas with negative MRI or [ 18F]F-FDG PET/CT. BMC Endocr Disord 2024; 24:19. [PMID: 38311763 PMCID: PMC10840282 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01543-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with [13N]N-ammonia ([13N]N-NH3) and [11C]C-methionine ([11C]C-MET) for the evaluation and management of recurrent secreting pituitary adenoma, which could not be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]F-FDG) PET. METHODS Nine consecutive patients with biochemical and clinical evidence of active recurrent tumor not detected by MRI and [18F]F-FDG PET were enrolled in this study. All of the patients underwent [13N]N-NH3 and [11C]C-MET PET/CT, after which the pattern of tracer uptake was studied, the tumor position was located, and a clinical decision was made. RESULTS In general, [11C]C-MET had a higher uptake in pituitary adenomas (PAs) than that in pituitary tissues, while [13N]N-NH3 had a higher uptake in pituitary tissue than in pituitary adenomas. Increased [11C]C-MET uptake was observed in all nine PAs and three pituitary tissues, while all pituitary tissues and only one pituitary adenoma showed increased [13N]N-NH3 uptake. Four patients had concordant imaging and surgical findings indicative of biochemical remission without hypopituitarism after treatment. Radiotherapy was adopted in two patients, medication in another two, and follow-up observation in one case. CONCLUSION Combined [11C]C-MET and [13N]N-NH3 PET/CT is effective in the differentiation of PAs from pituitary tissue in recurrent functional PAs with negative MRI or [18F]F-FDG PET. These results provide a valuable reference for further disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongming Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Tumor Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zize Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Guangdong, China
| | - Dimin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Tumor Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Tumor Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Haijun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Tumor Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Lee H, Lee JW, Cho HW, Choe YS, Lee KH, Choi JY, Sung KW, Moon SH. Methionine metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland in patients with suprasellar germinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288528. [PMID: 37440573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the association between methionine (MET) metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland in patients with suprasellar region tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with intracranial germinoma were included in this study. Initial staging and all surveillance MET PET/CT scans and comparable serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to tumor location, with tumors in the suprasellar region (condition) or not (control). MET uptake of the pituitary gland (i.e., SUVR [standardized uptake value ratio]) and levels of FSH, LH, TSH were compared in the condition and control groups and in the before and after treatment phases of each group. RESULTS The SUVR in the control group was like that found in normal pituitary glands in previous studies, whereas the SUVR of the untreated condition group was high and that of treated condition group was low with significance compared to the control group. Serum levels of pituitary hormones in before and after treatment condition groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The FSH and LH levels of curatively treated patients in the control group were positively correlated with SUVR with respective ß values of 3.71 and 0.98 (p < .001). The TSH level of the treated condition group was negatively correlated with SUVR (ß = -1.02, p < .001). CONCLUSION This study is the first known investigation to examine the association between MET metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland, and it confirmed that MET metabolism reflects endocrine function. A future study validating the result of correlation analysis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwanhee Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Won Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yearn Seong Choe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Han Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Young Choi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Woong Sung
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Moon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Slagboom TNA, Stenvers DJ, van de Giessen E, Roosendaal SD, de Win MML, Bot JCJ, Aronica E, Post R, Hoogmoed J, Drent ML, Pereira AM. Continuing Challenges in the Definitive Diagnosis of Cushing's Disease: A Structured Review Focusing on Molecular Imaging and a Proposal for Diagnostic Work-Up. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082919. [PMID: 37109254 PMCID: PMC10144206 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The definitive diagnosis of Cushing's disease (CD) in the presence of pituitary microadenoma remains a continuous challenge. Novel available pituitary imaging techniques are emerging. This study aimed to provide a structured analysis of the diagnostic accuracy as well as the clinical use of molecular imaging in patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS). We also discuss the role of multidisciplinary counseling in decision making. Additionally, we propose a complementary diagnostic algorithm for both de novo and recurrent or persistent CD. A structured literature search was conducted and two illustrative CD cases discussed at our Pituitary Center are presented. A total of 14 CD (n = 201) and 30 ectopic CS (n = 301) articles were included. MRI was negative or inconclusive in a quarter of CD patients. 11C-Met showed higher pituitary adenoma detection than 18F-FDG PET-CT (87% versus 49%). Up to 100% detection rates were found for 18F-FET, 68Ga-DOTA-TATE, and 68Ga-DOTA-CRH, but were based on single studies. The use of molecular imaging modalities in the detection of pituitary microadenoma in ACTH-dependent CS is of added and complementary value, serving as one of the available tools in the diagnostic work-up. In selected CD cases, it seems justified to even refrain from IPSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa N A Slagboom
