Treatment of pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome with closed stereotactic radiosurgery by means of 60Co gamma radiation

Abstract

Four patients with pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome were treated with external irradiation to the pituitary using 60Co gamma irradiation given with a stereotactic technique. The size of the sella turcica was normal or slightly enlarged in all patients. The doses given varied between 7000 and 10 000 rad, and the observation time ranged between 14 and 20 months. Three of the patients showed complete clinical remission and one marked improvement. One patient developed ACTH insufficiency, while none developed insufficient secretion of other pituitary hormones. No complicants of the irradiation were observed.