Correlation of Duration of Symptoms with Pituitary Adenoma Volume

Abstract

Background: Patients with pituitary adenoma usually come to attention either with visual disturbances or symptoms secondary to the secretory nature of the tumor. Thus, the symptomatology related to pituitary lesions could be secondary to mass effect or functional secondary to the hypo or hypersecretion of hormonal substances. Objective: The study was conducted to identify the relationship between lesion volume and the duration of symptoms. Methods: The study included 70 patients whose data were collected in a retrospective manner. Data was collected via outpatient and in-patient admission record systems, of the patients with pituitary adenoma presenting to the neurosurgical unit of Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, between 2012-20. The volume of the pituitary adenoma was calculated based on the formula of volume ½ (length x breadth height). All adenomas were divided into three categories, based on volume. Results: A total of 70 patients of either gender the age of 17 to 74 were included. Among 70 patients, 2(2.9%) of patients were found with volume <0.52cm3, 42(60%) with 0.52-8.16 cm3 and 26(37.1%) with >8.16 cm3. No significant association was found between the symptom duration and volume of the adenoma. Conclusion: The relationship of volume with the duration of symptoms in pituitary patients was found insignificant. This could be attributed to multiple factors. Even trivial symptoms like headaches and visual problems should be sought after by a trained professional.