Anästhesie (Fach) / Krankheitsbilder (Lektion)

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The pituitary gland is an important part of the neuro-endocrine axis. It is found in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull. Superiorly it is related to the hypothalamus, third ventricle and visual pathways and laterally to cranial nerves III, IV, V and VI, the cavernous sinuses and internal carotid arteries.

Pituitary tumours account for approximately 10-15% of all intracranial tumours. Most are benign adenomas. Symptoms can be related to the over-secretion of pituitary hormones (most commonly prolactin, growth hormone or ACTH), the under-secretion of hormones, or due to localised or generalised pressure effects.

Local pressure can cause compression of the optic chiasm and visual field defects, most commonly a bitemporal hemianopia. This is due to compression of the nasal retinal fibres that convey the visual impulses from the temporal vision as they cross to the contralateral sides at the optic chiasm before continuing to the optic tracts.

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