News Articles February 2022
Written on 04 February 2022.
December 2023 Research Articles
Pituitary Tumors
Genetic Testing in Hereditary Pituitary Tumors.
Pharmacological Treatment of Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenomas.
Pituitary Surgery
Editor’s note: Dr. Gardner is a member of the PNA.
Surgical versus non-surgical management for pituitary apoplexy.
Acromegaly
Newer parameters of the octreotide test in patients with acromegaly.
GPR101: Modeling a constitutively active receptor linked to X-linked acrogigantism.
Hormonal Health
News Articles December 2023
Effect of Antipsychotics on Prolactinoma Growth
A study featured in Cureus looks the effect of antipsychotic medications on prolactinoma growth and found that when a patient stops taking risperidone, haloperidol, thioridazine, or amisulpride, prolactin levels in the blood drop. The drop is less pronounced with clozapine, aripiprazole, and olanzapine Read more here:
Pituitary Story: Changes in Jawline Lead to Diagnosis of Acromegaly
An article in 9news.com tells the story of a 32-year-old Australian woman, Shari Dawson, whose first symptoms of acromegaly were changes to her jawline, nose and shoe size. Dawson is now the general manager of the Australian Pituitary Foundation. Read more here:
Photos of Shari Dawson before and after her acromegaly diagnosis. (Shari Dawson)
Pituitary Journey: Lou Gramm, Singer for the group Foreigner
The singer for the group Foreigner, Lou Gramm, recently recalled his fight against a craniopharyngioma, as a younger man. Read more here:
4-year-old Ohio Boy Fights Pituitary Tumor
The community in Clermont County, Ohio is rallying around a four-year-old boy named Augus, who is fighting a pituitary tumor. Doctors say the tumor took up 45% of hie brain. Surgery to implant a reservoir left him blind in one eye Read more here:
PNA Medical Corner: Cushing Disease and Double Pituitary Adenoma
This month in the PNA Medical Corner we focus on a study coauthored by two members of the PNA: Drs. Adriana Ioachimescu and Nathan Zwagerman. The research is a case study of a woman with two pituitary tumors.
Consecutive resections of double pituitary adenoma for resolution of Cushing disease: illustrative case
Abstract
Background: Double pituitary adenomas are rare presentations of two distinct adenohypophyseal lesions seen in <1% of surgical cases. Increased rates of recurrence or persistence are reported in the resection of Cushing microadenomas and are attributed to the small tumor size and localization difficulties. The authors report a case of surgical treatment failure of Cushing disease because of the presence of a secondary pituitary adenoma.
Observations: A 32-year-old woman with a history of prolactin excess and pituitary lesion presented with oligomenorrhea, weight gain, facial fullness, and hirsutism. Urinary and nighttime salivary cortisol elevation were elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 4-mm3 pituitary lesion. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling was diagnostic for Cushing disease. Primary endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection was performed to remove what was determined to be a lactotroph-secreting tumor on immunohistochemistry with persistent hypercortisolism. Repeat resection yielded a corticotroph-secreting tumor and postoperative hypoadrenalism followed by long-term normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Lessons: This case demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary management and postoperative hormonal follow-up in patients with Cushing disease. Improved strategies for localization of the active tumor in double pituitary adenomas are essential for primary surgical success and resolution of endocrinopathies.
Keywords:Cushing disease; PitNET; pituitary adenoma; pituitary neuroendocrine tumor; prolactinoma; transsphenoidal
PNA Highlights November 2023
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha
PNA Spotlight: Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol
This month the PNA Spotlight focuses on Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, a professor at Indiana University Department of Neurosurgery. He is the director of neurosurgical oncology and its fellowship, and co-director of the Signature Center for Brain and Neurological Tumors. Dr. Cohen-Gadol earned his undergraduate degree from the University
of California at San Diego and attended medical school at the University of Southern California. He then completed his residency training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He also completed fellowship training in two subspecialties: epilepsy surgery (Yale University) and skull base/cerebrovascular surgery (University of Arkansas.) In addition, Dr. Cohen holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research from Mayo Graduate School and an MBA from Kelley School of Business. His areas of interest include surgical treatment of complex intracranial tumors and vascular lesions.
