From where do pituitary adenomas arise?
Pituitary adenomas, which are the most common tumors of the sella turcica, are benign neoplasms of epithelial origin that arises from the adenohyphophysis.
According to their size, how can pituitary adenomas be classified?
Depending on their size, pituitary adenomas are classified as microadenomas, which measure 10 mm or less, and macroadenomas that are greater than 10 mm.
What is the leading cause of visual symptoms in patients with pituitary macroadenoma?
The leading cause of visual disturbances in patients with pituitary macroadenomas are the compression and displacement of the optic nerve, optic chiasm, and optic tract by the tumor.
What is the snowman sign which is usually seen in pituitary macroadenomas?
The snowman sign configuration or figure eight is the indentation on both sides of the tumor caused by the diaphragm sellae.
What is the one of the clinical situations which indicates surgical treatment in patients with pituitary macroadenomas?
Symptomatic visual impairment in patients with pituitary macroadenoma is a major indication for surgical treatment.
MRI demonstrates the enlarged pituitary fossa, filled by a solid enhancing tumor, extending into the suprasellar cistern, suggest pituitary adenoma. This tumor has overall dimensions of 1,7 x 2,1 x 2,2 cm. The mass causes severe chiasmal compression with superior displacement of more than 3 mm. On the left side, the lesion bulges into the cavernous sinuses, abutting the ipsilateral carotid artery, but not invading the carotid arteries on either side.