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Jan Stenvers
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elsmarieke van de Giessen
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan D Roosendaal
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje M L de Win
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph C J Bot
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René Post
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jantien Hoogmoed
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Madeleine L Drent
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pituitary Center Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Bashari WA, Senanayake R, MacFarlane J, Gillett D, Powlson AS, Kolias A, Mannion RJ, Koulouri O, Gurnell M. Using Molecular Imaging to Enhance Decision Making in the Management of Pituitary Adenomas. J Nucl Med 2021; 62:57S-62S. [PMID: 34230075 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.251546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In most patients with suspected or confirmed pituitary adenomas (PAs), MRI, performed using T1- (with or without gadolinium enhancement) and T2-weighted sequences, provides sufficient information to guide effective clinical decision making. In other patients, additional MR sequences (e.g., gradient recalled echo, fluid-attenuation inversion recovery, MR elastography, or MR angiography) may be deployed to improve adenoma detection, assess tumoral consistency, or aid distinction from other sellar/parasellar lesions (e.g., aneurysm, meningioma). However, there remains a small but important subgroup of patients in whom primary or secondary intervention (e.g., first or redo transsphenoidal surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery) is limited by the inability of MRI to accurately localize the site(s) of de novo, persistent, or recurrent PA. Emerging evidence indicates that hybrid imaging, which combines molecular (e.g. 11C-methionine PET) and cross-sectional (MRI) modalities, can enable the detection and precise localization of sites of active tumor to guide targeted intervention. This not only increases the likelihood of achieving complete remission with preservation of remaining normal pituitary function but may mitigate the need for long-term (even lifelong) high-cost medical therapies. Here, we review published evidence supporting the use of molecular imaging in the management of PAs, including our own 10-y experience with 11C-methionine PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waiel A Bashari
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health, Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Senanayake
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health, Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James MacFarlane
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health, Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Gillett
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health, Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| | - Andrew S Powlson
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health, Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos Kolias
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge & Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Mannion
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge & Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Olympia Koulouri
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health, Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Gurnell
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health, Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
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5
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MacFarlane J, Bashari WA, Senanayake R, Gillett D, van der Meulen M, Powlson AS, Kolias A, Koulouri O, Gurnell M. Advances in the Imaging of Pituitary Tumors. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2020; 49:357-373. [PMID: 32741476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In most patients with pituitary adenomas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential to guide effective decision-making. T1- and T2-weighted sequences allow the majority of adenomas to be readily identified. Supplementary MR sequences (e.g. FLAIR; MR angiography) may also help inform surgery. However, in some patients MRI findings are 'negative' or equivocal (e.g. with failure to reliably identify a microadenoma or to distinguish postoperative change from residual/recurrent disease). Molecular imaging [e.g. 11C-methionine PET/CT coregistered with volumetric MRI (Met-PET/MRCR)] may allow accurate localisation of the site of de novo or persistent disease to guide definitive treatment (e.g. surgery or radiosurgery).
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Affiliation(s)
- James MacFarlane
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Waiel A Bashari
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Russell Senanayake
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Daniel Gillett
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Merel van der Meulen
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Andrew S Powlson
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Angelos Kolias
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge & Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Olympia Koulouri
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Mark Gurnell