He is the founder and president of The Neurosurgical Atlas (http://www.neurosurgicalatlas.com), a multimedia resource for neurosurgical techniques. Dr. Cohen-Gadol was kind enough to answer some questions posed by the PNA. His answers follow.
Count on your Xeris CareConnection™ Team for unparalleled Cushing’s Support
Cushing’s can be challenging, but there is support so patients can feel like themselves again. The main goal of treating Cushing’s is to get cortisol levels back to normal. This Pituitary Awareness Month, Xeris Pharmaceuticals® is highlighting the importance of one-on-one support for patients living with Cushing’s Syndrome and support for HCPs treating Cushing’s Syndrome.
Sign up to get dedicated support:
Patients: Sign up for support | Recorlev® (levoketoconazole)
HCP’s: Connect with Xeris support | RECORLEV® (levoketoconazole)
Have more questions? Call for more support at 1-844-444-RCLV (7258)
PNA Medical Corner: Somatotroph Adenoma in a Young Adult
This month the PNA Medical Corner spotlights an article co-authored by a member of the PNA, Dr. Ursula Kaiser, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. The case report looks at early onset excess of growth hormone in the context of a somatotroph adenoma in a young adult.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1210/jcemcr/luad030
Early Onset GH Excess: Somatotroph Adenoma in a Young Adult
Featured News and Updates
The FDA has approved NGENLA (somatrogon-ghla)
The FDA has approved NGENLA (somatrogon-ghla), a once-weekly, human growth hormone analog indicated for treatment of pediatric patients aged three years and older who have growth failure due to an inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone.
Research Articles
Copyright © 2024 Pituitary Network Association All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: PNA does not engage in the practice of medicine. It is not a medical authority, nor does it claim to have medical expertise. In all cases, PNA recommends that you consult your own physician regarding any course of treatment or medication.
Our mailing address is:
Pituitary Network Association
P.O. Box 1958
Thousand Oaks, CA 91358
(805) 499-9973 Phone - (805) 480-0633 Fax
Email info@pituitary.org
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PNA Medical Corner: Somatotroph Adenoma in a Young Adult
This month the PNA Medical Corner spotlights an article co-authored by a member of the PNA, Dr. Ursula Kaiser, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. The case report looks at early onset excess of growth hormone in the context of a somatotroph adenoma in a young adult.
Early Onset GH Excess: Somatotroph Adenoma in a Young Adult
- • PMID: 37908473 PMCID: PMC10580480 DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luad030
Abstract
GH-secreting pituitary adenomas can cause gigantism or acromegaly, determined by onset before or after epiphyseal fusion of the distal ends of the radius and ulna. Overlapping phenotypes can occur when the condition presents peripubertally. Gigantism is associated with identifiable hereditary causes and genetic mutations in almost 50% of cases; genetic testing should be considered in patients with gigantism and early-onset acromegaly, especially (but not only) when pituitary tumors have aggressive features and/or are refractory to standard treatments. Here, we present a case of a young adult with a giant somatotroph adenoma resistant to multiple treatment modalities and negative for mutations in AIP, which encodes aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein.
Keywords: acromegaly; genetics; gigantism; pituitary.
© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society.
November 2023 Research Articles
Pituitary Tumors
CAD System Design for Pituitary Tumor Classification based on Transfer Learning Technique.
Primary Sellar Neuroblastoma Masquerading as a Pituitary Macroadenoma.
Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Disguised as Pituitary Macroadenoma.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Caused by Functional Gonadotroph Pituitary Adenoma.
Pituitary Surgery
Healthcare disparities in pituitary surgery: a systematic review.
Imaging
Acromegaly
Cushing’s
Sheehan’s Syndrome
Sheehan’s Syndrome in India: Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Evaluation.
Hormonal Health
Congenital Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency Attributable to a Novel PROP1 Mutation (467insT).
