Functional Gonadotroph Adenomas: Case Series and Report of Literature

Low libido despite high normal testosterone levels in a male with an FSH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma

Summary

Functioning gonadotroph adenomas with clinical manifestations are extremely rare and the majority of these are FSH-secreting macroadenomas. Clinical symptoms are due to excess gonadotrophins and sex hormones, and these may be present for a long time before the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma is made. We present the case of a 37-year-old Caucasian male with clinical manifestations of an FSH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma. He had sexual dysfunction for a year followed by bilateral testicular pain and enlargement which was initially treated as suspected recurrent epididymitis, but his symptoms did not resolve. He presented a year later with headaches and bilateral superior temporal visual field defects. Brain imaging confirmed a pituitary macroadenoma with optic chiasm compression. Pituitary profile demonstrated an unusually high FSH with high normal LH and normal testosterone level. The patient successfully underwent transsphenoidal hypophysectomy and histology confirmed gonadotroph differentiation and immunoreactivity predominantly with FSH. Gonadotrophin levels and testosterone dropped significantly after surgery, and he was started on testosterone replacement. MR imaging, 2 years post surgery, showed no recurrence of pituitary adenoma. In conclusion, testicular enlargement and hypogonadal symptoms associated with low testosterone levels are recognised features in FSH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Our patient had hypogonadal symptoms but consistently high normal testosterone levels prior to surgery. The reason for low libido despite high testosterone is unclear. Our case highlights the need to suspect such rare underlying pituitary pathology when dealing with unusual combinations of hypogonadal symptoms, testicular enlargement with low or normal testosterone levels.

Learning points

Functioning pituitary adenomas that secrete excess follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are very rare and often present with symptoms related to pituitary mass effect. Testicular enlargement alongside sexual dysfunction are commonly reported symptoms amongst male patients. Pituitary profile results demonstrate a raised FSH level with either a low, normal, or even high testosterone level which may not always correlate to clinical symptoms. Pituitary pathology should be considered in males presenting with unusual combinations of testicular enlargement and hypogonadal symptoms even with normal testosterone levels.

Clinically functioning gonadotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma

Summary

Gonadotroph adenomas are the most common type of nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. However, functioning gonadotroph adenomas causing clinical manifestations are rare. We present the case of a 42-year-old man with an incidental finding of a pituitary gland mass. A pituitary MRI revealed a 3 cm macroadenoma, and laboratory investigations revealed elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone levels. A diagnosis of functioning FSH-secreting pituitary adenoma was considered, with possible concomitant luteinizing hormone secretion, given the elevated testosterone, prompting further evaluation. Testicular ultrasound showed bilaterally enlarged testicles, and visual field testing revealed a monocular superior temporal defect. Transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma was the treatment of choice. Histopathology assessment confirmed the diagnosis of gonadotroph-secreting adenoma, with positive staining for FSH. Within the 12-week postoperative period, FSH and testosterone levels normalized, and the patient experienced significant improvement in vision, along with the resolution of macroorchidism. While functional gonadotroph adenomas are rare, patients can present with a wide range of symptoms that are often unnoticeable due to their slow development. Careful evaluation can help guide multidisciplinary management to achieve full remission.

Learning points

Endocrine evaluation is indicated in all cases of pituitary incidentalomas to determine functional status. Clinically functioning gonadotroph adenomas, while rare, pose a diagnostic challenge and require careful clinical evaluation. Transsphenoidal surgery is the mainstay of treatment of functioning gonadotroph adenomas, with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team to achieve desirable outcomes.

Gonadotropin-secreting and thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas: A single-center experience

Objective

Data regarding rare FPAs from India, a resource limited setting, are limited. We describe a case series of rare FPAs from a single center in western India.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective case record review of patients diagnosed between January 2010 and July 2022. The diagnosis was based on biochemical(inappropriately elevated serum FSH/LH) and pathologic (positive immunostaining for FSH/LH) features in patients with FGA, and elevated serum thyroid hormones and normal/elevated TSH in patients with TSHomas.

