The influence of pituitary adenoma size on vision and visual outcomes after trans-sphenoidal adenectomy: a report of 78 cases

Early Surgical Intervention in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Macroadenomas in Adult Patients without Optic Apparatus Compression-Should We Consider It? A Matched Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Surgical decompression is the recommended treatment for patients with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMAs) with associated visual impairment. Other relative indications for surgery include endocrinopathies, craniopathies, and headaches. Nevertheless, patients without these classical indications who would otherwise be considered asymptomatic with regard to the NFPMA and treated conservatively with clinical radiological surveillance may experience higher rates of other morbidities related to the NFPMA. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of newly diagnosed comorbidities in conservatively treated patients with NFPMAs.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 55 patients with NFPMAs from 2012 to 2022 who lacked classical indications for surgery at diagnosis. During the follow-up period, we searched for any of the following potentially associated newly reported symptoms and signs: headache, dizziness, syncope, gastrointestinal symptoms, hyponatremia, falls, weakness and general deterioration, cerebrovascular accident-related symptoms, and endocrine-related symptoms including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients were compared with a matched control group. Cohort patients were further analyzed to detect specific endocrine axis deficiencies, and tumor volumes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 55 patients. NFPMAs were associated with the development of newly diagnosed headaches, hypertension, and hypopituitarism. Other symptoms associated with NFPMAs included dizziness, syncope/presyncope, gastrointestinal-related symptoms, hyponatremia, general weakness and falls, and infection-related symptoms. Average associated emergency department visits in this group were higher compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results may suggest the advantages of early surgical intervention for NFPMAs to mitigate comorbidities and improve health-related quality of life.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenomas in Patients Presenting With Monocular Blindness

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Suprasellar tumors, particularly pituitary adenomas (PAs), commonly present with visual decline, and the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) is the primary management for optic apparatus decompression. Patients presenting with complete preoperative monocular blindness comprise a high-risk subgroup, given concern for complete blindness. This retrospective cohort study evaluates outcomes after EETA for patients with PA presenting with monocular blindness.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all EETA cases at our institution from June 2012 to August 2023 was performed. Inclusion criteria included adults with confirmed PA and complete monocular blindness, defined as no light perception, and a relative afferent pupillary defect secondary to tumor mass effect.

RESULTS

Our cohort includes 15 patients (9 males, 6 females), comprising 2.4% of the overall PA cohort screened. The mean tumor diameter was 3.8 cm, with 6 being giant PAs (>4 cm). The mean duration of preoperative monocular blindness was 568 days. Additional symptoms included contralateral visual field defects (n = 11) and headaches (n = 10). Two patients presented with subacute PA apoplexy. Gross total resection was achieved in 46% of patients, reflecting tumor size and invasiveness. Postoperatively, 2 patients experienced improvement in their effectively blind eye and 2 had improved visual fields of the contralateral eye. Those with improvements were operated within 10 days of presentation, and no patients experienced worsened vision.

CONCLUSION

This is the first series of EETA outcomes in patients with higher-risk PA with monocular blindness on presentation. In these extensive lesions, vision remained stable for most without further decline and improvement from monocular blindness was observed in a small subset of patients with no light perception and relative afferent pupillary defect. Timing from vision loss to surgical intervention seemed to be associated with improvement. From a surgical perspective, caution is warranted to protect remaining vision and we conclude that EETA is safe in the management of these patients.

A Predictive Model for Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak During Endonasal Pituitary Adenoma Resection Using a Convolutional Neural Network

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery can lead to postoperative complications. The clinical and anatomic risk factors of intraoperative CSF leak are not well defined. We applied a two-dimensional (2D) convolutional neural network (CNN) machine learning model to identify risk factors from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

All adults who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery at our institution from January 2007 to March 2023 who had accessible preoperative stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging were included. A retrospective classic statistical analysis was performed to identify demographic, clinical, and anatomic risk factors of intraoperative CSF leak. Stereotactic T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging scans were used to train and test a 2D CNN model.

RESULTS

Of 220 included patients, 81 (36.8%) experienced intraoperative CSF leak. Among all preoperative variables, visual disturbance was the only statistically significant identified risk factor (P = 0.008). The trained 2D CNN model predicted CSF leak with 92% accuracy and area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90 (sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 93%). Class activation mapping of this model revealed that anatomic regions of CSF flow were most important in predicting CSF leak.

CONCLUSIONS

Further review of the class activation mapping gradients revealed regions of the diaphragma sellae, clinoid processes, temporal horns, and optic nerves to have anatomic correlation to intraoperative CSF leak risk. Additionally, visual disturbances from anatomic compression of the optic chiasm were the only identified clinical risk factor. Our 2D CNN model can help a treating team to better anticipate and prepare for intraoperative CSF leak.

Diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics of patients with acromegaly according to tumor size at diagnosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical, laboratory, radiological, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics of patients with acromegaly according to the size of the growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma at diagnosis.

METHODS

Observational, retrospective, single-center study of patients with acromegaly followed at a tertiary center. Data were collected regarding clinical presentation, characteristics of the adenoma in the magnetic resonance imaging, GH and IGF-1 levels, and disease control after surgery or adjuvant treatment (normal IGF-1 levels). Patients were divided according to the adenoma size at diagnosis in: group I < 10 mm; II 10-19 mm; III 20-29 mm; IV 30-39 mm; and V ≥ 40 mm. Comparisons were made between the groups, and correlations of tumor size with disease parameters, ROC curves, and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate tumor size and confounding factors that could impact the outcomes.

RESULTS

117 patients were studied [59 women, age at diagnosis 43 ± 13 years; group I = 11 patients (9%); group II 54 (46%); group III 34 (29%); group IV 10 (9%); group V 8 (7%)]. Hypopituitarism, cavernous sinus invasion, GH levels, and use of somatostatin receptor ligands had their prevalence increased according to the adenoma size. Age showed a negative correlation with tumor size. A tumor diameter around 20 mm was the best predictor for the presence of hypopituitarism, invasiveness, need of adjuvant therapies, and poorer disease control.

CONCLUSION

Adenomas < 20 mm showed lower morbidity and better therapeutic response in acromegaly, while those ≥ 20 mm had similar clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic behavior.

Radiomics using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to predict postoperative visual outcomes of patients with pituitary adenoma

BACKGROUND

Preoperative prediction of visual outcomes following pituitary adenoma surgery is challenging yet crucial for clinical decision-making. We aimed to develop models using radiomics from multiparametric MRI to predict postoperative visual outcomes.

METHODS

A cohort of 152 patients with pituitary adenoma was retrospectively enrolled and divided into recovery and non-recovery groups based on visual examinations performed six months after surgery. Radiomic features of the optic chiasm were extracted from preoperative T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (T1CE). Predictive models were constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator wrapped with a support vector machine through five-fold cross-validation in the development cohort and evaluated in an independent test cohort. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

RESULTS

Four models were established based on radiomic features selected from individual or combined sequences. The AUC values of the models based on T1WI, T2WI and T1CE were 0.784, 0.724, 0.822 in the development cohort, and 0.767, 0.763, 0.794 in the independent test cohort. The multiparametric model demonstrated superior performance among the four models, with AUC of 0.851, accuracy of 0.832. sensitivity of 0.700, specificity of 0.910 in the development cohort, and AUC of 0.847, accuracy of 0.800, sensitivity of 0.882 and specificity of 0.750 in the independent test cohort.

CONCLUSION

The multiparametric model utilizing radiomics of optic chiasm outperformed single-sequence models in predicting postoperative visual recovery in patients with pituitary adenoma, serving as a novel approach for enhancing personalized treatment strategies.

Insights into Visual Outcomes and Determinants in Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

To investigate the long-term visual outcome and their determinants after an operation in Thai pituitary adenoma (PA).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on PA patients who underwent surgery at Rajavithi Hospital. Baseline characteristics and visual parameters, including visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF), were analyzed in relation to the visual prognosis outcome. The outcome was defined as VA improvement at 1-year postoperatively. Visual parameters were measured at each follow-up visit and compared. Factors for improved visual prognosis were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total cohort of 87 patients (64.37% female), 62.07% showed improvement in visual outcome. Most improvement occurred immediately after surgery, evident at the 1-month visit. The mean follow-up time was 47.45 months (±28.49 SD), mean difference in VA improvement at 1-year was -0.56 logMAR (95% CI -0.73, -0.47). In multivariable logistic regression model, prolonged onset duration was associated with a reduced odds of improved visual outcome, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.946 (95% CI 0.899-0.996, p = 0.034). Baseline characteristics, tumor volume, Hardy and Knops classification, and surgical approaches were not identified as significant predictors.

Conclusion

Both TSS and transcranial approaches are effective for pituitary adenoma. A prompt operation is recommended for patients with prolonged onset duration, with thorough discussion on poor postoperative visual outcomes.

Novel loci for ocular axial length identified through extreme-phenotype genome-wide association study in Chinese populations

PURPOSE

To investigate genetic loci associated with ocular axial length (AL) in the Chinese population.

