Pituitary Gland

Question 1

Microadenoma is less than …….

Answer 1

1 cm

Question 2

Describe microscopic features of pituitary adenoma

Answer 2

-uniform polygonal cells arranged in sheets, papillary or trabecular patterns with scant stroma
-cytoplasm may be acidophilic, basophilic, chromophobic, nuclei may be uniform or pleomorphic
-supporting CT reticulin is sparse thus it is soft & gelatinous

Question 3

Clinical picture of pituitary adenoma

Answer 3

1. Mass effect with visual disturbance
2. Hypopituitarism due to destruction of ant pituitary by non-functioning adenoma
3. Symptoms & signs related to hormone prouction

Question 4

Mention manifestation of ACTH overproduction

Answer 4

Cushing’s disease
Hyperpigmentation (MSH)

Question 5

List causes of ant pituitary hypofunction

Answer 5

1. Non-functioning pituitary adenoma
2. Ischemic necrosis of ant pituitary (Sheehan syndrome, postpartum necrosis)
3. Ablation of pituitary by surgery or radiation
4. Inflammatory lesion as sarcoidosis, trauma & metastasis