Results

We identified 11 patients with a total of six FGAs (median age 43.5 years, five men, one FGA cosecreting TSH, median largest dimension 40 mm, range 33-60 mm) and six TSHomas (median age 34.5 years, four women, two TSHomas cosecreting GH, median largest dimension 42.5 mm, range 13-60 mm). Symptoms of sellar mass effects led to pituitary imaging in most patients with FGA. Patients with TSHomas had symptoms of excess hormone secretion (GH/TSH) or sellar mass effects. The TSHomas that cosecreted GH/FSH were larger than those secreting only TSH. Transsphenoidal resection was the most common first-line therapy but significant residual disease was frequent (3 out of 6 FGAs and 4 out of 5 TSHomas).

Conclusion

This is the first and second case series of FGAs and TSHomas, respectively, from India. In this study, TSHomas presented at younger age, were larger andhad low surgical cure rates.

Influence of gender and sexual hormones on outcomes after pituitary surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although there is an increasing body of evidence showing gender differences in various medical domains as well as presentation and biology of pituitary adenoma (PA), gender differences regarding outcome of patients who underwent transsphenoidal resection of PA are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify gender differences in PA surgery.

METHODS

The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched up to April 2023 to identify eligible articles. Quality appraisal and extraction were performed in duplicate.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies including 4989 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our analysis showed odds ratio of postoperative biochemical remission in males vs. females of 0.83 (95% CI 0.59-1.15, P = 0.26), odds ratio of gross total resection in male vs. female patients of 0.68 (95% CI 0.34-1.39, P = 0.30), odds ratio of postoperative diabetes insipidus in male vs. female patients of 0.40 (95% CI 0.26-0.64, P < 0.0001), and a mean difference of preoperative level of prolactin in male vs. female patients of 11.62 (95% CI - 119.04-142.27, P = 0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significantly higher rate of postoperative DI in female patients after endoscopic or microscopic transsphenoidal PA surgery, and although there was some data in isolated studies suggesting influence of gender on postoperative biochemical remission, rate of GTR, and preoperative prolactin levels, these findings could not be confirmed in this meta-analysis and demonstrated no statistically significant effect. Further research is needed and future studies concerning PA surgery should report their data by gender or sexual hormones and ideally further assess their impact on PA surgery.

A Rare Case of Precocious Puberty Secondary to an LH-secreting Pituitary Adenoma

An 8-year, 7-month-old male presented with puberty symptoms, including a 1.5-year history of facial hair with 9 months of phallic growth, body odor, and acne. Physical examination revealed phallic enlargement but only 4 mL testes bilaterally. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated LH and testosterone, but a prepubertal FSH level and minimally elevated adrenal androgens. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head revealed an anterior pituitary adenoma, and after the patient failed to respond to leuprolide, he was initiated on spironolactone and anastrozole to minimize pubertal progression before transsphenoidal adenomectomy. Postoperatively, the patient had rapid reduction of LH and testosterone, with subsequent cessation of pubertal progression, confirming the diagnosis of an LH-secreting pituitary adenoma despite negative immunoreactivity for LH and FSH. Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are rare and have been documented only in small case series and case reports. When active, these most commonly secrete FSH or co-secrete FSH and LH, and only very rarely result in precocious puberty. Here, we describe a rare case of an isolated LH-secreting functioning gonadotroph adenoma resulting in precocious puberty. This case reinforces the need to critically analyze departures from the typical pubertal sequence and to expand one's differential to include etiologies that can cause unbalanced secretion of gonadotropins.

TGFBR3L is associated with gonadotropin production in non-functioning gonadotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumours

PURPOSE

Transforming growth factor-beta receptor 3-like (TGFBR3L) is a pituitary enriched membrane protein selectively detected in gonadotroph cells. TGFBR3L is named after transforming growth factor-beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3), an inhibin A co-receptor in mice, due to sequence identity to the C-terminal region. We aimed to characterize TGFBR3L detection in a well-characterized, prospectively collected cohort of non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (NF-PitNETs) and correlate it to clinical data.

METHODS

144 patients operated for clinically NF-PitNETs were included. Clinical, radiological and biochemical data were recorded. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for FSHβ and LHβ was scored using the immunoreactive score (IRS), TGFBR3L and TGFBR3 were scored by the percentage of positive stained cells.

