EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE USE OF LONG-ACTING OCTREOTIDE ON GROWTH HORMONE SECRETING PITUITARY ADENOMA AND TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY

Objective To investigate whether somatostatin analog octreotide long acting release (LAR) shrinks growth hormone (GH) secreting adenomas, and improves the results of subsequent transsphenoidal surgery. Methods Seventeen previously untreated active acromegalic patients with pituitary adenomas were treated with LAR (30 mg intramuscular injection every 28 days) for 3 months prior to transsphenoidal surgery. Clinical reaction, mean GH secretion, and tumor volume were measured under basal conditions and after LAR treatment. Results Presurgical treatment improved acromegaly symptoms and induced a significant reduction of GH under the 5 ng/mL limit in microadenoma (P < 0.05), while only 18.2% (2/11) in macroadenoma. Meanwhile, tumor shrinkage occurred in 58.8% (10/17) patients, with 1 case in the microadenoma group. All marked shrinkage (> 25%) occurred in the macroadenoma group. Statistical analysis showed tumor shrinkage caused by LAR was greater in macroadenoma group than that in microadenoma group (P < 0.05). During operation, adenoma was soft in 15 cases, with the exception of 2 cases in which the soft tumor was divided by fibrous septa, but all tumor removal was smooth. Conclusions A short term administration of preoperative LAR may induce a significant decrease in GH-secretion level and adenoma volume. Presurgical use of octreotide LAR improves surgical results especially in macroadenomas.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SELLAR FLOOR FOLLOWING TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY USING GELATIN FOAM AND FIBRIN GLUE

Objective To introduce a new principle of sellar reconstruction and to evaluate the effectiveness of absorbable gelatin foam and fibrin glue for sellar reconstruction. Methods A total of 176 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for pituitary adenomas, cysts, chordomas, or subdiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas in the sella turcica between January 2001 and April 2003 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled. Different techniques of sellar closure and indications for each specific condition were retrospectively reviewed. Results Seventy-seven (43.7%) patients developed a visible cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage during surgery. Intra- operative CSF leakage were repaired simply with gelatin foam and fibrin glue in 62 (35.2%) patients, and with autologous fat graft and sellar floor reconstruction in 15 (8.5%) patients. Postoperative CSF rhinorrhea occurred only in 1 case. There were no visual deterioration, allergic rhinitis, meningitis, pneumocranium, granulomas, or other complications asso- ciated with the reconstruction procedure. Conclusion The procedure of using gelatin foam and fibrin glue and principle of cranial base reconstruction is safe and effective in preventing postoperative complications following transsphenoidal surgery.

Surgical Technique and Efficacy Analysis of Extra-pseudocapsular Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Microprolactinoma

Objective To elucidate the role of transsphenoidal surgery in the treatment of pituitary microprolactinoma.Methods The clinical data of 107 prolactinoma cases treated by extra-pseudocapsular transnasal transsphenoidal surgery(ETTS)for different indications in our department since 2011 was retrospectively analyzed.Results The most common indication was the ineffectiveness of oral medication(41.1%),followed by the personal willingness of the patient(35.5%),and 20.6%of the patients were young women with clear tumor boundaries.The pseudocapsule was not observed in 63 cases(58.9%),incomplete pseudocapsule was observed in 26 cases(24.3%),and complete pseudocapsule in 18 cases(16.8%).A total of 97 patients(90.7%)obtained 1-year post-operation remission.According to the relative location of the adenoma and pituitary gland on the MRI scan,46 patients were classified into a central type,59 a lateral type,and 2 a supra-pituitary type.Two patients developed hypogonadism,one patient developed hypocortisolism,and one patient developed post-operative hypothyroidism.Two patients were administrated with hormone replacement treatment,and the treatment was stopped within one week.There was no permanent hypopituitarism.Further investigation demonstrated that the adenoma types could affect the remission rates of hyperprolactinemia and gross total resection rate in microprolactinoma.Conclusion ETTS was an effective treatment for pituitary microprolactinomas.This could be the first choice for patients who presented enclosed adenoma on the MRI and were potentially curable in a preoperative evaluation.Maximal safe removal of the adenoma by ETTS with the aim to increase the sensitivity of the drugs was also recommended for patients with invasive dopamine agonist resistant prolactinomas and patients with difficulty in childbirth.