News Articles November 2023
When an Ear Infection Turned Out to Be a Pituitary Tumor
A story in the Daily Mail follows the case of a woman who visited her general practitioner for an ear infection and ended up being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor. Read more here:
Study: Cushing’s More Often Diagnosed in Pre-pubertal Boys than Girls
A study out of Turkey featured in Cushing’s Disease News finds that Cushing’s disease was diagnosed more often in prepubertal boys than girls, a reverse of what is seen in adults. The study also found that one third of benign pituitary tumors did not show up on MRI scans. Read more here:
Study: Therapeutic Touch and Music Improves Sleep in Menopausal Women
A study in the Journal Menopause finds that therapeutic touch and soothing music can improve sleep in menopausal women. Read more here:
British TV Star Discusses Pregnancy Battle with Hypophysitis
Emma Weymouth, a British reality star known for the show “Strictly Come Dancing”, discusses her diagnosis of hypophysitis during pregnancy. Read more here:
PNA Spotlight: Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol
This month the PNA Spotlight focuses on Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, a professor at Indiana University Department of Neurosurgery. He is the director of neurosurgical oncology and its fellowship, and co-director of the Signature Center for Brain and Neurological Tumors. Dr. Cohen-Gadol earned his undergraduate degree from the University
of California at San Diego and attended medical school at the University of Southern California. He then completed his residency training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He also completed fellowship training in two subspecialties: epilepsy surgery (Yale University) and skull base/cerebrovascular surgery (University of Arkansas.) In addition, Dr. Cohen holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research from Mayo Graduate School and an MBA from Kelley School of Business. His areas of interest include surgical treatment of complex intracranial tumors and vascular lesions.
He is the founder and president of The Neurosurgical Atlas (http://www.neurosurgicalatlas.com), a multimedia resource for neurosurgical techniques. Dr. Cohen-Gadol was kind enough to answer some questions posed by the PNA. His answers follow.
• What inspired you to choose your career path?
I have always been intrigued by the challenges of microsurgery and the required technical expertise for its performance as well as the anatomy of the central nervous system. These challenges provide an opportunity for the surgeon to innovate better surgical options for our patients. The rewards of neurosurgery in terms of affecting patients’ lives positively have been very gratifying, fulfilling and encouraging to me.
• What is the primary focus of your work/research?
The focus of my work has been refinement of operative routes to deep-seated brain tumors. The need to do more via less disruptive surgical approaches is of great interest to me. Minimizing the risk of any complication and promoting a faster patient recovery is the goal. I have also promoted neurosurgical research and education via my work with a not-for-profit organization called the Neurosurgical Atlas.
• What do you consider to be the future of your field?
The future will involve discovery of non-invasive modalities for treatment of brain and pituitary tumors including a variety of drugs that can not only shrink the tumor but also avoid its recurrence. Less invasive ways to remove brain tumors will continue to be explored further. Early diagnosis via more practical means may also be targeted for some tumors.
• What should patients know about your field/what deserves more recognition/awareness?
Our field is dynamic and constantly changing to improve the care for our patients. All surgeons strive to improve the care of their patients and appreciate the trust our patients have bestowed upon us.
• What would you like to convey about yourself to your patients?
It has been a true honor to participate in the care of my patients who have taught me so much. I have always believed that I have to perform not “the best I can do” but rather “the best anyone can do.”
• Why did you get involved with the PNA; what is the extent of your involvement?
I initially heard about the PNA via my colleagues. The PNA has been a special patient advocate and also a great partner for the providers who treat patients with pituitary tumors. The PNA’s mission is consistent with my mission. We can do so much more for our patients if we can join forces via patient advocacy organizations.
PNA Highlights October 2023
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha
PNA Spotlight: Dr. Sandeep Kunwar
Dr. Sandeep Kunwar is an eminent neurosurgeon who serves on the PNA’s Board of Directors. He is surgical director of the California Center for Pituitary Disorders and a professor of neurosurgery at UCSF. He is also surgical director at the Taylor Bell Neuroscience Institute in the Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont, CA. He opened his private practice there in 2006. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Berkeley in 1988. From 1991-2 he trained as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Scholar at the National Cancer Institute, working in the laboratory of molecular biology. He went to graduate from UCSF medical school in 1993, did his residency there in neurological surgery in 1998, and joined the faculty upon completion in 1999. From 1997-98 he served as a Research Fellow in the Brain Tumor Research Center at UCSF. He was selected by renowned pituitary surgeon Dr. Charles Wilson to take over his practice upon retirement.
