Clinical Effects of Pituitary Tumours in Acromegaly (3)
Hypopituitarism also occurs and this most frequently affects gonadotrophin production. Later in the development of the disease, hypothyroidism and adrenocortical insufficiency may occur due to decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) reserves.
Hypopituitarism may be due to pressure on the stalk by the tumour but is more often due to pressure of the tumour on normal pituitary tissue in the fossa. Diabetes insipidus, resulting from upward extension of the tumour into the hypothalamus is exceedingly rare.