Analysis of complications of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas

Objective To analyze the complications of transsphenoidal operation for pituitary adenomas. Methods Postoperative complications of 323 patients underwent transphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma between January 2001 and December 2009 in our department were retrospectively reviewed. Results Insipidus was the most common complication after

Complications's prophylaxis in neuroendoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas

Objective To discuss the complicatiaons’s prophylaxis of removing pituitary adenomas by neuroendoscopy in tranasphenoidal surgery. Methods Clinical data of 253 cases treated by endoscopic endanasal transsphenoidal surgery were analysed. Results The total tumor removal was done in 216 (85.38%) cases,subtotal in

Predictors and dynamic online nomogram for postoperative delayed hyponatremia after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas:a single-center,retrospective,observational cohort study with external validation

Background Postoperative delayed hyponatremia(PDH)is a major cause of readmission after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery(eTSS)for pituitary adenomas(PAs).However,the risk factors associated with PDH have not been well established,and the development of a dynamic online nomogram for predicting PDH is yet to be realized.We aimed to investigate the predictive factors for PDH and construct a dynamic online nomogram to aid in its prediction.Methods We analyzed the data of 226 consecutive patients who underwent eTSS for PAs at the Department of Neurosurgery in Jinling Hospital between January 2018 and October 2020.An additional 97 external patients were included for external validation.PDH was defined as a serum sodium level below 137 mmol/L,occurring on the third postoperative day(POD)or later.Results Hyponatremia on POD 1-2(OR=2.64,P=0.033),prothrombin time(PT)(OR=1.78,P=0.008),and percentage of monocytes(OR=1.22,P=0.047)were identified as predictive factors for PDH via multivariable logistic regression analysis.Based on these predictors,a nomogram was constructed with great discrimination in internal validation(adjusted AUC:0.613-0.688)and external validation(AUC:0.594-0.617).Furthermore,the nomogram demonstrated good performance in calibration plot,Brier Score,and decision curve analysis.Subgroup analysis revealed robust predictive performance in patients with various clinical subtypes and mild to moderate PDH.Conclusions Preoperative PT and the percentage of monocytes were,for the first time,identified as predictive factors for PDH.The dynamic nomogram proved to be a valuable tool for predicting PDH after eTSS for PAs and demonstrated good generalizability.Patients could benefit from early identification of PDH and optimized treatment decisions.

Transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas in male patients:a retrospective study

Male patients with prolactinomas usually present with typical hyperprolactinemia symptoms,including sexual dysfunction and infertility.However,clinical factors related to sexual dysfunction and surgical outcomes in these patients remain unclear.This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of male patients with prolactinomas after transsphenoidal surgery and the risk factors affecting sexual dysfunction.This study was conducted on 58 male patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas between May 2014 and December 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,Guangzhou,China.We evaluated the sexual function of patients before and after surgery through International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores,libido,and frequency of morning erection.Of the 58 patients,48(82.8%)patients had sexual intercourse preoperatively.Among those 48 patients,41(85.4%)patients presented with erectile dysfunction.The preoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores in patients with macroprolactinomas were significantly higher than those in patients with giant prolactinomas(17.63±0.91 vs 13.28±1.43;P=0.01).Postoperatively,the incidence of erectile dysfunction was 47.9%,which was significantly lower than that preoperatively(85.4%;P=0.01).Twenty-eight(68.3%)patients demonstrated an improvement in erectile dysfunction.Tumor size and invasiveness were significantly correlated with the improvement of erectile dysfunction.Preoperative testosterone<2.3 ng ml^(-1)was an independent predictor of improvement in erectile dysfunction.In conclusion,our results indicated that tumor size and invasiveness were important factors affecting the improvement of sexual dysfunction in male patients with prolactinoma.The preoperative testosterone level was an independent predictor related to the improvement of erectile dysfunction.

