Facial Plethora (Causes and Mechanisms)
Facial plethora is a condition characterized by facial erythema. It is often caused by an increase in blood flow to the area. Facial plethora can be a side…
Category: endocrine reviews pituitary
Triphasic Response of Diabetes Insipidus
Complete transection of the pituitary stalk, as might occur in traumatic brain injury or transsphenoidal surgery, results in the classic “triphasic response” of central diabetes insipidus. The triphasic…
Acromegaly testing
The role of IGF-1 and growth hormone assay in the evaluation of acromegaly. Various conditions may lead to spurious lowering of growth hormone and IGF-1, even in patients…
Pituitary stalk thickening
Causes of pituitary stalk thickening include infiltrative conditions and tumors. A simple mnemonic for recalling the etiology is STALLC. Causes of a thickened pituitary stalk The pituitary stalk…
The Difference between MEN1 and MEN2
Multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 and 2 (MEN1 and MEN2) are rare disorders of the endocrine system. A comparison of these syndromes and approach to management. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia…
Aldosterone Escape Mechanism
Aldosterone escape has been applied to two pathophysiologic states encountered in practice. The first is the classic “aldosterone escape” of primary hyperaldosteronism. Another form of aldosterone escape has…
Prolactinoma MRI
Prolactinomas represent the monoclonal proliferation of lactotroph cells resulting in the formation of an adenoma. Although inheritable courses of pituitary adenomas exist, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type…
Anatomy of the Pituitary
The pituitary gland (also known as hypophysis) is a pea sized gland that is composed of two significant portions, the anterior and posterior lobes. The adenohypophysis (anterior lobe)…
Pituitary Apoplexy
Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon endocrine emergency characterized by severe headaches (“worst headache of my life), vision changes, and vomiting. This constellation of symptoms is often referred to…