METHODS

A genome-wide association study meta-analysis was conducted in totalling 2644 Chinese individuals from 3 cohorts: the Guangzhou cohort (GZ, 537 high myopes and 151 hyperopes), Wenzhou cohort (334 high myopes and 6 hyperopes) and Guangzhou Twin Eye Study (1051 participants with normally distributed AL). Functional mapping was performed to annotate the significant signals, possible tissues and cell types by integrating available multiomics data. Logistic regression models using AL-associated SNPs were constructed to predict three AL status in GZ.

RESULTS

Two novel loci (1q25.2 FAM163A and 7p22.2 SDK1) showed genome-wide significant associations with AL, together explaining 29.63% of AL variance in GZ. The two lead SNPs improved the prediction accuracy for AL status, especially for hyperopes. The frequencies of AL decreasing (less myopic) alleles of the two SNPs were lowest in East Asians as compared with other populations (rs17370084: f EAS=0.03, f EUR=0.24, f AFR=0.05; rs73046501: f EAS=0.06, f EUR=0.07, f AFR=0.20), which was in line with the global distribution of myopia. The cerebral cortex and gamma-aminobutyric acidergic interneurons showed possible functional involvement in myopia development, and the galactose metabolic pathways were significantly enriched.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified two population-specific novel loci for AL, expanding our understanding of the genetic basis of AL and providing evidence for a role of the nervous system and glucose metabolism in myopia pathogenesis.

Clinical and Pathological Features of Pit1/SF1 Multilineage Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Lineage-based classification has critical clinical implications in pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). As the most prevalent subtype of multilineage PitNET, PitNET originating from both pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1 (Pit1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) lineages (Pit1/SF1-adenoma) is expected to exhibit rich and varied clinical behaviors. A comprehensive understanding of the clinical and pathological characteristics of Pit1/SF1-adenoma will provide mechanistic insight and influence the prognosis and treatment of PitNET.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing 57 cases of Pit1/SF1-adenoma between 2018 and 2022. We also included 88 cases of PitNET arising from Pit1 cell lineage (Pit1-adenoma) and 70 cases of PitNET arising from SF1 cell lineage (SF1-adenoma) as controls. Comprehensive data, including demographic, symptom, endocrinal, radiological, surgical, pathological, and prognostic information, were systematically collected. All specimens were immunostained for pituitary transcription factors (PTFs) and pituitary hormones.

RESULTS

The detection rate was 8.0% for Pit1/SF1-adenoma within PitNET surgical specimens. Pit1/SF1-adenoma displayed a male predominance, with the mean diagnosis age falling between Pit1-adenoma and SF1-adenoma. The endocrine activity of Pit1/SF1-adenoma was lower than Pit1-adenoma but higher than SF1-adenoma. Pit1/SF1-adenoma had a higher incidence of cavernous sinus invasion (56.1%) than both Pit1-adenoma (38.6%, P = .039) and SF1-adenoma (27.1%, P = .001). Furthermore, Pit1/SF1-adenoma showed more postoperative complications than Pit1-adenoma (29.8% vs 8.0%, P = .001). Nonfunctional Pit1/SF1-adenoma had a higher radiological tumor recurrence rate than nonfunctional SF1-adenoma (34.8% vs 10.9%, P = .021). Notably, the immunostaining pattern was diverse in Pit1/SF1-adenoma, with various combinations of staining intensity for PTFs and 15 combinations for 6 pituitary hormones. Intriguingly, various PTFs combinations had no different impact on the outcome of Pit1/SF1-adenoma.

CONCLUSION

Pit1/SF1-adenoma represents a unique pathological subtype of PitNET, characterized by distinctive clinical behaviors. Identifying Pit1/SF1-adenoma can facilitate more precise management of PitNET by the practical use of Pit1/SF1 immunostaining.

Tractography-based automated identification of the retinogeniculate visual pathway with novel microstructure-informed supervised contrastive learning

The retinogeniculate visual pathway (RGVP) is responsible for carrying visual information from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus. Identification and visualization of the RGVP are important in studying the anatomy of the visual system and can inform the treatment of related brain diseases. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) tractography is an advanced imaging method that uniquely enables in vivo mapping of the 3D trajectory of the RGVP. Currently, identification of the RGVP from tractography data relies on expert (manual) selection of tractography streamlines, which is time-consuming, has high clinical and expert labor costs, and is affected by inter-observer variability. In this paper, we present a novel deep learning framework, DeepRGVP , to enable fast and accurate identification of the RGVP from dMRI tractography data. We design a novel microstructure-informed supervised contrastive learning method that leverages both streamline label and tissue microstructure information to determine positive and negative pairs. We propose a simple and successful streamline-level data augmentation method to address highly imbalanced training data, where the number of RGVP streamlines is much lower than that of non-RGVP streamlines. We perform comparisons with several state-of-the-art deep learning methods that were designed for tractography parcellation, and we show superior RGVP identification results using DeepRGVP. In addition, we demonstrate a good generalizability of DeepRGVP to dMRI tractography data from neurosurgical patients with pituitary tumors and we show DeepRGVP can successfully identify RGVPs despite the effect of lesions affecting the RGVPs. Overall, our study shows the high potential of using deep learning to automatically identify the RGVP.

Factors Limiting Complete Resection in the Subarachnoid Space in Endoscopic Surgery for Giant Pituitary Adenoma

OBJECTIVES

Giant pituitary adenomas (>4 cm, GPAs) have presented great challenges to surgeons because the residual tumor in the subarachnoid space can cause hemorrhage or vessel injury following apoplexy. This study aimed to investigate the factors limiting surgical success in endoscopic skull base surgery (ESS) for GPAs.

METHODS

ESS was performed on 67 consecutive patients with GPAs from 2010 to 2020. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic features and surgical outcomes. Correlations between the tumor characteristics and extent of resection were statistically presented with odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Preoperative visual and hormonal impairments were present in 59 (88.1%) and 55 patients (82.1%), respectively. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 58.2% of patients, and the tumor remained on the lateral side of the subarachnoid space or the cavernous sinus when complete resection failed. The tumor volume, maximal diameter, multilobulated shape, cavernous sinus invasion, posterior fossa extension, and extent of suprasellar lateral extension of tumors were significantly correlated with incomplete resection. In tumors with subarachnoid lateral extension, greater distances from the medial wall of the proximal cavernous internal carotid artery to the most lateral tumor significantly increased the risk of incomplete resection for the suprasellar lateral portion of the tumor, with an OR of 1.21.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable surgical planning in ESS for GPAs is crucial for complete resection and patient safety. We elucidated that lateral extension of tumors in the subarachnoid space hindered the surgical success of the suprasellar portion of the tumor.

Predicting visual recovery in pituitary adenoma patients post-endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: Harnessing delta-radiomics of the optic chiasm from MRI

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether morphological changes after surgery and delta-radiomics of the optic chiasm obtained from routine MRI could help predict postoperative visual recovery of pituitary adenoma patients.

METHODS

A total of 130 pituitary adenoma patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the recovery group (n = 87) and non-recovery group (n = 43) according to visual outcome 1 year after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Morphological parameters of the optic chiasm were measured preoperatively and postoperatively, including chiasmal thickness, deformed angle, and suprasellar extension. Delta-radiomics of the optic chiasm were calculated based on features extracted from preoperative and postoperative coronal T2-weighted images, followed by machine learning modeling using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator wrapped with support vector machine through fivefold cross-validation in the development set. The delta-radiomic model was independently evaluated in the test set, and compared with the combined model that incorporated delta-radiomics, significant clinical and morphological parameters.

RESULTS

Postoperative morphological changes of the optic chiasm could not significantly be used as predictors for the visual outcome. In contrast, the delta-radiomics model represented good performances in predicting visual recovery, with an AUC of 0.821 in the development set and 0.811 in the independent test set. Moreover, the combined model that incorporated age and delta-radiomics features of the optic chiasm achieved the highest AUC of 0.841 and 0.840 in the development set and independent test set, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed machine learning models based on delta-radiomics of the optic chiasm can be used to predict postoperative visual recovery of pituitary adenoma patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Our delta-radiomics-based models from MRI enable accurate visual recovery predictions in pituitary adenoma patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, facilitating better clinical decision-making and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

KEY POINTS

• Prediction of the postoperative visual outcome for pituitary adenoma patients is important but challenging. • Delta-radiomics of the optic chiasm after surgical decompression represented better prognostic performances compared with its morphological changes. • The proposed machine learning models can serve as novel approaches to predict visual recovery for pituitary adenoma patients in clinical practice.

A retrospective cohort study assessing geometrical parameters related to visual deterioration in pituitary macroadenoma

PURPOSE

We aim to identify specific parameters that will allow identification of those patients at greater risk of vision loss, specifically variables such as geometry, volume and size of the pituitary tumour.

METHODOLOGY

Volume measurements were made with both manual (using the formula width × height × length × 0.5) and video size, sub-voxel interpolation using Brainlab software. The shape of the tumour was divided into four categories, ovoid, dumbbell, pyramidal and other. Chiasmal compression was divided into central and lateral compression and the chiasm location was classified based on pre/post and normal fixed chiasm in relation to the tuberculum sella. We used a visual impairment score ranging from (0-100), which was then further subdivided in to four grades: Grade I - 0-25 (mild); Grade II - 26-50 (moderate); Grade III - 51-75 (severe); Grade IV - 76-100 (subtotal or complete).

