Pituitary corticotroph macrotumors. Diagnosis and treatment
Ihle, Sherri L.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice
Journal Article
1997
27
2
287
297
Companion Animals
Pituitary corticotroph macrotumors occur in 10% to 50% of dogs with PDH. Clinical signs may be only those of hypercortisolism or may include neurologic signs such as stupor, inappetance, circling, or pacing. Currently, CT and MRI are the only tests that can confirm the presence of a pituitary macrotumor in these patients. Results of endocrine testing are not significantly different from those of dogs with a microtumor. When a macroscopic pituitary tumor is identified in a dog with neurologic Show morePituitary corticotroph macrotumors occur in 10% to 50% of dogs with PDH. Clinical signs may be only those of hypercortisolism or may include neurologic signs such as stupor, inappetance, circling, or pacing. Currently, CT and MRI are the only tests that can confirm the presence of a pituitary macrotumor in these patients. Results of endocrine testing are not significantly different from those of dogs with a microtumor. When a macroscopic pituitary tumor is identified in a dog with neurologic signs, or if a larger tumor is found in a dog even in the absence of neurologic signs, radiation therapy is currently the treatment of choice. Unfortunately, success rates with treatment are variable. A better response may be seen if the tumor is smaller and neurologic signs are minimal or absent at the time of treatment. Show less
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