Dr. Kunwar specializes in gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic and primary brain tumors, and uses the endonasal approach for pituitary tumors. His research works to improve surgical therapy for brain tumors, particularly glioblastomas. He has pioneered a minimally invasive surgical technique for skull-based tumors and has successfully applied that skill to transcranial and spine patients as well.
He was kind enough to answer questions from the PNA. His responses follow.
Count on your Xeris CareConnection™ Team for unparalleled Cushing’s Support
Cushing’s can be challenging, but there is support so patients can feel like themselves again. The main goal of treating Cushing’s is to get cortisol levels back to normal. This Pituitary Awareness Month, Xeris Pharmaceuticals® is highlighting the importance of one-on-one support for patients living with Cushing’s Syndrome and support for HCPs treating Cushing’s Syndrome.
Sign up to get dedicated support:
Patients: Sign up for support | Recorlev® (levoketoconazole)
HCP’s: Connect with Xeris support | RECORLEV® (levoketoconazole)
Have more questions? Call for more support at 1-844-444-RCLV (7258)
PNA Medical Corner: Early vs Delayed Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy
This month the PNA Medical Corner spotlights an article co-authored by Dr. James J. Evans of Thomas Jefferson University, a member of the PNA. The study finds that observation of nonfunctioning pituitary tumors with FSRT can delay the onset of hypopituitarism while maintaining similar effectiveness in tumor control”.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2023.09.067
Early versus Delayed Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma
Featured News and Updates
The FDA has approved NGENLA (somatrogon-ghla)
The FDA has approved NGENLA (somatrogon-ghla), a once-weekly, human growth hormone analog indicated for treatment of pediatric patients aged three years and older who have growth failure due to an inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone.
Research Articles
Copyright © 2024 Pituitary Network Association All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: PNA does not engage in the practice of medicine. It is not a medical authority, nor does it claim to have medical expertise. In all cases, PNA recommends that you consult your own physician regarding any course of treatment or medication.
Our mailing address is:
Pituitary Network Association
P.O. Box 1958
Thousand Oaks, CA 91358
(805) 499-9973 Phone - (805) 480-0633 Fax
Email info@pituitary.org
You are receiving this Newsletter because you have shown interest in receiving information about our activities.
If you do not want to receive any more emails from PNA, Unsubscribe.
October 2023 Research Articles
Pituitary Tumors
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone with recurrent giant cabergoline-resistant prolactinoma.
Cerebrospinal fluid metabolomic pattern of different pituitary stalk lesions.
Comparative effectiveness of endoscopic and microscopic adenoma removal in acromegaly.
Clinical Factors Predicting Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 and Type 4 in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors.
PD-L1 Expression in Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors/Pituitary Adenomas.
Pituitary Surgery
Clinical Outcomes of Combined Transcranial and Endoscopic Transnasal Approaches in the Management of Cranionasal Communicating Tumors.
Pituitary apoplexy during pregnancy with transsphenoidal resection and intraoperative fetal monitoring: A case report.
Pituitary Biology
Clinical practice and nomenclature of Pituitary neoplasms: Common sense must prevail
Imaging
Brain Tumor Classification from MRI Using Image Enhancement and Convolutional Neural Network Techniques.
A Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Radiomics and Clinical Predictive Model for the Regrowth of Postoperative Residual Tumor in Non-Functioning Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor.
Hormonal Health
Adrenal Crisis in a Delayed Diagnosis of Sheehan Syndrome.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
Examining the relation among callous-unemotional traits and cortisol, alpha-amylase, and testosterone reactivity in legal system involved young men.
Cushing’s
Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome from a corticotropin-releasing hormone-secreting medullary thyroid carcinoma: a rare pitfall of inferior petrosal sinus sampling.
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