RESULTS

TGFBR3L staining was selectively present in 52% of gonadotroph tumours. TGFBR3L was associated to IRS of LHβ (median 2 [IQR 0-3] in TGFBR3L negative and median 6 [IQR 3-9] in TGFBR3L positive tumours, p < 0.001), but not to the IRS of FSHβ (p = 0.32). The presence of TGFBR3L was negatively associated with plasma gonadotropin concentrations in males (P-FSH median 5.5 IU/L [IQR 2.9-9.6] and median 3.0 [IQR 1.8-5.6] in TGFBR3L negative and positive tumours respectively, p = 0.008) and P-LH (median 2.8 IU/L [IQR 1.9-3.7] and median 1.8 [IQR 1.1-3.0] in TGFBR3L negative and positive tumours respectively, p = 0.03). TGFBR3 stained positive in 22% (n = 25) of gonadotroph tumours with no correlation to TGFBR3L.

CONCLUSION

TGFBR3L was selectively detected in half (52%) of gonadotroph NF-PitNETs. The association to LHβ staining and plasma gonadotropins suggests that TGFBR3L may be involved in hormone production in gonadotroph NF-PitNETs.

An Overview of Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNET) and Algorithmic Approach to Diagnosis

The diagnostic algorithm and nomenclature of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors have evolved over the past decade, beginning with simpler categorical schemes focused on histomorphologic features and moving to a more sophisticated lineage-specific categorization. This contemporary overview highlights a multimodal approach to pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with a focus on changes in nomenclature, classification, and subclassification; including, brief comments on treatment, and new guidelines for genetic screening, particularly for young patients with such neoplasms.

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.

Recent advancements in the molecular biology of pituitary adenomas

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary adenomas are a common and diverse group of intracranial tumors arising from the anterior pituitary that are usually slow-growing and benign, but still pose a significant healthcare burden to patients. Additionally, they are increasing in both incidence and prevalence, leading to a need for better understanding of molecular changes in the development of these tumors.

AREAS COVERED

A PubMed literature search was conducted using the terms 'pituitary adenoma' in combination with keywords related to secretory subtype: lactotroph, somatotroph, corticotroph, gonadotroph and null cell, in addition to their transcription factor expression: PIT1, TPIT, and SF-1. Articles resulting from this search were analyzed, as well as relevant articles cited as their references. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the genetic and epigenetic characterization of individual pituitary adenoma subtypes and the effect it may have on guiding future clinical treatment of these tumors.

EXPERT OPINION

Understanding the molecular biology of pituitary adenomas is a fundamental step toward advancing the treatment of these tumors. Yet crucial knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of the underlying molecular biology of pituitary adenomas which can potentially be addressed by turning to differentially activated molecular pathways in tumor relative to normal gland.

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.

Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Pituitary Tumors

This review summarizes the changes in the 5th Edition of the WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors that relate to the pituitary gland. The new classification clearly distinguishes anterior lobe (adenohypophyseal) from posterior lobe (neurohypophyseal) and hypothalamic tumors. Other tumors arising in the sellar region are also discussed. Anterior lobe tumors include (i) well-differentiated adenohypophyseal tumors that are now classified as pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs; formerly known as pituitary adenomas), (ii) pituitary blastoma, and (iii) the two types of craniopharyngioma. The new WHO classification provides detailed histological subtyping of a PitNET based on the tumor cell lineage, cell type, and related characteristics. The routine use of immunohistochemistry for pituitary transcription factors (PIT1, TPIT, SF1, GATA3, and ERα) is endorsed in this classification. The major PIT1, TPIT, and SF1 lineage-defined PitNET types and subtypes feature distinct morphologic, molecular, and clinical differences. The "null cell" tumor, which is a diagnosis of exclusion, is reserved for PitNETs with no evidence of adenohypophyseal lineage differentiation. Unlike the 2017 WHO classification, mammosomatotroph and acidophil stem cell tumors represent distinct PIT1-lineage PitNETs. The diagnostic category of PIT1-positive plurihormonal tumor that was introduced in the 2017 WHO classification is replaced by two clinicopathologically distinct PitNETs: the immature PIT1-lineage tumor (formerly known as silent subtype 3 tumor) and the mature plurihormonal PIT1-lineage tumor. Rare unusual plurihormonal tumors feature multi-lineage differentiation. The importance of recognizing multiple synchronous PitNETs is emphasized to avoid misclassification. The term "metastatic PitNET" is advocated to replace the previous terminology "pituitary carcinoma" in order to avoid confusion with neuroendocrine carcinoma (a poorly differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasm). Subtypes of PitNETs that are associated with a high risk of adverse biology are emphasized within their cell lineage and cell type as well as based on clinical variables. Posterior lobe tumors, the family of pituicyte tumors, include the traditional pituicytoma, the oncocytic form (spindle cell oncocytoma), the granular cell form (granular cell tumor), and the ependymal type (sellar ependymoma). Although these historical terms are entrenched in the literature, they are nonspecific and confusing, such that oncocytic pituicytoma, granular cell pituicytoma, and ependymal pituicytoma are now proposed as more accurate. Tumors with hypothalamic neuronal differentiation are classified as gangliocytomas or neurocytomas based on large and small cell size, respectively. This classification sets the standard for a high degree of sophistication to allow individualized patient management approaches.