Complications of transsphenoidal surgery for sellar region： intracranial vessel injury

Background Intracranial vessel injury is a severe complication of transsphenoidal surgery （TSS） for lesions of sellar region. The purpose of this study was to improve recognition of the complication. Methods The clinical data of 400 cases of TSS for sellar region from 1964 to 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Ten patients with complications of intracranial vessel injury were included in this study, 7 underwent transsphenoidal microsurgery and 3 underwent endoscopic TSS. Subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH） occurred in 8 cases, hemorrhage of cavernous sinus in one, and post-operative cerebral hemorrhagic infarction caused by thrombosis of injured right internal carotid artery in one. The clinical data of all the patients were analyzed. Results The SAH resulted from hemorrhage of residues of tumor in 2 patients and from damaged sellar and arachnoidea in 6 patients. The cause of hemorrhage of anterior intercavernous sinus was malformation of anterior intercavernous sinus. The reason of thrombus of internal carotid artery was manipulation of operation. Three patients died and six patients were cured. One patient lived with hemiplegia. Conclusions The cause of intracranial vessels injury of TSS is complicated. Detailed anatomic knowledge of seller and skilled operation is helpful to reduce the complication.

Predictive value of pituitary tumor morphology on outcomes and complications in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery

Purpose:Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery(ETSS)is an increasingly utilized approach for resection of pituitary tumors.Prior studies have evaluated preoperative tumor size,location,and extent as prognostic factors for surgical resection.There is little data on the relationship between preoperative pituitary tumor radiographic morphology and surgical outcomes.Study Design:Retrospective longitudinal study.Setting:Single tertiary care institution.Subjects and Methods:Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans from patients undergoing ETSS for pituitary tumor resections from 2007 to 2017 were retrospectively evaluated.A neuroradiologist classified these pituitary tumors into six morphologic groups,each defined by volume,dimensions,extension,and shape.Surgical difficulty,rates of incomplete resection,and postoperative complications were then stratified in relation to the morphologic groups.Results:Pituitary tumors from 131 patients were classified from preoperative imaging into six characteristic morphologies:(1)microtumor,(2)round,(3)transverse oblong,(4)superior-inferior oblong,(5)bilobed,and(6)large lobulated.Tumors that were characterized with the large lobulated,bilobed,and transverse oblong morphologies correlated with higher rates of postoperative evidence of residual tumor(70%,36%,and 47%,respectively,all P<0.002).Likewise,large lobulated,bilobed,and transverse oblong morphologies were also associated with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks(70%,31%,and 35%,respectively,all P<0.05).Conclusions:We describe a novel descriptive system for the morphology of pituitary tumors that can be determined from preoperative imaging.Different tumor morphologic groups are associated with varying degrees of gross tumor resection,complications,and surgical difficulty.Utilizing pituitary tumor morphology may aid surgeons in planning the extent of resection,need for complex closure,and patient counseling.

The Use of Neuronavigation with Vasular Microdoppler in Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

Object: To evaluate the use of neuronavigation with vascular micro-doppler in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Methods: 141 cases having done transsphenoidal pituitary surgery are evaluated from 2005 to 2014. Fluoroscopy was used in 69 cases and vascular micro-doppler with neuronavigation were used in 72 cases. Results: Transsphenoidal surgery has a lot of risks due to sella’s deep location, and position of the carotid artery and the optic nerve. Clasically the fluoroscopy and microscopic anatomical markers were used in order to minimize the risk of carotid artery and optic nerve damage. Additional devices such as neuronavigation and vascular micro-doppler are needed to decrease the morbidity and mortality arising from these injuries. Conclusion: Neurovascular complications such as carotid artery and optic nerve injuries owing to disorientation in transsphenoidal surgery will reduce the use of neuronavigation with vascular micro-doppler.

