Endocrine Ramifications of Anatomical Lesions of the Pituitary Gland

What is it about?

Endocrine Ramifications of Anatomical Lesions of the Pituitary Gland

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Photo by Ta Z on Unsplash

Photo by Ta Z on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Context: The pituitary gland or hypophysis cerebri is a neuroglandular body regulating the secretory activity of a host of other endocrine glands and tissues of the body. It lodges in the hypophyseal fossa of the sella turcica in the body of the sphenoid bone of the skull and is easily identified radiologically. To comprehend the functional disturbances caused by pituitary gland it becomes imperative to correlate it anatomically. Aims: In this study we aim to highlight through case vignettes how an early recognition of anatomical lesions in the pituitary can influence the treatment plan in a patient presenting with a plethora of endocrine disturbances. Methods and Material: Interesting and illustrative cases were chosen from the endocrine clinic of a tertiary care centre. Both outpatient and inpatient cases were included for the study. Results: In this article through illustrative cases we demonstrate how anatomical lesions in the pituitary gland can affect other essential hormones and electrolytes namely sodium. The case vignettes will help the physician to interpret the not so common abnormalities of the thyroid function tests and also take early corrective measures to prevent mortality and morbidity in patients. Conclusions: The cases will impress upon the physician that all pituitary masses need not be operated and hence will prevent unnecessary surgical intervention. It will also help the anatomist to teach applied anatomy to students who will then relate to the endocrine emergencies and severe electrolyte abnormalities as a result of anatomical abnormalities in the pituitary gland.

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