PITUITARY ADENOMA CALCIFICATION

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 101  (1) , 22-27
Abstract
Calcifications were found in 9 of 137 pituitary adenomas (6.6%) examined with skull roentgenograms, light microscopy and EM. EM was most efficient because 7 cases showed positive findings. Skull X-ray films showed calcification in 4 and light microscopy in only 2 cases. Six adenomas showed signs of increased prolactin production (by direct determination or presence of galactorrhea). Two patients with calcifications on skull X-ray films and negative microscopic examinations did not show signs of hormone secretion. The ultrastructural examination showed that the process of calcification started in single necrotic cells undergoing fibrillary transformation. No large areas of necrosis were present as seen in other forms of dystrophic calcification. The deposits consisted of dense accumulation of radially oriented hydroxyapatite crystals. Local factors and the type of hormone secreted may play an important role in the calcification pattern of pituitary adenomas.

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