Pituitary disease

Abstract

Background: Pituitary disease is relatively uncommon, but because failure to recognise and manage it correctly has such severe repercussions, it has an importance out of proportion to its prevalence.

Objective: Pituitary disease may result in findings due to hormone excess or hormone deficiency. This article revisits the main clinical findings, investigations and treatment options for pituitary disease.

Discussion: The clinical presentation of pituitary disease varies from asymptomatic to severe features of endocrine disturbance. Establishing the diagnosis is not easy and requires a strong clinical suspicion supported by radiology and specific biochemical tests. Treatment is directed toward both the underlying pathology and the endocrine disturbances present.