Resumen

BRICENO, Yajaira; CHIRINOS, Jorge; PAOLI, Mariela  y  ZERPA, Yajaira. Panhipopituitarismo secundario a macroadenoma hipofisario no funcionante en la adolescencia. Rev. Venez. Endocrinol. Metab. [online]. 2009, vol.7, n.1, pp.35-40. ISSN 1690-3110.

Objective: To present the uncommon case of a teenager with a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma that resulted in a hypopituitarism. A literature review is done. Case Report: Female adolescent of 16 years 2 months of age who presents little progress in stature and absence of secondary sexual characters; concomitantly refers occasional headaches. Physical examination: height and weight below the 3 pc, growth velocity 2.8 cm/year, cubitus valgus, ojival palate, short fourth metacarpal, no thyroid enlargement. Genitals, breasts, axillary and pubic hair, Tanner I. The diagnosis of pathological short stature and delayed puberty is done and paraclinical examinations are indicated. Laboratory results show a deficit of growth hormone (GH) and a hypocortisolism with preserved thyroid function. Bone age of 11 years for a chronological age of 15 years. Karyotype 46, XX. Rx of the skull shows a wide and excavated sella turcica. Pelvic Us: central uterus, in anteversion, 20 mm in length and the endometrium and ovaries were no visible. NMR shows the floor of the sellar region warped, carved, with a image compatible with tumour of defined contours, with low-intermediate and dishomogenea signal on T1, with hypertensive and heterogeneou enhancement after administration of contrast medium, approximately 2.9 x 1.36 cm. in diameter, with involvement of the supraselares elements exerting compressive effect on the infundibulum, which deforms the optic chiasm. The diagnosis of panhypopituitarism secondary to pituitary non functioning macroadenoma is done, with GH deficiency, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency (ACTH deficiency). Treatment with oral hydrocortisone is indicated. The patient is referred for resolution by transsphenoidal surgery. The histological report of the tumor and the evolution of the patient are unknown. Conclusions: Pituitary adenomas account for less than 2-3% of all intracranial tumours, and their clinical manifestations depend on the sum of a mass effect, which causes neurological disorders, and the disruption of hormonal secretion, either up or down. It is important to make an early diagnosis, an effective treatment and long-term monitoring.

Palabras clave : Pituitary tumours; pituitary macroadenoma; panhypopituitarism.