RESULTS

Univariate analysis of variables related to vision loss found tumour volume, suprasellar growth and lateral chiasmal compression related to pre-operative vision loss. On multivariate regression analysis tumour volume and lateral chiasmal compression remained significant (p < 0.008). In relation to post-operative vision, univariate analysis indicated that variables such as giant macroadenoma, pre-operative visual impairment score and suprasellar growth were significant. Multivariate analysis showed pre-operative visual impairment and suprasellar growth as the only statistically significant variables.

CONCLUSION

Our ROC analysis suggests tumours with suprasellar extension 16 mm (sensitivity 85 %, specificity 67 %) in sagittal plane are more likely to result in moderate to severe grade vision loss (VIS grade ≥ 2).

Effect of pituitary adenoma consistency on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery

BACKGROUND

Most pituitary adenomas (PAs) are considered to have a soft tumor consistency. However, there is a non-negligible percentage (5-13%) of tumors presenting or exhibiting a fibrous consistency that would entail a more difficult and complicated surgical excision with higher surgical morbidity and mortality rates.

PURPOSE

To analyze the clinical consequences of PA tumor consistency on the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal (EET) pituitary surgery.

METHODS

An ambispective study of patients with PAs operated on through an EET approach in two Spanish tertiary hospitals over the last 12 years. A total of 226 consecutive interventions were carried out in the Neurosurgery Departments of the Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (HURC) and the Hospital Universitario Puerta del Sur by the same neurosurgeon. PAs were grouped into soft (n = 150) and fibrous (n = 76). All patients underwent hormonal and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies before and after surgery. In addition, neurosurgical complications were recorded in each patient.

RESULTS

Fibrous adenomas were independently associated with lower resection rates compared to soft adenomas (fibrous gross total resection [GTR] rate 48.7% vs. 76.3%, p &lt; 0.001), even in those adenomas without invasion of the cavernous sinus (Knosp grades 0, I, and II). There were more intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in patients with fibrous PAs. Moreover, fibrous PAs showed higher rates of postoperative hypopituitarism, permanent diabetes insipidus (DI) and postoperative treatments (hormonal treatment and radiotherapy). The excision of a fibrous PA required a longer surgical time (22.5 min more than soft PAs, p = 0.014), regardless of other factors.

CONCLUSION

The consistency of the PAs significantly conditions both the results of surgery (lower resections rates), complications (higher incidence of postoperative hypopituitarism, permanent DI), and the prognosis (higher incidence of postoperative treatments) of the patient undergoing EET.

Predicting visual outcomes after decompression of pituitary tumours based on stratified inner‐retinal layer thickness and age

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential role of stratified preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements and age in predicting postoperative visual field (VF) improvement among adult patients with chiasmal compression due to pituitary tumours after decompression surgery.

METHODS

Postoperative visual outcomes were analysed using mean deviation of the VF test. Eyes were divided into three groups based on preoperative OCT parameters including peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness: groups 1, 2 and 3 with pRNFL thickness <65 μm, 65 μm or more but <85 μm, and 85 μm or more, respectively. The GCIPL thickness was also divided into three groups based on values ranging from 55 to 77 μm. Each group was further categorized according to age: 20 years or older but younger than 40 years, 40 years or older but younger than 60, and 60 years or older.

RESULTS

This study included 197 eyes of 197 patients with chiasmal compression due to pituitary tumours. No patient showed complete VF recovery in group 1 with a preoperative pRNFL thickness <65 μm or a GCIPL thickness <55 μm regardless of age. These groups showed the worst VF outcome (pRNFL, p = 0.0001; GCIPL, p < 0.0001). However, a significant recovery in VF (greater than 2 dB) was observed in 45% of group 1 patients based on pRNFL thickness and in 61.54% of group 1 patients according to GCIPL thickness. In groups 2 and 3 with a preoperative pRNFL thickness of 65 μm or more and a GCIPL thickness of 55 μm or more, the rate of complete VF recovery decreased as subjects' ages increased. Group 3 with a preoperative pRNFL thickness of 85 μm or more and a GCIPL thickness of 77 μm or more were 2.5-fold and 4.0-fold more likely to completely recover VF, respectively, compared with group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Stratified preoperative pRNFL and GCIPL thicknesses measured via OCT in different age categories are effective biomarkers for predicting visual functional outcomes.

A comparison of macular ganglion cell and retinal nerve fibre layer optical coherence tomographic parameters as predictors of visual outcomes of surgery for pituitary tumours

PURPOSE

The prognostic value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macular ganglion cell layer (mGGL) versus peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layers (pRNFL) following chiasmal decompression is unclear. This study is the largest comparison of the two parameters to date and aims to clarify how their performance as covariates compare in predictive models of long-term visual outcomes following pituitary or parasellar tumour surgical resection.

METHODS

This was a prospective, two-year, longitudinal cohort study in a single centre tertiary hospital setting. Participants with MRI evidence of pituitary or parasellar tumour compression of the optic chiasm who underwent surgical decompression, were enrolled. Associations between pre-operative OCT parameters and long-term visual outcomes were assessed using multivariable generalised linear mixed models and an age matched normative database.

RESULTS

Final analysis included 216 eyes of 108 participants with a mean age (standard deviation) of 51.6 (17.04) years, of whom 58 (49%) were female. The superior inner mGCL was the best predictor of long-term visual field recovery, with an area under the curve of 0.90, a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 86%, and negative predictive value of 83%.

CONCLUSION

mGCL performed better in predicting long-term visual field recovery post-pituitary or parasellar surgical resection. The superior inner mGCL was the best specific measure which may provide clinical utility in pre-operative counselling. In this study we clarify previously variable comparisons of mGCL and pRNFL parameters in post-operative predictive modelling.

Quantitative and functional visual field outcomes after endoscopic trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenectomy

OBJECTIVE

Quantitative data on visual outcomes after trans-sphenoidal surgery is lacking in the literature. This study aims to address this by quantitatively assessing visual field outcomes after endoscopic trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenectomy using the capabilities of modern semi-automated kinetic perimetry.

METHODS

Visual field area (deg²) calculated on perimetry performed before and after surgery was statistically analysed. Functional improvement was assessed against UK driving standards.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients (128 eyes) were analysed (May 2016-Nov 2019). I4e and I3e isopter area significantly increased after surgery (p < 0.0001). Of eyes with pre-operative deficits: 80.7% improved and 7.9% worsened; the median amount of improvement was 60% (IQR 6-246%). Median increase in I4e isopter was 2213deg² (IQR 595-4271deg²) and in I3e isopter 1034 deg² (IQR 180-2001 deg²). Thirteen out of fifteen (87%) patients with III4e data regained driving eligibility after surgery. Age and extent of resection (EOR) did not correlate with visual improvement. Better pre-operative visual field area correlated with a better post-operative area (p < 0.0001). However, the rate of improvement in the visual field area increased with poorer pre-operative vision (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A median visual field improvement of 60% may be expected in over 80% of patients. Functionally, a significant proportion of patients can expect to regain driving eligibility. EOR did not impact on visual recovery. When the primary goal of surgery is alleviating visual impairment, optic apparatus decompression without the aim for gross total resection appears a valid strategy. Patients with the worst pre-operative visual field often experience the greatest improvement, and therefore, poor pre-operative vision alone should not preclude surgical intervention.

Prognostic Utility of Optical Coherence Tomography for Visual Outcome After Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Adult Craniopharyngiomas

INTRODUCTION

Owing to the close vicinity of the optic chiasma, visual dysfunction is known as one of the most common surgical indications and postoperative complications in adult patients with craniopharyngiomas, probably leading to poor quality of life. Historically, very few consistent predictive factors associated with the visual outcome are identified, which may not be helpful for patient counseling and preoperative decision making. Recently, optical coherence tomography (OCT) serving as a novel high-resolution imaging technique can assess the retinal morphology by measuring the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex thickness. However, few studies have examined the prognostic utility of OCT parameters for visual outcome after surgery for craniopharyngiomas. This study aims to use the largest series to evaluate the association between OCT parameters and visual outcome after extended endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEES) for primary craniopharyngiomas in adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From October 2018 to October 2020, one hundred and seventy eyes in 88 adult patients with newly confirmed craniopharyngiomas were retrospectively reviewed and pertinent prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Gross total resection was performed in 82 (93.2%) patients. The median postoperative follow-up time was 10.9 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased temporal cpRNFL thickness was associated with higher odds of visual acuity (VA) improvement and maintenance (OR = 1.070; 95% CI, 1.005-1.140; p = 0.035), and greater inferior cpRNFL thickness was significantly associated with visual field (VF) improvement and maintenance (OR = 1.034; 95% CI, 1.001-1.068; p = 0.046). Furthermore, tight adhesion between optic nerves and craniopharyngiomas was demonstrated as an independent adverse factor for either postoperative VA or VF (p = 0.048, p = 0.030, respectively). The ROC results further verified the robustness of the prediction model either in VA (AUC = 0.843; 95% CI, 0.734-0.952; p < 0.001) or VF (AUC = 0.849; 95% CI, 0.741-0.958; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative OCT can effectively predict visual outcome after EEES for adult craniopharyngiomas. It can also serve as a reliable alternative to evaluate preoperative visual field defects, especially for patients with lower compliance. Tight adhesion was confirmed as an independent risk factor for postoperative visual outcome. The OCT-based multivariable prediction models developed in the present study may contribute to patient counseling on visual prognosis.

