• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권11호
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• pp.1278-1283
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• 2001

Objective : Transsphenoidal approach(TSA) has been used as useful operative method for pituitary tumor but is still controversal in case of cavernous sinus invasion or severe suprasellar extension. This study was performed to evaluate the surgical result, recurrence, effect of adjuvant treatment, especially in cases of suprasellar extension or cavernous sinus invasion. Material and Methods : We studied 56 cases of surgically treated pituitary adenoma that we were able to follow up, treated by TSA from 1993 to 1998. There were 24 cases of suprasellar extension and 11 cases of cavernous sinus invasion. The medical records and radiological findings were reviewed. Surgical results including hormonal function and recurrence rates were analyzed according to extent of tumor invasion. Mean follow-up period was 19.1 months. Results : Tumors with suprasellar extension were removed totally in 54%, whereas total tumor removal was possible only in 38% with cavernous sinus invasion. Overall of recurrence rate was 14% and recurrence rate was 25% in suprasellar extension and 9% in cavernous sinus invasion. In cases of both suprasellar extension and cavernous sinus invasion, tumors that were treated by TSA and radiation showed recurrence rate of 7%, whereas those treated by surgery alone showed 28% of recurrence. Conclusion : Transsphenoidal approach is safe and useful operative method for pituitary adenoma and adjuvant therapy including radiation therapy is effective means to decrease the recurrence in cases of suprasellar extension or cavernous sinus invasion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제39권5호
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• pp.329-334
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• 2006

Objective : In selected cases, the transsphenoidal approach[TSA] can be extended anteriorly to the tuberculum sellae, chiasmatic sulcus, and planum sphenoidale to obtain direct exposure of the suprasellar cisterns and its contents. We applied this modification of the TSA to various lesions of the presellar and suprasellar areas. We evaluate our clinical experience of this technique and review the related literature. Methods : From 1999 to 2004, we used the transsphenoidal supradiaphragmatic intradural approachs[TSIAs] in 9 patients who had various lesions at the pre- and suprasellar regions. Concomitant presellar extension of the bone window was performed with the sublabial or transnasal transseptal transphenoidal techniques. After removal of the lesions, sellar or anterior cranial floor was repaired with silicone plate substitute. Results : The TSIAs have been applied in the following cases : four tuberculum sellae meningiomas, two craniopharyngiomas, two Rathke's cleft cysts, and one non-functioning macroadenoma. The complications were one case of visual acuity decrease and one cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Conclusion : The TSIA is easily applicable through a minor modification of the standard TSA. It is suitable for removing lesions located in the presellar and suprasellar area adjacent to the pituitary stalk with minimal brain manipulation and decreased morbidity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권4호
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• pp.591-597
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• 2022

Objective : Pituitary adenomas frequently extend into the suprasellar space. After a suprasellar tumor is removed, the superiorly extended arachnoid becomes redundant and sinks down into the intrasellar space which often hiders visualization and accessibility to the hidden space behind the evaginated arachnoid. We introduced arachnoid remodeling by clipping technique, and evaluated its usefulness and safety during TSS. Methods : Total 223 patients who underwent arachnoid remodeling with our new clipping technique were included. Redundant arachnoid was clipped along the dural edge with multiple 2.6-mm titanium clips until the redundant arachnoid membrane no longer blocked the surgical route. To check for possible deterioration of hormonal function by this technique, we assessed anterior pituitary function of 166 patients who underwent arachnoid remodeling by clipping and compared this with those of other 429 control patients. Results : Our technique greatly enhanced the accessibility and visualization of intrasellar and parasellar spaces, both of which are generally hindered by redundant arachnoid during transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). We found no difference in anterior pituitary function between a clip-assisted arachnoid remodeling group and the control group, implying that this technique does not result in hypopituitarism. Conclusion : During TSS for pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension, arachnoid remodeling by clipping technique is very useful and convenient for the management of the redundant arachnoid membrane to enhance visualization and surgical accessibility.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.152-155
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• 2012

A Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) is a benign pituitary cyst derived from the remnant of Rathke's pouch, and usually presents as an intrasellar lesion with varying degrees of suprasellar extension. However, to date, a description of a primary prepontine RCC with no intrasellar component has not been reported. The author describes an exceptional case of a symptomatic RCC located behind the sella turcica in a 41-year-old woman who presented with severe headache. The author also provides an embryological hypothesis of the development of an ectopic RCC, with a special emphasis on radiologic characteristics.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권4호
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• pp.608-618
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• 2021

Objective : The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach is a widely-used method for the surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas. We aimed to evaluate the results of endoscopic surgery by comparing preoperative classification methods and investigating their relationship with postoperative resection and remission rates and complications. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 236 patients (118 males) who underwent surgery for pituitary adenomas. Preoperative Knosp classification, tumor size (TS), suprasellar extension (SSE), postoperative resection and remission rates, and complications were evaluated. Results : The follow-up period was 3 months to 6 years. The patients' ages ranged between 16 and 84 years. Endocrinologically, 114 patients (48.3%) had functional adenoma (FA), and 122 patients (51.7%) had non-functional adenoma (NFA). Among the FA group, 92 (80.7%) showed remission. A statistically significant difference was found between patients with and without remission in terms of the Knosp, TS, and SSE classifications (p<0.01). Knosp, TS, and SSE classification grades were found to be correlated with the resection rates (p<0.01). Meningitis was seen in seven patients (3.0%), diabetes insipidus in 16 (6.9%; permanently in two [0.9%]), and rhinorrhea in 19 (8.1%). Thirty-six patients (15.3%) developed pituitary insufficiency and received hormone replacement therapy. Conclusion : The resection categories and remission rates of FAs were directly proportional to the adenoma sizes and Knosp grades, while the degree of suprasellar growth further complicated resection and remission rates. Adenoma sizes less than 2 cm and SSEs less than 1 cm are associated with favorable remission and resection rates.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제53권7호
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• pp.759-765
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• 2010

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical manifestations of and risk factors for pituitary insufficiency in children and adolescents with Rathke's cleft cysts. Methods: Forty-four patients with Rathke's cleft cysts younger than 19 years who visited Seoul National University Children's Hospital between January 1995 and September 2009 were enrolled. Rathke's cleft cysts were confirmed histologically through an operation in 15 patients and by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 29 patients. The clinical, hormonal, and imaging features were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The clinical presentation of symptomatic patients was as follows: headache (65%), endocrinopathy (61%), and visual disturbance (19%). Endocrinopathy included central precocious puberty (18%), diabetes insipidus (14%), general weakness (11%), and decreased growth velocity (7%). After surgery, hyperprolactinemia resolved in all patients, but growth hormone insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and diabetes insipidus did not improve. Pituitary insufficiency except gonadotropin abnormality correlated significantly with severe headache, visual disturbance, general weakness, and cystic size. Suprasellar extension of cysts and high signals in the T2-weighted image on brain MRI were related to hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, and diabetes insipidus. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that only general weakness was a risk factor for pituitary insufficiency ($R^2$=0.549). Conclusion: General weakness is a risk factor for pituitary insufficiency in patients with Rathke's cleft cysts. When a patient with a Rathke's cleft cyst complains of general weakness, the clinician should evaluate pituitary function and consider surgical treatment.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.121-127
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• 2016

