Growth hormone-releasing pituitary microadenoma overshaded by a macroadenoma: a case of double pituitary adenomas and review of the literature

Abstract

Objectives Double pituitary adenoma is a rare entity that can pose a significant challenge. The incidence of double or multiple pituitary adenomas is ∼1% in autopsy cases and 0.4–1.3% in surgical series. Its definition varies, including ‘double adenomas’ in the literature in contrast to ‘multiple adenomas’, which is more specific and suitable. While some authors require separating topographically unique tumours, others have used a looser definition of separate immunohistochemistry. Case presentation We presented the case of a 26-year-old patient with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, with double pituitary adenomas secreting growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). To date, 89 patients have been reported in the literature with symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome, but only five had GH-TSH secretion. Conclusions Double adenoma resection is of great importance for ensuring successful biochemical treatment. To ensure a successful operation, a careful preoperative 3T MRI examination is of great importance.