Predictive value of OCT and MRI for postoperative visual recovery in patients with chiasmal compressive lesions

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the predictive value of retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and mass biometrics measured using magnetic resonance image (MRI) for visual recovery after surgery for removal of a mass compressing the optic chiasm.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who showed typical temporal visual field defect (VFD) with respect to the vertical meridian due to a chiasmal compressive mass and who underwent mass removal surgery were recruited. Ophthalmic examination was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Retinal thickness was measured by the Cirrus OCT. The height and size of the mass and suprasellar extension (SSE) in both the sagittal and coronal planes were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups based on the improvement in VFD (mean deviation [MD] change ≥ 5 dB: group R; others: group NR) and clinical characteristics were compared.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in the study. Eight (53.3%) patients were allocated into group R and others (7 patients, 46.7%) into group NR. Age, sex, initial visual acuity, initial MD was not different between the two groups. The retinal thicknesses were not different while tumor height, volume, and both sagittal and coronal SSE were significantly different between the two groups. (p = 0.029, 0.014, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively) All MRI parameters showed significant predictive value for the degree of MD recovery.

CONCLUSION

MRI showed better predictive value than OCT in predicting postoperative VFD recovery in patients with temporal VFDs due to chiasmal compressive disorder.

The Radiologic Characteristics and Retinal Thickness Are Correlated With Visual Field Defect in Patients With a Pituitary Mass

BACKGROUND

Investigation of visual field defects (VFDs) is important to decide the treatment and to predict the prognosis in patients with a pituitary mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation among 2 diagnostic modalities-MRI and optical coherence tomography (OCT)-and VFDs.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who showed the presence of a pituitary mass on MRI and in whom ophthalmic examinations were performed were recruited. Height and volume of the mass, sagittal and coronal displacement of optic chiasm, and the direction of mass expansion were measured. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence (VFD group) or absence of VFDs (no VFDs group [NVFD]). The correlation among MRI parameters, OCT parameters, and VFDs were examined, and the diagnostic values of MRI and OCT and the combined value of the 2 modalities were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were included. The greatest coefficients of determination were observed between the sagittal displacement and pattern standard deviation (PSD) (R2 = 0.3661, P < 0.001) and between the inferonasal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and PSD (R2 = 0.4079, P < 0.001). The height and the size of the mass in the VFD group were significantly greater as 57% and 148%, respectively, and the VFD group had more severe chiasmal displacement both in the sagittal (165%) and in the coronal (178%) plane (large effect in all). All macular GCIPLs were thinner in the NVFD group (range 9%-26%, large effect), whereas only temporal (25%) and average (11%) values were among peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layers.

CONCLUSIONS

The highest correlations with the degree of the VFD were seen in the sagittal displacement of optic chiasm and the inferonasal GCIPL, and these parameters were correlated concurrently. Both modalities showed a good diagnostic value for discriminating VFDs.

Factors predicting neuro-endocrine recovery following transsphenoidal surgery in pituitary apoplexy patients

BACKGROUND

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical syndrome. Only a few studies have examined factors associated with recovery of neuro-endocrine functions following transsphenoidal surgery. This study aimed to identify factors associated with neuro-endocrine recovery following surgery for pituitary apoplexy.

METHODS

The records of pituitary apoplexy patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery at Songklanagarind Hospital between January 2005 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcomes were the recoveries of preoperative visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF), cranial nerve function, and pituitary hormone deficits. Using logistic regression analysis, various factors were analyzed for their associations with recovery of neuro-endocrine functions.

RESULTS

The study included 98 patients. Multivariate analysis showed that older age and greater suprasellar extension were associated with no recovery of VA (P = 0.042 and P = 0.018, respectively). Only 33% of patients aged > 55 years and suprasellar extension of lesion ≥ 25 mm gained recovery of VA, while 100% of patients with neither of these factors had recovery. Underlying hypertension was associated with no recovery of preoperative VF defect (P = 0.027). Wilson-Hardy classification-invasion grades 3-4 and lower preoperative serum prolactin level were associated with no recovery from preoperative hypoadrenalism and hypothyroidism (P = 0.016 and P = 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, higher suprasellar extension, and hypertension were poor prognostic factors for visual recovery. Wilson-Hardy inferior invasion grade 3-4 and lower preoperative serum prolactin level were poor prognostic factors for recovery from hypopituitarism. Stratifying patients according to these prognostic factors may assist in selecting patients for surgery.

Involvement of the optic pathway and outcome of visual function in patients with neurohypophyseal germ cell tumor

BACKGROUND

Patients with neurohypophyseal germ cell tumors (GCTs) typically present with visual problems. Hence, this study aimed to assess optic pathway involvement based on clinical and radiological findings and to validate the outcome of visual function.

METHODS

A total of 16 patients with newly diagnosed neurohypophyseal GCTs who were treated at the University of Tsukuba Hospital between 2000 and 2020 were included in this study.

RESULTS

The median interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was 173.5 days (range, 33-1588 days). Patients with visual disturbance at diagnosis had a longer time to diagnosis compared with those without. Ophthalmologic abnormalities were frequently observed, with an incidence rate of 69%. Fifty percent of patients exhibited optic pathway involvement detected via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Visual impairment was more severe in the patients with optic pathway involvement (p = 0.002). Post-treatment visual impairment was improved but was still significantly severe in patients with optic pathway involvement than in those without involvement (p = 0.010). Visual field deficit more likely remained with an improvement rate of 50%, whereas the improvement rate of visual acuity was 78%. Further, none developed late-onset visual deterioration during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual disturbance and optic pathway involvement are common in neurohypophyseal GCTs. Visual impairment particularly in patients with optic pathway involvement on MRI is more likely to remain at follow-up, although the outcome of visual function is acceptable in most cases.

Pituitary metastasis: From pathology to clinical and radiological considerations

PURPOSE

A review of the literature with respect to pituitary metastases (PM) with clinical and radiological considerations are summarized to facilitate clinical decision making in the management of PM METHODS: A review of literature associated with PM and tumour to tumour metastases in the English literature was reviewed and summarized RESULTS: Pituitary metastases account for 1.0-3.6% of all surgically treated pituitary lesions. Often identified in parallel with extensive disseminated disease, once diagnosed, the prognosis is generally poor, although survival is highly heterogeneous and dependent on the primary tumor histology. Within this anatomical region is also the observation of tumor-to-tumor metastases and collision tumours. Both the tumor macro- and microenvironment play central roles to the progression of disease with distinctive radiological features that may suggest a metastatic sellar lesion as opposed to a primary pituitary lesion. Surgical resection is the first line of therapy followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and endocrinological evaluation for hormonal supplementation CONCLUSION: PMs are relatively rare but important oncological entities representing disseminated disease in the majority of cases. Careful consideration of the relevant clinical history and radiological features can aid the clinician differentiate between a metastatic lesion to the pituitary region and a primary pituitary tumor. While surgical resection is first line therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery in carefully selected patients is emerging as a viable alternative.

Machine Learning-Based Radiomics of the Optic Chiasm Predict Visual Outcome Following Pituitary Adenoma Surgery

Preoperative prediction of visual recovery after pituitary adenoma surgery remains a challenge. We aimed to investigate the value of MRI-based radiomics of the optic chiasm in predicting postoperative visual field outcome using machine learning technology. A total of 131 pituitary adenoma patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the recovery group (N = 79) and the non-recovery group (N = 52) according to visual field outcome following surgical chiasmal decompression. Radiomic features were extracted from the optic chiasm on preoperative coronal T2-weighted imaging. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were first used to select optimal features. Then, three machine learning algorithms were employed to develop radiomic models to predict visual recovery, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest and linear discriminant analysis. The prognostic performances of models were evaluated via five-fold cross-validation. The results showed that radiomic models using different machine learning algorithms all achieved area under the curve (AUC) over 0.750. The SVM-based model represented the best predictive performance for visual field recovery, with the highest AUC of 0.824. In conclusion, machine learning-based radiomics of the optic chiasm on routine MR imaging could potentially serve as a novel approach to preoperatively predict visual recovery and allow personalized counseling for individual pituitary adenoma patients.

