Pathology: Reduction in some or all ofthe pituitary hormones.
Aetiology: Congenital
Malignancy: Non-functioningadenoma
Vascular: Haemorrhageor infarction
Infection: TB andSyphilis
Inflammation
Post-irradiation
Traumatic braininjury
Symptoms: See specific hormonedeficiencies e.g. hypothyroidism, hypogonadism
Signs: See specifichormone deficiencies e.g. hypothyroidism, hypogonadism
Investigations: Bloods:Pituitary profile.
Imaging: MRI pituitary
Special Tests: Humphrey’s fieldtest, short synacthen test, insulin tolerance test
Treatment: Medical: Replacement of secondary hormones (e.g. thyroid, adrenalor gonadal).
Growth hormonereplacement until full growth potential
Surgical: Trans-sphenoidalsurgery
Complications: Poor quality of life, sub-fertility,increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, osteoporosis
Prognosis: Normal life expectancyfollowing adequate treatment
