FSH and LH secreting pituitary adenoma

Abstract

A case of FSH and LH secreting pituitary adenoma which was not preceded by hypogonadism is reported. The patient, a 50-year-old man, was admitted to the hospital because of left temporal hemianopsia. No clinical evidence of hypogonadism was demonstrated. Endocrine studies of hypogonadism was demonstrated. Endocrine studies revealed markedly elevated plasma FSH of 295 mIU/ml and slightly elevated LH of 35 mIU/ml (2nd IRP-HMG). Plasma FSH and LH did not respond to the administration of LRF, conjugated equine estrogens and testosterone. Plasma testosterone was 691 ng/dl and rose nromally after pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin. Sperm count was 46 X 10(6)/ml. Transfrontal hypophysectomy was followed by a marked decrease of both FSH (to 19mIU/ml) and LH (to 22 mIU/ml). Histologic examination of the tumor revealed 90% chromophobe cells and 10% slightly eosinophilic cells. Two sizes of secretory granules were demonstrated. Tumor cells in tissue culture secreted both FSH and LH.