Frequency of Pituitary Adenoma among the Patients with Chronic Headache

Background: Antero-superior, Pituitary Gland lies in vicinity of optic chiasm and antero-inferiorly, it is related with posterior wall of sphenoid bone. Pituitary Gland is consisting of three lobes: Anterior, intermediate and posterior and their secretion are regulated by hypothalamus.

Aims and Objectives: To identify pituitary adenoma in the patients coming with complain of chronic headache.

Materials and Methods: Seven hundred sixty-four patients were included in our study. All the patients with chronic headache with/without decreased vision and visual field defects were included our study. Those patients already diagnosed with any other cause of headache such as uncontrolled blood pressure, tumor or diagnosed case of pituitary adenoma and patient with glaucoma were excluded. Detailed history was taken and ocular examination was done. MRI orbit and brain with contrast was done in all patients.

Results: Out of 764 patients, 32 patients were diagnosed as having pituitary adenoma. Macro-adenoma was present in 30 patients and micro-adenoma in 2 patients. On MRI majority of patients had optic chiasm compression with bi-temporal hemianopia.

Conclusion: All the patients with chronic headache with/without visual disturbances and visual field defect must be properly examined and investigated as that will help other researchers to diagnose the Pituitary Adenomas.