Identification of novel loci influencing refractive error in East Asian populations using an extreme phenotype design

The global "myopia boom" has raised significant international concerns. Despite a higher myopia prevalence in Asia, previous large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were mostly based on European descendants. Here, we report a GWAS of spherical equivalent (SE) in 1852 Chinese Han individuals with extreme SE from Guangzhou (631 < -6D and 574 > 0D) and Wenzhou (593 < -6D and 54 > -1.75 D), followed by a replication study in two independent cohorts with totaling 3538 East Asian individuals. The discovery GWAS and meta-analysis identify three novel loci which show genome-wide significant associations with SE, including 1q25.2 FAM163A, 10p11.22 NRP1/PRAD3, and 10p11.21 ANKRD30A/MTRNR2L7, together explaining 3.34% of SE variance. 10p11.21 was successfully replicated. The allele frequencies of all three loci show significant differences between major continental groups (P < 0.001). The SE reducing (more myopic) allele of rs10913877 (1q25.2 FAM163A) demonstrates the highest frequency in East Asians and much lower frequencies in Europeans and Africans (EAS = 0.60, EUR = 0.20, AFR = 0.18). The gene-based analysis additionally identifies three novel genes associated with SE, including EI24, LHX5 and ARPP19. These results provide new insights into myopia pathogenesis, and indicate the role of genetic heterogeneity in myopia epidemiology among different ethnicities.

Pituitary hyperplasia causing complete bitemporal hemianopia with resolution following surgical decompression: case report

In this report, the authors demonstrated that idiopathic pituitary hyperplasia (PH) can cause complete bitemporal hemianopia and amenorrhea, even in the setting of mild anatomical compression of the optic chiasm and normal pituitary function. Furthermore, complete resolution of symptoms can be achieved with surgical decompression. PH can occur in the setting of pregnancy or end-organ insufficiency, as well as with medications such as oral contraceptives and antipsychotics, or it can be idiopathic. It is often found incidentally, and surgical intervention is usually unnecessary, as the disorder rarely progresses and can be managed by treating the underlying etiology. Here, the authors present the case of a 24-year-old woman with no significant prior medical history, who presented with bitemporal hemianopia and amenorrhea. Imaging revealed an enlarged pituitary gland that was contacting, but not compressing, the optic chiasm, and pituitary hormone tests were all within normal limits. The patient underwent surgical decompression of the sella turcica and exploration of the gland through an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Pathology results demonstrated PH. A postoperative visual field examination revealed complete resolution of the bitemporal hemianopia, and menstruation resumed 3 days later. The patient remains asymptomatic with no hormonal deficits.

Optical Coherent Tomography Predicts Long-Term Visual Outcome of Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: New Perspectives From a 5-Year Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND

Compressive optic neuropathy is the most common indication for transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a useful visual assessment tool for predicting postoperative visual field recovery.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze visual parameters and their association based on long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Only pituitary adenoma patients with abnormal visual field defects were selected. A total of 188 eyes from 113 patients assessed by visual field index (VFI) and 262 eyes from 155 patients assessed by mean deviation (MD) were enrolled in this study. Postoperative VFI, MD, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were evaluated and followed up. After classifying the patients into normal (>5%) and thin (<5%) RNFL groups, we investigated whether preoperative RNFL could predict visual field outcomes. We also observed how RNFL changes after surgery on a long-term basis.

RESULTS

Both preoperative VFI and MD had a linear proportional relationship with preoperative RNFL thickness. Sustained improvement of the visual field was observed after surgery in both groups, and the degree of improvement over time in each group was similar. RNFL thickness continued to decrease until 36 mo after surgery (80.2 ± 13.3 μm to 66.6 ± 11.9 μm) while visual field continued to improve (VFI, 61.8 ± 24.5 to 84.3 ± 15.4; MD, -12.9 ± 7.3 dB to -6.3 ± 5.9 dB).

CONCLUSION

Patients with thin preoperative RNFL may experience visual recovery similar to those with normal preoperative RNFL; however, the probability of normalized visual fields was not comparable. RNFL thickness showed a strong correlation with preoperative visual field defect. Long-term follow-up observation revealed a discrepancy between anatomic and functional recovery.

Temporal patterns of visual recovery following pituitary tumor resection: A prospective cohort study

Significant restoration of visual function can occur following pituitary tumor resection, although the time course of visual recovery remains poorly understood. This single-centre, two-year, prospective cohort study investigated the temporal patterns of visual recovery in consecutive patients undergoing pituitary tumor resection, between 2009 and 2018. Eyes were stratified based on pre-operative optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements, with thin RNFL being defined as those within the fifth-percentile of age-matched normative values, and normal RNFL as those above the fifth-percentile. Visual function and OCT parameters were assessed pre-operatively, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years post-operatively. 456 eyes of 228 patients (mean ± SD age, 53 ± 15 years) were included, of which 114 (25%) eyes had thin RNFL pre-operatively. Visual field recovery was observed in both groups during the first 6 weeks post-operatively (all Q ≤ 0.02), although improvements in visual field parameters between 6 weeks to 6 months were limited to eyes with thin RNFL (both Q < 0.05). No further improvements in visual function were detected beyond 6 months in both groups (both Q > 0.50). Similar trends were observed in linear regression analysis according to baseline visual function in both groups. In summary, eyes with normal RNFL thickness at baseline experienced most of their recovery within the first six weeks following surgery, while eyes with thin RNFL exhibited gradual improvements during the first six months. These findings have important implications when providing patient counselling and prognostication in the pre-operative setting.

Predictors of Postoperative Visual Outcome After Surgical Intervention for Craniopharyngiomas

BACKGROUND

Because of involvement of the optic apparatus, craniopharyngiomas frequently present with visual deterioration. Although visual improvement is a primary goal of surgical intervention, prediction models are lacking.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing craniopharyngioma surgery at a single institution (2014-2019). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables of interest were collected. Visual acuity and visual fields (VFs) were standardized into Visual Impairment Scores (VISs), defined by the German Ophthalmological Society. VIS ranged from 0 (normal vision) to 100 (complete bilateral blindness). Visual improvement/deterioration was defined as a postsurgical decrease/increase of ≥5 VIS points, respectively.

RESULTS

Complete ophthalmologic assessments were available for 61 operations, corresponding to 41 patients (age, 4-73 years). Vision improved after 28 operations (46%), remained stable after 27 (44%), and deteriorated after 6 (10%). In bivariate analysis, significant predictors of visual improvement included worse preoperative VIS (odds ratio [OR], 1.058; P < 0.001), worse preoperative VF mean deviation (OR, 1.107; P = 0.032), preoperative vision deficits presenting for longer than 1 month (OR, 6.050; P = 0.010), radiographic involvement of the anterior cerebral arteries (OR, 3.555; P = 0.019), and gross total resection (OR, 4.529; P = 0.022). The translaminar surgical approach was associated with visual deterioration (OR, 6.857; P = 0.035). In multivariate analysis, worse preoperative VIS remained significantly associated with postoperative visual improvement (OR, 1.060; P = 0.011). Simple linear correlation (R²=0.398; P < 0.001) suggests prediction of postoperative VIS improvement via preoperative VIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with reduced preoperative vision, specific radiographic vascular involvement, and gross total resection showed increased odds of visual improvement, whereas the translaminar approach was associated with visual deterioration. Such characteristics may facilitate patient-surgeon counseling and surgical decision making.

Sellar Remodeling after Surgery for Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma: Intercarotid Distance as a Predictor of Recurrence

Introduction  As they grow, pituitary adenoma can remodel the sella turcica and alter anatomical relationships with adjacent structures. The intercarotid distance (ICD) at the level of the sella is a measure of sella width. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess how ICD changes after transsphenoidal surgery and (2) explore whether the extent of ICD change is associated with tumor recurrence. Methods  A retrospective analysis of preoperative and postoperative coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans was carried out by two independent assessors on patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas. Preoperative tumor volume and any change in ICD following surgery were recorded and compared between groups. Logistic regression models of recurrence were generated. Results  In 36 of 42 patients, ICD fell after surgery (mean = 1.8 mm) and six cases were static. At time of follow-up (mean = 77 months), 25 had not required further intervention and 17 had undergone second surgery or radiosurgery. In patients in whom no further intervention has yet been necessary, the postoperative reduction in ICD was significantly smaller than in those who required repeat intervention (1.1 vs. 2.7 mm respectively, p  < 0.01). ICD decrease was weakly correlated with tumor volume ( r  = 0.35). ICD decrease was a significant predictor of recurrence (odds ratio [OR] = 3.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-6.87), largely independent of tumor volume. Conclusion  For most patients, ICD falls following surgical excision of a nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma. A greater reduction in ICD postsurgery appears to predict recurrence. Change in ICD shows promise as a radiographic tool for prognosticating clinical course after surgery.

Prognostic Utility of Optical Coherence Tomography for Long-Term Visual Recovery Following Pituitary Tumor Surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and long-term visual recovery following optic chiasm decompression surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent pituitary or parasellar tumor resection between January 2009 to December 2018 were recruited in a single-center, 2-year prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Best-corrected visual acuity, visual fields, and OCT retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness and volume were assessed preoperatively, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Long-term visual field recovery and maintenance were defined as a mean deviation of >-3 at 24 months, and visual acuity recovery and maintenance were defined as a logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) of 0 (Snellen 20/20) or better at 24 months.

