open access

Vol 66, No 6 (2015)
Original paper
Submitted: 2015-05-05
Accepted: 2015-07-16
Published online: 2015-12-07
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Outcomes in pituitary surgery in Nelson’s syndrome — therapeutic pitfalls

Grzegorz Zieliński, Przemysław Witek, Maria Maksymowicz
DOI: 10.5603/EP.2015.0062
·
Pubmed: 26662649
·
Endokrynol Pol 2015;66(6):504-513.

open access

Vol 66, No 6 (2015)
Original Paper
Submitted: 2015-05-05
Accepted: 2015-07-16
Published online: 2015-12-07

Abstract

Introduction: Nelson’s syndrome (NS) is a rare clinical syndrome caused by an enlarging, aggressive corticotroph pituitary adenoma that can occur following bilateral adrenalectomy performed in the treatment of refractory Cushing’s disease (CD). Such tumours respond poorly to currently available therapeutic options, which include surgery, radiotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and chemotherapy. They are a challenging problem in neurosurgical practice. The aim of this work was to evaluate the early and long-term results of microsurgery in a single surgeon’s series of patients with NS.

Material and methods: During the period from January 2000 to December 2005, 10 patients with NS underwent surgery. The authors analysed surgical outcomes in the NS group of seven women and three men with the mean age of 47.99 years (range 39–66, SD ± 8.47 years). NS was diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms, especially hyperpigmentation of the skin, elevated serum ACTH levels, and pituitary tumour growth. Parasellar extension of the adenomas was assessed in both groups according to Knosp’s and Hardy-Wilson classifications. Pituitary function and radiographs were evaluated in the early postoperative period, 30 days after the operation, and during follow-up. Histological examination was based on the WHO (2004) criteria.

Results: According to the criteria for Nelson’s syndrome remission, five patients (50%) were cured. No perioperative mortality was reported. Three patients developed pituitary insufficiency and two patients developed diabetes insipidus. There was one case of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. One patient was diagnosed with pituitary carcinoma.

Conclusions: Transsphenoidal microsurgical removal of pituitary adenomas is a safe and effective treatment of Nelson’ syndrome. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (6): 504–513)

Abstract

Introduction: Nelson’s syndrome (NS) is a rare clinical syndrome caused by an enlarging, aggressive corticotroph pituitary adenoma that can occur following bilateral adrenalectomy performed in the treatment of refractory Cushing’s disease (CD). Such tumours respond poorly to currently available therapeutic options, which include surgery, radiotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and chemotherapy. They are a challenging problem in neurosurgical practice. The aim of this work was to evaluate the early and long-term results of microsurgery in a single surgeon’s series of patients with NS.

Material and methods: During the period from January 2000 to December 2005, 10 patients with NS underwent surgery. The authors analysed surgical outcomes in the NS group of seven women and three men with the mean age of 47.99 years (range 39–66, SD ± 8.47 years). NS was diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms, especially hyperpigmentation of the skin, elevated serum ACTH levels, and pituitary tumour growth. Parasellar extension of the adenomas was assessed in both groups according to Knosp’s and Hardy-Wilson classifications. Pituitary function and radiographs were evaluated in the early postoperative period, 30 days after the operation, and during follow-up. Histological examination was based on the WHO (2004) criteria.

Results: According to the criteria for Nelson’s syndrome remission, five patients (50%) were cured. No perioperative mortality was reported. Three patients developed pituitary insufficiency and two patients developed diabetes insipidus. There was one case of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. One patient was diagnosed with pituitary carcinoma.

Conclusions: Transsphenoidal microsurgical removal of pituitary adenomas is a safe and effective treatment of Nelson’ syndrome. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (6): 504–513)

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Keywords

pituitary adenoma; ACTH; transsphenoidal surgery; Nelson’s syndrome

About this article
Title

Outcomes in pituitary surgery in Nelson’s syndrome — therapeutic pitfalls

Journal

Endokrynologia Polska

Issue

Vol 66, No 6 (2015)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

504-513

Published online

2015-12-07

Page views

1774

Article views/downloads

2158

DOI

10.5603/EP.2015.0062

Pubmed

26662649

Bibliographic record

Endokrynol Pol 2015;66(6):504-513.

Keywords

pituitary adenoma
ACTH
transsphenoidal surgery
Nelson’s syndrome

Authors

Grzegorz Zieliński
Przemysław Witek
Maria Maksymowicz

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