The causes and prevention and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leak during transsphenoidal pituitary adenomas surgery

Objective To analyze the causes and prevention and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leak during transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery. Methods Retrospective study of 260 cases of microscopic transsphenoidal surgery and 274 cases of endoscopic surgery for resection of the pituitary adenomas was performed. CSF leak occurred

HYPONATREMIA AFTER TRANSSPHENIODAL SURGERY OF PITUITARY ADENOMA

Objective. To clarify the frequency, presentation, associated factors, treatment and outcome of hy-ponatremia after transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary adenomas.Methods. Retrospectively reviewed the database of 183 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgeryof pituitary adenomas between January 1999 and June 2000 in our department.Result.s. 38.8% (71/183) had postoperative hyponatremia. Among them, 59.2% (42/71) appeared onthe 4th to 7th day postoperatively. 59.2% (42/71) presented with nausea, vomiting, headache, dizzi-ness, confusion and weakness. Hyponatremia was related to age, tumor size and adenoma type, but notrelated to sex and degree of resection. Treatment consisted of salt replacement and mild fluid restrictionin 4 patients and salt and fluid replacement in 67 patients. Hyponatremia resolved within 16 days in allthe patients.Conclusions. Hyponatremia often appeared about 7 days after transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary ade-nomas, especially in elderly and patients with macroadenomas and huge pituitary adenomas. The principleof treatment was salt and fluid replacement.

Functioning gonadotroph adenoma with hyperestrogenemia and ovarian hyperstimulation in a reproductive-aged woman:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are extremely rare pituitary tumors that secrete gonadotropins and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Here,we report a case of functioning gonadotroph adenoma in a reproductive-aged woman and discuss its diagnosis and management.CASE SUMMARY A 21-year-old female patient with abdominal pain,irregular menstruation,hyperestrogenemia,and an ovarian mass was included.Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed a pituitary macroadenoma,and transsphenoidal surgery relieved her clinical symptoms.Before transsphenoidal surgery,plasma CA125,estradiol levels were elevated,while prolactin,luteinizing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone,PROG,cortisol,FT4,thyroid-stimulating hormone,para-thyroid hormone,and GH levels were maintained at normal levels.After trans-sphenoidal surgery,the patient was diagnosed with a functioning gonadotroph adenoma.During follow-up,pelvic ultrasound confirmed normal-sized ovaries in the patient,the menstrual cycle returned to regular,and her hormones were maintained within a normal range.There was no evidence of tumor recurrence after two years of follow-up.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of functioning gonadotroph adenomas should be considered in patients with hyperestrogenism,irregular menstruation,large or recurrent ovarian cysts,and visual field defects.Pituitary MRI should be performed,and transsphenoidal surgery is recommended for the management of this disease.

Relationship Between Histopathology and Clinical Prognosis of Invasive Pituitary Adenoma

Objective: To study the relationship between histopathology and clinical prognosis of invasive pituitary adenoma subjected to transsphenoidal surgery. Methods: The enrolled were 82 patients with invasive pituitary adenomas undergoing transsphenoidal surgery during Jan. 2000 - May 2003 in our department with full MR imaging findings, pathology data and follow-up information. The follow-up duration was 5-30 months. Results: MR imaging findings of invasive pituitary adenoma included: depression of the sellar floor, involvement of sphenoid sinus and cavernous sinus, breakthrough of diaphragma sellae, encasement of internal carotid artery, etc. Pathological examination revealed that the invasion rate of dura in sella turcica was the highest among the structures around tumor. Pituitary adenoma apoplexy was found in 20 cases (24.4%). The total removal rate for PRL-secreting adenomas was significantly lower than that for non-secreting adenomas (P<0.01), but non-, GH-, ACTH-secreting adenomas had no significant differences. The recurrence rate of PRL-secreting adenomas was higher than that of non- and GH-secreting adenomas (P<0.05). Conclusion: Among invasive pituitary adenomas, the therapeutic effects of non-and GH-secreting pituitary adenomas are better than that of PRL-secreting adenomas. Invasive biological behaviors of invasive pituitary adenomas result in radical operation failure and postoperative recurrence.

Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling for the treatment of Cushing's disease Data from 52 cases from one institute over an eight-year period

The present study analyzed data from 108 Cushing＇s disease patients, who underwent transsphenoidal surgery in one hospital between January 2003 and April 2010, to investigate the performance value of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling （BIPSS）. Of the 108 patients 52 underwent BIPSS prior to surgery and 56 did not. Results showed that BIPSS accuracy for the diagnosis of Cushing＇s disease was 86.5% （45/52）, and accuracy for adenoma lateralization during surgery was 76.9% （40/52）. In addition, early remission rate was significantly greater compared to patients without BIPSS. Results demonstrated that BIPSS facilitated localization and diagnosis of Cushing＇s disease and helped to predict adenoma lateralization.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Pituitary Adenoma Resection-A Case Series with Literature Review

Objective Complications after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma have been well documented in the literatures,but the occurrence of delved sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)after pituitary adenoma resection is extremely rare.In this study three cases who developed sudden SNHL 3 to 7 days after pituitary adenoma surgery without experiencing cerebrospinal fluid leak or meningitis were presented,and the possible causes of SNHL were discussed.Methods Three cases with sudden hearing loss after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma were reviewed.The past medical history,onset of sudden hearing loss,accompanying symptoms such as headache,tinnitus,dizziness and aural fullness,and the post-operative MRI images,therapy and hearing results were reported.Results Three cases developed profound sudden SNHL on the 3rd to 7th post-operative day,all accompanied by prior headache,tinnitus and dizziness.One patient developed episodic vertigo,ear fullness accompanying with fluctuating hearing loss in the first post-operative month.Two patients had past medical history of arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease or cerebral infarction.Two of three demonstrated obstructive hydrocephalus on MRI on the first post-operative day.Under treatment with prednisone orally,dexamethasone intratympanic mjection,neurotrophic and vasodilatation drugs for 3 to 8 months,hearing of all three improved partially.Obstructive hydrocephalus and ischemia might be responsible for the hearing loss.Conclusion Post-operative obstructive hydrocephalus and ischemia of labyrinthine arteries might lead to the delayed SNHL after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma.

Clinical features,radiological profiles,pathological features and surgical outcomes of pituicytomas:a report of 11 cases and a pooled analysis of individual patient data

Background:Pituicytoma is an extremely rare low-grade glial tumor that is closely related to the neurohypophysis axis.Most studies of pituicytomas include only several cases.To better understand this disease,we reviewed a series of cases of pituicytomas.The diagnosis and treatment of pituicytoma must be further elucidated.Methods:Eleven patients with pituicytoma admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital from 2012 to 2019 were selected.The clinical features,including radiological and histological examination,surgical records and prognosis were reviewed.Sixty-eight other previously published cases of pituicytoma also were used to analyze the predictive factors for the results.The Cox regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:Our patients included 5 males(45.5%)and 6 females(54.5%),with a mean age of 49.3 years.The tumor was located in the suprasellar region in 5 patients(45.5%),intrasellar region in 4 patients(36.4%),and intrasellarsuprasellar region in 2 patients(18.2%).All patients were misdiagnosed with other common tumors in the sellar region before the operation.During the operation,gross total resection(GTR)of the tumor was achieved in 6 patients(54.5%),and subtotal resection(STR)was achieved in 5 patients(45.5%).The mean progression-free survival(PFS)time was 29.82 months.Tumor progression after surgical resection occurred in 4 patients(36.4%).Among them,60.0%of the patients(cases 4,5,7)with STR experienced progression,while 16.7%of the patients(case 2)with GTR experienced progression.Combined with the 68 cases in the literature,GTR was an independent risk factor for PFS time(P<0.05).Conclusions:Pituicytomas are more common in middle-aged people and the sellar region.The clinical manifestations of pituicytomas are different,but no diagnostic clinical features have been identified other than an abnormally abundant blood supply.Currently,GTR is the best approach for the treatment of pituicytomas.More patients and longer follow-up periods were needed to further elucidate the biological features of pituicytomas.