RESULTS

A total of 239 patients (129 men, 110 women; mean ± SD age: 52 ± 16 years) were included. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increased inferior RNFL thickness (per 10 μm) was associated with higher odds of long-term visual field recovery and maintenance (odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.41; Q < 0.001), and greater superior RNFL thickness (per 10 μm) was associated with higher odds of visual acuity recovery and maintenance (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03-1.27; Q = 0.031). A multivariable risk prediction model developed for long-term visual field recovery and maintenance that incorporated age, preoperative visual function, and RNFL thickness demonstrated C-statistics of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.72-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative RNFL thickness was associated with long-term visual recovery and maintenance following chiasmal decompression. The multivariable risk prediction model developed in the present study may assist with preoperative patient counseling and prognosis.

The suprasellar volume of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: a useful tool for predicting visual field deficits

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study is to assess the predictive value of the suprasellar volume (SSV) of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) for visual field (VF) impairment in order to guide clinical decision-making and improve neurosurgical management.

METHODS

Two independent samples of patients with NFPAs (exploratory population N = 50, testing population N = 98) were included in the present study. In the first phase, we determined the optimal cut-off value of the SSV correlating with VF deficits in the exploratory population. In the second phase, we then studied the accuracy of identified cut-off in predicting a VF deficit in the testing population.

RESULTS

In the exploratory population, the optimal cut-off value of the SSV to determine the presence of a VF deficit was 1.5 mL. Sensitivity and specificity of the cut-off were 81.3 and 100%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 100 and 75%, respectively. When we checked the identified cut-off score on the testing population, we found a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 100%. The PPV and NPV were 100 and 59.2%, respectively. In six cases with VF defects and SSV inferior to 1.5 mL, the displacement of optic chiasm was in superior position.

CONCLUSION

The SSV may represent an accurate method in routinely clinical practice for predicting VF deficit in patients affected by NFPA.

The Chiasmal Compression Index: An Integrative Assessment Tool for Visual Disturbances in Patients with Pituitary Macroadenomas

OBJECTIVE

Visual status is routinely evaluated by neuro-ophthalmologic examination and computerized visual field (VF) tests in patients with chiasmal compression secondary to pituitary macroadenoma. Currently, no relevant data exists to accurately quantify the extent of optic apparatus compromise to further guide clinical decision-making. We aimed to assess for a possible quantitative correlation between optic chiasm geometric properties on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and VF deficits.

METHODS

Visual assessments and concurrent MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed from patients treated for pituitary macroadenoma in a single medical institution. Chiasm width, chiasm minimal and maximal height, and chiasm angle were measured on MRI coronal plane images by 3 independent reviewers (for the sake of variability analysis). VF numerical summary parameters were also retrieved.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were included in the final analysis. Average VF index was 70% (±30), and averaged mean deviation was 10.0 db (±9). Chiasm angle and width (which together represents the bending and stretching of the chiasm by the upward directed compression; both of which demonstrated high inter- and intraobserver agreement) showed strong correlation with VF loss. Chiasmal compression index derived from those parameters showed even stronger correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong correlation demonstrated by our results of this relatively simple radiologic measurement with VF status, despite the relatively small cohort, calls for further investigation in this promising direction, and may facilitate with basic assessment and clinical decision-making for patients with equivocal neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation, as well as with poor compliance.

Measuring degeneration of the lateral geniculate nuclei from pituitary adenoma compression detected by 7T ultra-high field MRI: a method for predicting vision recovery following surgical decompression of the optic chiasm

OBJECTIVE

Predicting vision recovery following surgical decompression of the optic chiasm in pituitary adenoma patients remains a clinical challenge, as there is significant variability in postoperative visual function that remains unreliably explained by current prognostic factors. Available literature inadequately characterizes alterations in adenoma patients involving the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). This study examined the association of LGN degeneration with chiasmatic compression as well as with the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), pattern standard deviation (PSD), mean deviation (MD), and postoperative vision recovery. PSD is the degree of difference between the measured visual field pattern and the normal pattern ("hill") of vision, and MD is the average of the difference from the age-adjusted normal value.

METHODS

A prospective study of 27 pituitary adenoma patients and 27 matched healthy controls was conducted. Participants were scanned on a 7T ultra-high field MRI scanner, and 3 independent readers measured the LGN at its maximum cross-sectional area on coronal T1-weighted MPRAGE imaging. Readers were blinded to diagnosis and to each other's measurements. Neuro-ophthalmological data, including RNFL thickness, MD, and PSD, were acquired for 12 patients, and postoperative visual function data were collected on patients who underwent surgical chiasmal decompression. LGN areas were compared using two-tailed t-tests.

RESULTS

The average LGN cross-sectional area of adenoma patients was significantly smaller than that of controls (13.8 vs 19.2 mm2, p < 0.0001). The average LGN cross-sectional area correlated with MD (r = 0.67, p = 0.04), PSD (r = -0.62, p = 0.02), and RNFL thickness (r = 0.75, p = 0.02). The LGN cross-sectional area in adenoma patients with chiasm compression was 26.6% smaller than in patients without compression (p = 0.009). The average tumor volume was 7902.7 mm3. Patients with preoperative vision impairment showed 29.4% smaller LGN cross-sectional areas than patients without deficits (p = 0.003). Patients who experienced improved postoperative vision had LGN cross-sectional areas that were 40.8% larger than those of patients without postoperative improvement (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors demonstrate novel in vivo evidence of LGN volume loss in pituitary adenoma patients and correlate imaging results with neuro-ophthalmology findings and postoperative vision recovery. Morphometric changes to the LGN may reflect anterograde transsynaptic degeneration. These findings indicate that LGN degeneration may be a marker of optic apparatus injury from chiasm compression, and measurement of LGN volume loss may be useful in predicting vision recovery following adenoma resection.

Forensic implications of pituitary macroadenoma: An autopsy case report

Pituitary adenomas are the most common tumours of the sellar region. Functional pituitary adenomas are related with immense assorted variety in their endocrine manifestations secondary to hypo or hyperfunction of the pituitary gland and mass impact. They can have a slow but severe impact on vision due to compression of the optic nerves, optic chiasm and cavernous sinus. Hereby, we discuss a case of a 29-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency with an alleged history of chest pain after ingestion of rat poison (zinc phosphide) in an attempt to commit suicide. Autopsy finding revealed a large mass that was present in the pituitary fossa impinging onto the optic chiasma. On further inquiry of the law enforcing agencies, it was found that the patient was undergoing treatment for psychiatric illness, and she had also complained of vision loss for the past few months. The parents of the deceased lodged a case of homicide by the husband. This case demonstrates the psycho-social and forensic implications of a pituitary tumour. The role of collaborative efforts of the autopsy team and the law enforcing agencies are emphasised.

Endoscopic Endo-nasal Trans-Sphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Adenomas: A Prospective Study

The surgical approach for hypophysectomy has undergone sweeping revolution in the past three decades. With the advent of endoscopes, better instrumentation, better illumination and viewing cameras, endoscopic endo-nasal trans-sphenoidal approach to sella has now largely become the norm. The aim of this study is to present our experience, analysing the surgical outcomes of this approach in patients with pituitary adenoma, pertaining to entirety of tumor removal, alleviation of symptoms and rate of complications. This prospective  study was conducted at our tertiary health care  centre from June 2012 to June 2015. A total of 14 patients, meeting the inclusion criteria, underwent endoscopic trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy for pituitary adenoma. Age of presentation ranged from 19 to 73 years (mean 43.6 years). 9 patients were female and 5 were male. The most common presenting symptom was headache, followed by visual disturbances. Amongst those with hormonal imbalance, most common were prolactinomas and growth hormone secreting adenomas. Preoperative MRI brain showed macroadenomas in all 14 patients. 7 (50%) patients had suprasellar extension, while 5 (36%) patients had intracavernous extension too. CT paranasal sinuses provided the roadmap for surgery by identifying anatomical variations. Alleviation of headache occurred in all cases. Normalization of altered hormonal profile was seen in all cases. 83.3% of our patients with visual field defects on perimetry showed improvement post-surgery. Recidivism was directly related to the size and extent of adenoma. Transient diabetes insipidus was seen in 4 (28%) cases. Persistent diabetes insipidus occurred in 1 (7%) patient. CSF leak was seen in 2 (14%) patients, 1 (7%) patient developed postoperative meningitis. Most common nasal complication was excessive crusting. There was no incidence of any vascular complications, focal neurological deficit or hypopituitarism in our study. The pure endoscopic approach is a safe, efficacious, and minimally invasive technique for the removal of pituitary adenomas. The results have been encouraging in our prospective study. However, the importance of learning curve in endoscopic skull base surgery and use of a multi-disciplinary collaboration cannot be overemphasized.