- Cambridge Endocrine Molecular Imaging Group, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Quinn M, Bashari W, Smith D, Gurnell M, Agha A. A remarkable case of thyrotoxicosis initially caused by graves' disease followed by a probable TSHoma - a case report. BMC Endocr Disord 2020; 20:133. [PMID: 32854689 PMCID: PMC7457301 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-020-00611-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graves' disease is the commonest cause of thyrotoxicosis whilst thyrotropin (TSH)-producing pituitary adenomas (thyrotropinomas, TSHomas) are very rare and account for just 1-2% of all pituitary adenomas. Coexistence of a TSHoma and Graves' disease has been very rarely reported. Here, we report a case of a patient whose initial presentation with primary thyrotoxicosis due to Graves' disease, was subsequently followed by a relapse of thyrotoxicosis due to a probable TSHoma. CASE A sixty-eight year old woman was referred to our department with classical features of thyrotoxicosis. Initial biochemistry confirmed hyperthyroxinaemia [free thyroxine (fT4) 20.4 pmol/L (reference range 7.0-16.0)] and a suppressed TSH [< 0.02mIU/L (0.50-4.20)]. A technetium pertechnetate uptake scan was consistent with Graves' Disease. She was treated with carbimazole for 18 months and remained clinically and biochemically euthyroid. After stopping carbimazole her fT4 started to rise but TSH remained normal. Laboratory assay interference was excluded. A TRH stimulation test demonstrated a flat TSH response and pituitary MRI revealed a microadenoma. Remaining pituitary hormones were in the normal range other than a slightly raised IGF-1. An 11C-methionine PET/CT scan coregistered with volumetric MRI (Met-PET-MRICR) demonstrated high tracer uptake in the left lateral sella region suggestive of a functioning adenoma. The patient declined surgery and was unable to tolerate cabergoline or octreotide. Thereafter, she has elected to pursue a conservative approach with periodic surveillance. CONCLUSION This is a very unusual case of thyrotoxicosis caused by two different processes occurring in the same patient. It highlights the importance of considering dual pathology when previously concordant thyroid function tests become discordant. It also highlights a potential role of Met-PET-MRICR in the localisation of functioning pituitary tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Quinn
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital and the RCSI, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Waiel Bashari
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Diarmuid Smith
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital and the RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Gurnell
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Amar Agha
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital and the RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
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Sagan KP, Andrysiak-Mamos E, Sagan L, Nowacki P, Małkowski B, Syrenicz A. Cushing's Syndrome in a Patient With Rathke's Cleft Cyst and ACTH Cell Hyperplasia Detected by 11C-Methionine PET Imaging-A Case Presentation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:460. [PMID: 32774326 PMCID: PMC7388627 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's Syndrome (CS) is most often caused by a pituitary adenoma. Although rarely, it can also result from pituitary corticotroph cell hyperplasia (CH). Reports on concomitant pituitary lesions including ACTH-producing adenomas and Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) have been published. Positron emission tomography (PET), using 11C-labelled-methionine (MET) as a tracer and co-registered with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of pituitary collision lesions, however, its role is still under investigation. In this work we present the case of a patient in whom CS was caused by non-adenomatous CH within the wall of an RCC. Case Summary: In 2015 a patient with signs and symptoms of CS was referred to our Department. Biochemical studies repeatedly showed elevated midnight serum cortisol and ACTH levels. Magnetic resonance imaging of the sellar region revealed an RCC and MET-PET/MR showed heterogeneous labelled-methionine metabolism in the vicinity of the cyst's wall. Transsphenoidal surgery resulted in rapid, complete and lasting relief of symptoms. Histopathological examination demonstrated an RCC and CH. Conclusions: Concomitance of pituitary focal lesions is a rare phenomenon. Methionine-labelled PET/MR may be useful in the diagnosis of collision sellar lesions, including CH. Corticotroph cell hyperplasia can present as mild and fluctuating hypercortisolaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Piotr Sagan
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
- *Correspondence: Karol Piotr Sagan
| | - Elzbieta Andrysiak-Mamos
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Leszek Sagan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Przemysław Nowacki
- Department of Neurology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bogdan Małkowski
- Department of Diagnostic Imagining, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anhelli Syrenicz
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Utility of 13N-Ammonia PET/CT to Detect Pituitary Tissue in Patients with Pituitary Adenomas. Acad Radiol 2019; 26:1222-1228. [PMID: 30318288 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES It is clinically essential, but sometimes challenging, to distinguish pituitary tissue from pituitary adenomas (PAs). It is helpful to avoid damage of pituitary tissue during management. We evaluated the ability of 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to locate and distinguish pituitary tissue from PAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight patients (four with prolactinoma, 10 with Cushing's disease, 12 with acromegaly, and 22 with nonfunctional PAs) prospectively underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 13N-ammonia PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, prior to surgery. RESULTS Pituitary position could be determined in 31 (64.5%) patients by 13N-ammonia PET/CT, and by MRI in 26 (54.2%) patients. It was detected by 13N-ammonia PET/CT and MRI in eight of eight patients (100%) with pituitary microadenoma, tumor maximum diameter (TMD) <1 cm, and in nine of 10 patients (90%) with PAs with TMD ≥1 cm, but <2 cm. In 16 patients with PAs with TMD ≥2 cm, but <3 cm, pituitary tissue position was detected by 13N-ammonia PET/CT in nine (56%), and by MRI in 8 (50.0%) patients by MRI. In 14 patients with PAs with TMD ≥3 cm, pituitary tissue position was detected by 13N-ammonia PET/CT in five (35.7%) patient, and by MRI in 1 (7.1%). In seven patients, the pituitary tissue could be detected by 13N-ammonia PET, but not by MRI, and in two patients by MRI, but not by 13N-ammonia PET. CONCLUSION 13N-ammonia PET/CT imaging is a sensitive means for locating and distinguishing pituitary tissue from PAs, particularly those with TMD <2 cm. It is potentially valuable in detection of pituitary tissue in patients with PAs.
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