Pituicytoma Associated with Serum Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Elevation

Background: Pituicytoma is a rare benign tumor of the neurohypophysis or hypophyseal stalk. Endocrinological abnormalities derived from this tumor are even rarer. Although three cases of pituicytoma with elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have been reported previously, the etiological mechanisms remain unknown. Case Description: We present a 47-year-old woman who was referred to a hospital complaining of headache. On investigation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a tumor was detected in the sellar region. Elevation of basal ACTH and serum cortisol was identified, suggesting an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. However, physical findings and results of other hormonal examination showed no evidence of Cushing disease. The tumor had been detected incidentally eight years earlier when MRI was performed, and showed considerable enlargement on this consultation. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery was performed in order to remove the tumor completely. The histopathological diagnosis was pituicytoma. The patient’s postoperative clinical course was excellent, and both ACTH and cortisol levels returned to normal following surgery. Conclusions: It appears that ACTH was being secreted from the tumor cells. We discuss the possible mechanism of ACTH elevation in cases of pituicytoma.

Safety of restarting continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy following endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery

Objectives:Patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)are at increased risk of perioperative and postoperative morbidity.The use of continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)in the perioperative period may be of potential benefit.However,among patients who have undergone endonasal skull base surgery,many surgeons avoid prompt re-initiation of CPAP therapy due to the theoretical increased risk of epistaxis,excessive dryness,pneumocephalus,repair migration,intracranial introduction of bacteria,and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leak.The objective of this article is to review the most up-to-date literature regarding when it is safe to resume CPAP usage in the patient undergoing endonasal skull base surgery.Data Sources and Methods:This review combines the most recent literature as queried through PubMed regarding the safety of CPAP resumption following endonasal skull base surgery.Results:Recent surveys of skull base surgeons demonstrate little consensus regarding the post-operative management of OSA.Recent cadaveric studies suggest that approximately 85%of delivered CPAP pressures are transmitted to the sphenoid sinus.Further,at frequently prescribed CPAP pressure settings,common sellar reconstruction techniques maintain their integrity while preventing very little transmission of pressure into the sella.In small retrospective case series,patients with OSA who received CPAP immediately following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery had similar rates of surgical complications as OSA patients who did not receive CPAP in the immediate post-operative period.Concerns of reinitiating CPAP too early,such as the development of pneumocephalus,rarely develop.Conclusions:There remains a paucity of objective data regarding when it is safe to resume CPAP following endonasal skull base surgery.Recent cadaveric studies and small retrospective case series suggest that it may be safe to resume CPAP earlier than is often practiced following endonasal skull base surgery.

Granulomatous hypophysitis: experience with eight surgical cases of a single center

Background:Although primary hypophysitis is not uncommon,a granulomatous etiology of hypophysitis is relatively rare.Radiological and diagnostic characteristics of several isolated cases have been described to date.However,to the best of our knowledge,surgical treatment of eight cases of granulomatous hypophysitis confirmed by histopathology has not yet been reported.Methods:A retrospective study was performed to review cases of granulomatous hypophysitis from November 2003 to November 2013 in our neurosurgical department.Only eight out of 1345 operations were diagnosed with granulomatous hypophysitis.Results:The cohort included two men and six women.The most common manifestations reported were headache,fatigue and polyuria.All six female patients presented with either menstrual disorders or amenorrhea.Seven of eight patients suffered polyuria.Two patients suffered bitemporal hemianopsia.One was accompanied with eosinophilic granuloma of the skull.Prolactin levels were increased in six patients,four of them were noted to have thyroid axis imbalances,one was noted to be deficient in the gonadotropin axis and two were deficient in the adrenal axis.The lesion demonstrated homogenous enhancement and an abnormally thickened pituitary stalk.A histological diagnosis of granulomatous hypophysitis was established in all eight patients,who were treated surgically.Characteristic granulomas formed by epithelioid histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells were observed.Conclusions:Pure glucocorticoid therapy is less effective than surgical intervention and has not been recommended for the treatment of granulomatous hypophysitis.Although replacement therapy can relieve associated symptoms,we conclude surgical intervention,particularly minimally invasive surgery via a transsphenoidal approach,to be mandatory in establishing a diagnosis and reducing the size of the inflammatory mass.Adjuvant corticosteroids therapy is recommended.