Purpose: To investigate treatment outcome and long term complication after surgery and radiotherapy (RT) for pituitary adenoma. Materials and Methods: From 1990 to 2009, 73 patients with surgery and RT for pituitary adenoma were analyzed in this study. Median age was 51 years (range, 25 to 71 years). Median tumor size was 3 cm (range, 1 to 5 cm) with suprasellar (n = 21), cavernous sinus extension (n = 14) or both (n = 5). Hormone secreting tumor was diagnosed in 29 patients; 16 patients with prolactin, 12 patients with growth hormone, and 1 patient with adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Impairment of visual acuity or visual field was presented in 33 patients at first diagnosis. Most patients (n = 64) received RT as postoperative adjuvant setting. Median RT dose was 45 Gy (range, 45 to 59.4 Gy). Results: Median follow-up duration was 8 years (range, 3 to 22 years). In secreting tumors, hormone normalization rate was 55% (16 of 29 patients). For 25 patients with evaluable visual field and visual acuity test, 21 patients (84%) showed improvement of visual disturbance after treatment. The 10-year tumor control rate for non-secreting and secreting adenoma was 100% and 58%, respectively (p < 0.001). Progression free survival rate at 10 years was 98%. Only 1 patient experienced endocrinological recurrence. Following surgery, 60% (n = 44) suffered from pituitary function deficit. Late complication associated with RT was only 1 patient, who developed cataract. Conclusion: Surgery and RT are very effective and safe in hormonal and tumor growth control for secreting and non-secreting pituitary adenoma.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권1호
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• pp.110-119
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• 2021

Objective : Preoperative prediction of the arachnoid membrane descent in pituitary surgery is useful for achieving gross total removal and avoiding cerebrospinal fluid leakage resulting from tearing of the arachnoid membrane in the chiasmatic cistern. In this study, we analyzed the patterns of arachnoid membrane descent during or after pituitary tumor surgery and identified the factors related to this descent. Methods : Analysis was restricted to pituitary macroadenomas not extending into the third ventricle or over the internal carotid artery. To minimize confounding factors, patients who underwent revision surgery, those who had a torn arachnoid during operation or small medial diaphragma sellae (DS) opening, and subtotal resections were excluded. We enrolled 41 consecutive patients in this retrospective analysis. The degree of arachnoid descent was categorized using intraoperative videos. Preoperative magnetic resonance findings, including tumor height, suprasellar extension, and variables including DS area and medial opening size, tumor composition, and displacement of the pituitary stalk and gland were evaluated to determine their correlations with arachnoid membrane descent. Results : Arachnoid membrane descent was significantly correlated with DS area and medial opening size. Based on T2-weighted images (T2WI) magnetic resonance (MR) images, tumor composition was significantly associated with arachnoid membrane descent. Other factors were not significantly correlated with arachnoid membrane descent. Conclusion : T2WI of tumor composition and preoperative MR imaging of DS area and medial opening provided valuable information regarding arachnoid membrane descent. These parameters may serve as fundamental measures to facilitate complete resection of pituitary macroadenomas.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.177-184
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• 1991

1984년 12월 부터 1990년 2월까지 인제대학교 의과대학 부산 백병원 치료방사선과에서 송과선 및 뇌하수체상부에 위치한 종양으로 진단받은 16명의 환자에 대하여 외부 방사선 조사를 시행하였다. 조직학적 진단은 5명에서 가능했고 나머지 11명의 환자는 조직학적 진단없이 치료를 시작하였다. 방사선조사는 전뇌-척수부위(6명), 전뇌부위(9명), 종양부위(1명)로 시행하였다. 생명표에 의거한 환자의 생존율은 $71\%$였다. 조직학적 진단이 가능했던 3명, 종양 marker정상소견을 보인 7명 그리고 beta-HCG 증가를 보인 환자들은 방사선치료에 좋은 반응을 보였으나, AFP의 증가를 보인 환자에서는 방사선치료에 대한 반응이 좋지 않았다. 척수전이는 AFP증가를 보인 2예에서 관찰되었다. : 1명은 예방적 척추조사를 받았으나, 다른 한명은 받지 않았다. 이상의 고찰을 통하여 AFP의 증가를 보이는 환자에서는 방사선치료 외에 보다 적극적인 치료가 간구되어야 하며, 이런 환자에서는 조직학적 진단 없이 방사선 치료를 시작할 수 있다. 그리고 예방적 목적으로 척수조사를 하는 것은 뇌척수액 세포검사의 양성, 뇌 척수막으로의 전이, 뇌실 침범, 조직학적으로 입증된 생식세포종일 경우에는 고려할 수 있다.