Evaluation of the expression of necroptosis pathway mediators and its association with tumor characteristics in functional and non-functional pituitary adenomas

BACKGROUND

Pituitary adenomas impose a burden of morbidity on patients and characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis received remarkable attention. Despite the appealing role of necroptosis as an alternative cell death pathway in cancer pathogenesis, its relevance to pituitary adenoma pathogenesis has yet to be determined that is perused in the current study.

METHODS

The total number of 109 specimens including pituitary adenomas and cadaveric healthy pituitary tissues were enrolled in the current study. Tumor and healthy pituitary tissues were subjected to RNA extraction and gene analysis using Real-Time PCR. The expression levels of necroptosis markers (RIP1K, RIP3K and, MLKL) and their association with the patient's demographic features were evaluated, also the protein level of MLKL was assessed using immunohistochemistry in tissues.

RESULTS

Based on our data, the remarkable reduction in RIP3K and MLKL expression were detected in nonfunctional and GH-secreting pituitary tumors compared to pituitary normal tissues. Invasive tumors revealed lower expression of RIP3K and MLKL compared to non-invasive tumors, also the attenuated level of MLKL was associated with the tumor size in invasive NFPA. The simultaneous down-regulation of MLKL protein in pituitary adenoma tissues was observed which was in line with its gene expression. While, RIP1K over-expressed significantly in both types of pituitary tumors which showed no significant correlation with patient's age, gender and tumor size in GHPPA and NFPA group. Notably, MLKL and RIP3K gene expression was significantly correlated in the GHPPA group.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our data, the reduced expression of necroptosis mediators (RIP3K, MLKL) in pituitary adenoma reinforces the hypothesis that the necroptosis pathway can be effective in regulating the proliferation and growth of pituitary tumor cells and tumor recurrence.

GnRH agonist-associated pituitary apoplexy: a case series and review of the literature

PURPOSE

To examine the clinical presentation and longitudinal outcome of Pituitary Apoplexy (PA) after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) in a series of patients and compare to prior reports.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on seven patients receiving GnRHa who developed PA. Prior reported cases were analyzed.

RESULTS

Six men (median age 72 years) with prostate cancer and one woman (aged 22 years) undergoing oocyte donation presented with PA between 1990 and 2020. Most presented with within 24 h of the first dose, but two developed PA 1 to 5 months after GnRHa initiation. The main clinical manifestations were headache (100%), nausea and vomiting (86%). While no patients had a previously known pituitary tumor, all had imaging demonstrating sellar mass and/or hemorrhage at presentation. Among those surgically treated (5/7), 80% (4/5) of patients had pathologic specimens that stained positive for gonadotropins; the remaining patient's pathologic specimen was necrotic. At the time of PA, the most common pituitary dysfunction was hypocortisolism. Central adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism were reversible in a subset. Pituitary imaging remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of a case series with PA after GnRHa administration with longitudinal follow-up. Although infrequent, PA can be life-threatening and should be suspected among patients receiving GnRHa, with or without a known pituitary adenoma, who develop acute headache, nausea and/or vomiting. Since hypopituitarism was reversible in a subset, ongoing pituitary function testing may be indicated.

The Impact of Minimally Invasive Pituitary Surgery on Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Pituitary Adenoma

INTRODUCTION

In the present study, we prospectively investigated the impact of endoscopic transnasal trans-sphenoidal surgery (ETTS) on sexual function in male and female patients with pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

The study included a total of 40 consecutive patients (male, n = 28 and female, n = 12) aged 22-65 years, who underwent ETTS for pituitary adenoma in our center between March 2019 and August 2019. Twenty-seven (67.5%) and 13 (32.5%) patients had functioning and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, respectively. Routine preoperative hormone levels were obtained in every patient. The tests were repeated at the postoperative third month. Preoperatively and at the postoperative third month, the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used in male and female patients, respectively.