Visual Outcomes after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenomas: Our Institutional Experience

Objectives  Visual dysfunction in patients with pituitary adenomas is a clear indication for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS). However, the visual outcomes vary greatly among patients and it remains unclear what tumor, patient, and surgical characteristics contribute to postoperative visual outcomes. Methods  One hundred patients with pituitary adenomas who underwent EETS between January 2011 and June 2015 in a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. General patient characteristics, pre- and postoperative visual status, clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, hormone production, radiological features, and procedural characteristics were evaluated for association with presenting visual signs and visual outcomes postoperatively. Suprasellar tumor extension (SSE) was graded 0 to 4 following a grading system as formulated by Fujimoto et al. Results  Sixty-six (66/100) of all patients showed visual field defects (VFD) at the time of surgery, of whom 18% (12/66) were asymptomatic. VFD improved in 35 (35%) patients and worsened in 4 (4%) patients postoperatively. Mean visual acuity (VA) improved from 0.67 preoperatively to 0.84 postoperatively ( p  = 0.04). Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) and Fujimoto grade were independent predictors of preoperative VFD in the entire cohort ( p  = 0.02 and p  < 0.01 respectively). A higher grade of SSE was the only factor independently associated with postoperative improvement of VFD ( p  = 0.03). NFPA and Fujimoto grade 3 were independent predictors of VA improvement (both p  = 0.04). Conclusion  EETS significantly improved both VA and VFD for most patients, although a few patients showed deterioration of visual deficits postoperatively. Higher degrees of SSE and NFPA were independent predictors of favorable visual outcomes.

Quantitative assessment of secondary white matter injury in the visual pathway by pituitary adenomas: a multimodal study at 7-Tesla MRI

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate microstructural damage caused by pituitary macroadenomas by performing probabilistic tractography of the optic tracts and radiations using 7-T diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI). These imaging findings were correlated with neuro-ophthalmological results to assess the utility of ultra-high-field MRI for objective evaluation of damage to the anterior and posterior visual pathways.

METHODS

Probabilistic tractography employing 7-T DWI was used to reconstruct the optic tracts and radiations in 18 patients with adenomas and in 16 healthy volunteers. Optic chiasm compression was found in 66.7% of the patients and visual defects in 61.1%. Diffusion indices were calculated along the projections and correlated with tumor volumes and results from neuro-ophthalmological examinations. Primary visual cortical thicknesses were also assessed.

RESULTS

Fractional anisotropy was reduced by 21.9% in the optic tracts (p < 0.001) and 17.7% in the optic radiations (p < 0.001) in patients with adenomas. Patients showed an 8.5% increase in mean diffusivity of optic radiations compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Primary visual cortical thickness was reduced in adenoma patients. Diffusion indices of the visual pathway showed significant correlations with neuro-ophthalmological examination findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging-based quantification of secondary neuronal damage from adenomas strongly correlated with neuro-ophthalmological findings. Diffusion characteristics enabled by ultra-high-field DWI may allow preoperative characterization of visual pathway damage in patients with chiasmatic compression and may inform prognosis for vision recoverability.

Visual Outcomes After Pituitary Surgery

Visual signs and symptoms are a common manifestation of pituitary adenomas from compression or ischemia of the optic nerves and optic chiasm. Although bitemporal hemianopsia is a classic presenting visual field deficit, additional visual disturbances can result from these tumors. After endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery, most patients have improvement in visual symptoms. Preoperative factors including retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, severity of preoperative deficit, duration of visual symptoms, tumor size, extent of resection, and patient age serve as possible predictors of postoperative visual outcomes.

Using sellar region tumor's size as a predictor of psychophysical and electrophysiological perimetric visual losses: a logistic regression approach

BACKGROUND

Sellar region tumor growth represents an important cause of visual loss due to mechanical compression of the optic nerve apparatus. Many investigations have used non-invasive tools to evaluate the visual field consequences of this damage, and good associations have been reported between psychophysical and electrophysiological perimetries. Few reports have considered the tumor size as a predictor of visual field loss.

AIMS

In the present study, we evaluated the association between the visual perimetry measured by Humphrey visual field analyzer and multifocal visual evoked cortical potential (mfVECP) and the tumor size.

METHODS

Our sample was composed of 14 patients diagnosed with sellar tumors by magnetic resonance imaging. We accounted the number of sectors with negative visual responses for both methods. A simple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the tumor dimensions and the visual field features RESULTS: Three patients had preserved visual fields, three patients showed hemianopic defects, and eight patients had generalized visual field losses at both evaluations. We observed that the three maximum diameters of the tumor and total tumor volume had different predictive abilities regarding the extent of visual field loss when using psychophysical and mfVECP data. The maximum craniocaudal diameter of the tumor was the better predictor of the psychophysical measurements, whereas for the mfVECP results, all tumor dimensions and volumes had similar values that predict visual field losses.

CONCLUSION

Tumor size as a predictor of visual loss has potential to assist in the clinical intervention and to prevent the irreversible visual impairment caused by tumors of the sellar region.

Conditions associated with giant pituitary tumors at the time of surgery effecting outcome morbidity and mortality

Background:

Surgical outcome prediction has assisted physicians in discussing surgical intervention or expectant management. While increasing pituitary tumor size would seem to be associated with increasing challenge of removal and associated complications, that relationship has not been borne in the literature.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of pituitary surgeries completed at our institution. Data included age at the time of surgery, presenting symptoms and Glasgow Coma scale (GCS), GCS at discharge or 7 days postoperatively, GCS at 6 months, adenoma size, imaging characteristics of the tumor and brain before resection, postoperative complications, the presence of preoperative hydrocephalus, brainstem compression, and patient mortality.

Results:

Patients with giant adenomas were more likely to present with a cranial nerve palsy (P = 0.019), altered mental status (P = 0.0001), hydrocephalus (P = 0.002), and mass effect on the brainstem (P = 0.020). Patients who experienced a postoperative decline in mental status were more likely to present with altered mental (P = 0.006), had an increased prevalence of mass effect on the brainstem (P = 0.005), and were more likely to have either an ischemic stroke (P = 0.0001) and vasospasms or new intraparenchymal hemorrhage (P = 0.013).

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrate that postoperative mental status declines after pituitary adenoma resection can be directly related to brainstem compression and further surgical irritation of the surrounding vasculature. The intraoperative irritation can be multifactorial and may result as the decompressed brain structures assume their anatomical position.

The Predictive Role of Intraoperative Visual Evoked Potentials in Visual Improvement After Endoscopic Pituitary Tumor Resection in Large and Complex Tumors: Description and Validation of a Method

BACKGROUND

With the advent of extensive endoscopic approaches for pituitary tumors, there has also been an increase in surgery for larger and more complex tumors. Intraoperative manipulation during endoscopic resection of sellar tumors poses potential risk in postoperative visual function in this tumor population. This study proposes a method of accurate intraoperative monitoring of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and its role in predicting visual function outcomes.

METHODS

Intraoperative VEPs were monitored for 42 resections from a single surgical team, with average tumor size of 2.84 cm. Changes in VEP amplitude and latency in excess of 50% were considered significant. Preoperative and postoperative visual information was obtained from ophthalmology and hospital records, along with patient demographics, comorbidities, and tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

Patients were stratified as experiencing deteriorations in VEPs that did not restore to baseline (n = 4), deteriorations in VEPs that did restore to baseline (n = 6), no change in VEPs (n = 31), and improvement in VEPs (n = 1). Correlation between VEP changes and postoperative visual fields was measured through univariate ordered logistic regression. Improved intraoperative VEP measurements were associated with odds ratio (OR) of visual field improvement of 3.15 (95% confidence interval, 1.15-8.59). Specifically, changes in VEP amplitude were positively associated with visual field improvement with OR of 4.35 (OR, 1.29-14.7). No association was observed between VEPs and other patient or tumor characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Changes in VEP amplitude during endoscopic sellar tumor resection correlate with postoperative visual function. Intraoperative VEP monitoring can serve an important role in preventing postoperative visual field loss.

Visual Outcome of Patients with Pituitary Adenomas Following Surgery and Its Contributory Factors at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana

Background

Craniotomy and transphenoidal microsurgery are surgical options for treatment of pituitary adenoma at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital(KBTH). Despite major advances and reported success rates of transphenoidal resection globally, paucity of local data regarding visual outcome of either procedure exists. We evaluated the visual outcome of patient with pituitary adenoma following surgery in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

Methods

This is a prospective study of 18 of 45 consecutive new patients with pituitary adenoma seen from November 2010 to July 2013 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital(KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Sixteen (88.9%) of the 18 had surgery by transphenoidal route and 2(11.1%) by craniotomy. All patients had macroadenoma (tumour size >1cm) and histological confirmation of diagnosis. Pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity and its relationship to tumour size and duration of symptoms before diagnosis were evaluated.

Results

Data on 18 patients aged 33–60 years, mean (SD) 45.9±8.5, was analysed. Eleven (61.1%) were females. Visual blur, 15(83.3%), and headache,13(72.2%), were predominant presenting complaints. Common neuro-ophthalmic signs included unilateral or bilateral optic atrophy, 17(94.4%), Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD) in 8(44.4%) and impaired colour vision in 32 of 36(88.9%) eyes. Preoperatively, 8(22.2%) and 13(36.1%) of 36 eyes were visually impaired or blind respectively. Postoperatively, 6(16.7%) eyes were visually impaired and 17(47.2%) eyes blind. Blindness was associated with late presentation (p<0.005) and larger tumour width (p<0.036).

