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Abstract

Gerontology & Geriatrics Studies

Hypopituitarism Associated with a Microadenoma in an Elderly Patient

  • Open or Close Pınar Tosun Tasar1*, Aykut Turhan2, Dogan Nasır Binici2, Sevnaz Sahin3 and Ozge Timur4

    1Geriatrics Clinic, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum

    2Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine,Erzurum

    3Department of Internal Medicine ,Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir

    4Ozge Timur,Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum

    *Corresponding author: Pınar Tosun Tasar, Geriatrics Clinic, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, ErzurumTel

Submission: October 23, 2017; Published: December 06, 2017

DOI: 10.31031/GGS.2017.01.000513

ISSN: 2578-0093
Volume1 Issue3

Abstract

Hypopituitarism is a rare condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce one or more of its hormones or does not produce them in sufficient quantities. Pituitary insufficiency in the elderly can present a genuine diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinicians caring for these patients. Symptoms associated with partial or total hypopituitarism, such as fatigue, low muscle strength, and decreased libido, are not specific and can usually be attributed to the normal aging process. Destruction of pituitary cells accounts for more than 95% of cases of hypopituitarism. Pituitary micro adenomas are rare cause of hypopituitarism among elderly patients. Clinical diagnosis is easier with adenomas larger than 1cm in size because they exert pressure on the pituitary and cause symptoms. However, adenomas smaller than 1cm in size (microadenomas) usually do not cause symptoms and are therefore a very uncommon cause of hypopituitarism. In this case report, we present the rarely reported condition of hypopituitarism associated with microadenoma in an elderly patient.

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