RESULTS

Before surgery, 24 (85.7%) men had erectile dysfunction (ED), and 10 (83%) women had female sexual dysfunction. After surgery, all the patients' abnormal hormone parameters improved. All the male patients' ED degrees were positively affected by surgery. In women, the FSFI was significantly better than in the preoperative period.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Our results showed that both males and females with pituitary adenomas benefitted from minimally invasive pituitary surgery in terms of a high-remission rate and improvement in sexual dysfunction.

[A rare case of a functioning gonadotroph tumor accompanied by erythrocytosis in an elderly man]

Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are rare pituitary tumors secreting one or two gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH)), which are hormonally active. In the majority of cases, gonadotroph tumors are endocrinologically "silent" and make up more than a half of non-functioning pituitary adenomas. In this article we describe a rare clinical case of LH/FSH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma with bitemporal hemianopsia in a 62-year-old man. The patient underwent transnasal transsphenoidal adenomectomy, leading to remission. The distinctive feature of this case is the presence of secondary erythrocytosis due to endogenous hyperandrogenism, which required several blood exfusions to normaliza the level of hematocrit before surgery. It is noteworthy that clinical signs of erythrocytosis were present long before visual impairment. This clinical case demonstrates difficulties in the early diagnosis of functioning gonadotroph adenomas.

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.

FSH Levels Are Related to E-cadherin Expression and Subcellular Location in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Tumors

CONTEXT

Gonadotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) can express follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) or be hormone negative, but they rarely secrete hormones. During tumor development, epithelial cells develop a mesenchymal phenotype. This process is characterized by decreased membranous E-cadherin and translocation of E-cadherin to the nucleus. Estrogen receptors (ERs) regulate both E-cadherin and FSH expression and secretion. Whether the hormone status of patients with gonadotroph PitNETs is regulated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ERs is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of EMT on hormone expression in gonadotroph nonfunctioning (NF)-PitNETs.

DESIGN

Molecular and clinical analyses of 105 gonadotroph PitNETs. Immunohistochemical studies and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed for FSH, LH, E-cadherin, and ERα. Further analyses included blood samples, clinical data, and radiological images.

SETTING

All patients were operated on in the same tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

NF-PitNET with high FSH expression had decreased immunohistochemical staining for membranous E-cadherin (P < .0001) and increased staining for nuclear E-cadherin (P < .0001). Furthermore, high FSH expression was associated with increased ERα staining (P = .0002) and ERα mRNA (P = .0039). Circulating levels of plasma-FSH (P-FSH) correlated with FSH staining in gonadotroph NF-PitNET (P = .0025). Tumor size and invasiveness was not related to FSH staining, E-cadherin, or ERα. LH expression was not associated with E-cadherin or ERα.

CONCLUSION

In gonadotroph PitNETs, FSH staining is related to E-cadherin, ERα expression, and circulating levels of P-FSH. There was no association between FSH staining and invasiveness. The clinical significance of these findings will be investigated in ongoing prospective studies.

[An ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome caused by gonadotropinoma in a young woman]

From 14 to 54% of all pituitary adenomas are nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NPAs), their prevalence is estimated as 7.041.3 cases per 100 000 population. The most common type of NPAs (73% of cases) are gonadotropinomas. In most cases, gonadotropinoma is characterized by secretion of biologically inactive hormones, so the release of gonadotropins does not lead to the development of any clinical symptoms. For this reason the diagnosis of gonadotropinomas is most often performed on the basis of immunohistochemical analysis. However, in rare cases, gonadotropinomas secrete biologically active hormones, most often follicle-stimulating (FSH). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome due to gonadotropin-secreting pituitary tumors occurs in about 3% of women with hormonally inactive pituitary adenomas at reproductive age and in 8% of patients with verified gonadotropinomas. This clinical case describes a young patient with a rare pathology: FSH/LH-secreting macroadenoma of the pituitary, which led to the development of ovary hyperstymulation symdrome. The diagnosis of pituitary adenoma was performed due to the identified hyperprolactinemia one month before the development of visual impairment, which can be considered a late diagnosis. Surgical treatment of gonadotropinomy was carried out successfully and without complications, remission of the disease was achieved, visual function was restored, the patient successfully became pregnant.