Conclusions

More than a third of eyes of patients with pituitary adenoma were blind before and after surgery. Blindness was associated with late presentation and larger tumours. Transphenoidal surgery may be beneficial following early diagnosis to avoid irreversible blindness/visual impairment.

Ocular hypertension secondary to high endogenous steroid load in Cushing's disease

This case report describes a 35-year-old Caucasian man who was referred to the glaucoma clinic with high intraocular pressure (IOP) after routine optometrist assessment. He was diagnosed with ocular hypertension (OHT) and the management plan was for monitoring without treatment. Three months later, he presented to the endocrine clinic with symptoms of Cushing's disease and was diagnosed with an adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting pituitary microadenoma. His symptoms preceded his presentation at both departments by 5 years. He underwent definitive surgical treatment of his adenoma via transsphenoidal resection. At 1-year follow-up in glaucoma clinic, it was noted that his IOP had normalised. Due to his high endogenous cortisol level at diagnosis, long disease duration, the pattern of IOP rise and subsequent normalisation after treatment, it is suggestive that his OHT is secondary to his Cushing's disease. There are infrequent reports of this association in published literature.

Factors Influencing Visual Field Recovery after Transsphenoidal Resection of a Pituitary Adenoma

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing visual field recovery after transsphenoidal approach-tumor resection (TSA-TR) in pituitary adenoma patients with visual field defects (VFDs).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 102 eyes of 102 patients with VFDs induced by pituitary adenomas who underwent TSA-TR between January 2010 and December 2015. All patients had been observed for more than one year. The severity of the VFD in each patient was evaluated using the mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation in the most-affected eye. Clinical and demographic data such as preoperative visual acuity and visual field, age, sex, tumor volume, neurological symptoms at diagnosis, duration of symptoms, patterns of the preoperative VFD, and preoperative central VFD were investigated and analyzed for association with recovery of the visual field.

Results

Recovery from VFDs occurred in 71 (69.6%) eyes after a mean period of 18.36 ± 5.21 months. The recovery group was younger (p = 0.003), had higher preoperative MD values (p = 0.016), and had better preoperative visual acuity (p = 0.03), compared with the non-recovery group. Preoperative central VFD (p = 0.006) and preoperative bilateral VFD (p = 0.016) were significantly less frequent in the recovery group. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 0.962; p = 0.022), preoperative MD (OR, 1.069; p = 0.046), preoperative central VFD (OR, 0.212; p = 0.039), and preoperative bilateral VFD (OR, 0.212; p = 0.035) were associated with visual field recovery after TSA-TR.

Conclusions

Younger age, higher preoperative MD, and the preoperative abscence of central VFD or bilateral VFD were favorable factors influencing visual field recovery after TSA-TR in patients with pituitary adenomas. An understanding of the associated clinical factors may help predict visual outcomes after TSA-TR in pituitary adenoma patients with VFDs.

Malpractice Litigation in Brain Tumor Surgery: A 31-Year Analysis of Causative Factors in the United States from the Westlaw Database

BACKGROUND

Medical malpractice litigation is an issue of major concern in neurosurgery, with 19.1% of neurosurgeons facing a claim annually. Neurosurgery possesses the greatest risk of malpractice of any specialty, likely owing to the complex clinical environment and disease severity. In the present study, we have characterized such litigation to determine the common factors that compel plaintiffs to file these claims.

METHODS

WestLawNext, a prominent legal database, was used to identify all cases from 1985 to 2016 related to brain tumors. A total of 225 cases were identified, and each was analyzed for the cause of litigation (multiple causes were permitted). Because many had >1 ground for litigation, the reported percentages were based on the total counts of litigation rather than the number of cases. Additional information was collected from each case, including location, tumor type, and physician specialty.

RESULTS

The cases were distributed across 36 states and U.S. territories: California (n = 42; 20%) and New York (n = 28; 13%) had the greatest number of cases. The top reasons for litigation were failure to diagnose (n = 109; 28%), failure to treat (n = 72; 18%), procedural error (n = 63; 16%), and failure to refer for diagnostic tests (n = 55; 14%). The most common diagnoses included pituitary adenoma (n = 26; 12%), acoustic neuroma (n = 27; 12%), and meningioma (n = 23; 10%).

CONCLUSIONS

Malpractice litigation contributes to high overhead and physician burnout and escalates the cost of patient care. We found that benign brain tumors were the most common in litigation and that surgical issues accounted for only a small percentage.

Relationship between postoperative volume of macroadenomas and clinical outcome after endoscopic trans-sphenoidal resection

PURPOSE

Although symptoms are expected to improve after the resection of pituitary macroadenomas, tumor resection volume does not always correlate with the patient's symptoms. Our objectives were to assess the pre and postoperative volumes of pituitary macroadenomas before, immediately after surgery and at follow-up, and to explore possible associations and correlations among these changes and symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and the preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies at 24 hours and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up of 146 patients who underwent surgery for pituitary macroadenomas. We measured tumor volumes before and after surgery and compared changes with symptom improvement.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative tumor volume was 24.66 cm³ (standard deviation 65.18 cm³, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14-35.32). The most common symptoms were visual/cranial nerve abnormalities (65%) and headaches (56%). Immediately after surgery, symptoms persisted without significant changes in all patients. A progressive tumor volume decrease was noted during follow-up, and symptoms improved in 78% of patients. Despite no imaging evidence of chiasm or cavernous sinus compression, 32 patients showed no symptom improvement. Patients with symptoms for more than 1 year (mean duration of symptoms 26 months, SD 24.3, 95% CI 22.03-29.97 months) had a higher risk of the persistence of symptoms compared to patients with a mean duration of symptoms of less than 1 year (odds ratio 2.5, 95% CI 2.4-3, P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The duration of symptoms prior of surgery is a more important factor than tumor resection volume alone when considering the long-term outcome of symptoms. Furthermore, lack of symptom improvement in the immediate postoperative period does not necessarily represent an inadequate resection.

Visual outcome of surgically managed pituitary adenomas followed-up at the Yaoundé Central Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary adenomas are benign brain tumours arising from the adenohypophysis; representing 10-15% of all intra-cranial tumours. Despite improved management, they are still related to high morbidity. Visual impairment is a common presentation and visual field defects representing 37-96%. We aimed at describing the clinical presentation of operated patients and their visual outcome.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study for 6 months at the Yaoundé Central Hospital's Neurosurgery, Endocrinology and Ophthalmology departments. We included all patients with histopathological confirmation, having pre-operative visual assessment and operated from January 2010 to June 2016.

RESULTS

Twenty-five participants (50 eyes) were enrolled. Three subtypes of pituitary adenomas were identified: Non-functional pituitary adenomas (64%) > Somatotropinomas (20%) > Prolactinomas (16%). All cases were macroadenomas. The median duration of symptoms was 14 months. All participants presented with vision impairment and 80% with headaches. Craniotomy was used in 88% of cases. The temporal hemifield was the most quantitatively affected; 76% of eyes presented with visual acuity (VA) < 6/12 and 24% of eyes a visual acuity ≥6/12. Thirty percent of eyes presented with optic atrophy; cranial nerve III palsy was the most observed. The Mean deviation (MD), an automated visual field index, improved though non-significant and 16% of eyes had a normal visual field printout after surgery. Left eye mean deviation improved significantly (p = 0.04). After surgery, there was a mild improvement of VA with 62% of eyes having a VA< 6/12 and 38% a VA ≥6/12. There was no ophthalmoplaegia after surgery. Long delay before diagnosis significantly jeopardizes pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity (r = 0.5; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative vision parameters comparison are suggestive of a potential improvement of vision. This conclusion will be better ascertained on a large-scale sample size. Long delay before diagnosis is associated to poor visual outcome.

The Predictive Value of Suprasellar Extension for Visual Function Evaluation in Chinese Patients with Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma with Optic Chiasm Compression

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the quantitative relationship between suprasellar extension (SSE) and visual function impairment in Chinese patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) with optic chiasm compression.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 117 patients with NFPA and optic chiasm compression treated at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2016. The quantitative relationships between SSE detected on sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sections and visual function, including visual acuity (VA) and visual fields (VFs), were analyzed. The cutoff value of SSE to predict a VF defect (VFD) was calculated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. The mean deviation (MD) value was used to quantitatively analyze the VFs, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate risk factors of VFD.

RESULTS

Among 117 patients with NFPA, 77 (65.8%) had VFD, and the mean VA was 0.42 ± 0.38 logMAR. The cutoff value of the sagittal SSE was 14.0 mm, with 77.9% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity, and the cutoff value of the coronal SSE was 15.8 mm, with 81.8% sensitivity and 85.0% specificity. The values of SSE on 2 MRI sections were correlated with VA (P < 0.001) and the MD (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that SSE on sagittal views (P < 0.001), SSE on coronal views (P < 0.001), duration of the disease (P = 0.027), and apoplexy (P = 0.036) were related to the degree of VF damage.

CONCLUSIONS

VFD in patients with NFPA with chiasm compression can be predicted by SSE on MRI. There is a linear correlation between SSE and the MD value.