Molecular Biology of Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, but still cause significant morbidity and in some cases increases in mortality. Surgical resection is not without risks, and approximately 40% of adenomas are incompletely resected. Medical therapies such as dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogues, and growth hormone antagonists are associated with numerous side effects. Understanding the molecular biology of pituitary adenomas may yield new therapeutic approaches. Additional studies are needed to help determine which genes or pathways are "drivers" of tumorigenesis and should be therapeutic targets. Further studies may also enable pituitary adenoma stratification to tailor treatment approaches.

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.

Advances and controversies in the classification and grading of pituitary tumors

BACKGROUND

Pituitary tumors are common lesions, and they represent the second most frequent primary brain tumor. Their classification has undergone several changes over time. The World Health Organization conducts periodic expert review/consensus meetings and publishes the results as recommendations for changes in classification, based on advances in molecular and genetic advances. This paper summarizes the results of the 2017 WHO Classification, which recommends several important changes.

PURPOSE

This paper provides a review of the major changes and issues leading to an understanding of the basis for a new pituitary tumor classification. They include the rejection and modification of prior conceptual and pathological characteristics of these neoplasms. There is also considerable concern related to invasive and recurrent pituitary tumors which follow a less benign course than the typical pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

A review of the outcome data for the previously designated "atypical" pituitary tumor category revealed that the former criteria were not adequate to support their ability to predict with accuracy the clinical course of a given tumor. A similar review was accomplished regarding the role of the p53 tumor suppressor mutation. Again, there was no reliable contribution of p53 status to tumor aggressiveness. Other changes have occurred regarding the cytogenetic lineage of the various subtypes of pituitary adenoma. The transcription factors Pit-1, SF-1, and TPit play a major role in determining tumor subtypes and have become part of the classification criteria.

RESULTS

These advances now help provide the background for more reliable and consistent classification of pituitary adenomas. Further definition of aggressive characteristics such as cavernous sinus and dural invasion remain to be considered in the quest to make more accurate prognostic projections based on histopathological analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2017 WHO Classification of Pituitary Tumors provides a more solid basis for accurate and reliable prognostic assessment of these lesions. Further progress undoubtedly will be made as the recommendations of this update are incorporated in to routine use.

The Neuroanatomy of Reproduction: Seeing Is Believing

The brain is the central controller of reproduction and the menstrual cycle. Reproductive endocrinologists spend their days treating patients with perturbations in reproduction as a result of pituitary diseases and manipulate pituitary hormones to enhance fertility and quality of life. Microscopic neuroanatomical images will allow a better understanding of how a tumor in the pituitary might affect vision, or a mass in the brain might cause amenorrhea. Clinical correlations that are taught every day become much clearer once the anatomical relationships are explored. The objective of this pictorial tour is to elucidate anatomical and clinical relationships while showcasing the neuroanatomy of reproduction.

A clinically functioning gonadotroph adenoma presenting with abdominal pain, ovarian hyperstimulation and fibromatosis

Pituitary adenomas can be classified as functioning or non-functioning adenomas. Approximately 64% of clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas are found to be gonadotroph adenomas on immunohistochemistry. There are reported cases of gonadotroph adenomas causing clinical symptoms, but this is unusual. We present the case of a 36-year-old female with abdominal pain. Multiple large ovarian cysts were identified on ultrasound requiring bilateral cystectomy. Despite this, the cysts recurred resulting in further abdominal pain, ovarian torsion and right oophorectomy and salpingectomy. On her 3rd admission with abdominal pain, she was found to have a rectus sheath mass which was resected and histologically confirmed to be fibromatosis. Endocrine investigations revealed elevated oestradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at the upper limit of the normal range and a suppressed luteinising hormone (LH). Prolactin was mildly elevated. A diagnosis of an FSH-secreting pituitary adenoma was considered and a pituitary MRI revealed a 1.5 cm macroadenoma. She underwent transphenoidal surgery which led to resolution of her symptoms and normalisation of her biochemistry. Subsequent pelvic ultrasound showed normal ovarian follicular development. Clinically functioning gonadotroph adenomas are rare, but should be considered in women presenting with menstrual irregularities, large or recurrent ovarian cysts, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and fibromatosis. Transphenoidal surgery is the first-line treatment with the aim of achieving complete remission.