Introduction: Functioning gonadotroph adenomas, also known as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (FSH-omas), are rare pituitary tumors characterized by the secretion of biologically active FSH. Unlike the more common clinically nonfunctioning gonadotroph adenomas, these tumors produce endocrine manifestations due to excessive FSH secretion. Clinical presentation may result from local mass effects such as headache, visual disturbances due to optic chiasmal compression, or from hormonal activity affecting reproductive function. The endocrine manifestations vary between males and females and can lead to diagnostic challenges. Cases: We report two patients with functioning gonadotroph adenomas presenting with distinct clinical manifestations. The first case involved a 23-year-old female who presented with secondary amenorrhea for 4 years, accompanied by personality changes. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated bilaterally enlarged multicystic ovaries suggestive of ovarian hyperstimulation, which subsequently regressed postoperatively. Biochemical evaluation revealed inappropriately elevated FSH levels (3.5-fold increase), with suppressed luteinizing hormone (LH) and markedly elevated estradiol levels (11-fold increase). Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a large sellar–suprasellar mass with mass effect, consistent with a pituitary macroadenoma. The second case involved a 68-year-old male who presented with progressively worsening vision over 2 years. Hormonal evaluation demonstrated elevated FSH levels (4.5-fold increase), with relatively normal LH and low testosterone levels. Pituitary MRI revealed a sellar mass consistent with a pituitary adenoma. Both patients subsequently underwent pterional craniotomy with tumor debulking. Histopathological examination confirmed gonadotroph adenomas, with positive immunohistochemical staining for FSH. Conclusion Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are rare and may present with diverse clinical features related to gonadal hyperstimulation or mass effects. Early recognition of the characteristic hormonal profile and radiological findings is crucial for diagnosis and appropriate management. These cases highlight the importance of considering functioning gonadotroph adenoma in patients presenting with unexplained gonadal hyperstimulation or atypical reproductive hormonal profiles.
Gonadotrophs ; Adenoma

Introduction: Normotensive pheochromocytomas in Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome present unique perioperative challenges. Standard alpha-blockade may induce intolerable orthostatic hypotension, making calcium channel blockers (CCB) a practical alternative. Furthermore, the primary intraoperative danger in these specific phenotypes may not be a hypertensive crisis, but profound vasoplegia. We report a VHL patient undergoing synchronous robotic surgery exhibiting this paradoxical hemodynamic response. Case: A 37-year-old female with VHL syndrome presented with an incidental 3.5-cm left adrenal mass and bilateral renal masses. Biochemistry confirmed a normotensive, noradrenergic pheochromocytoma (24-hour urine normetanephrines 4.2x upper limit of normal). Renal biopsy revealed a clear cell papillary renal cell tumor. Due to prior severe intolerance to Prazosin (hypotension/dizziness with low-dose Prazosin 0.5 mg ON), we utilized amlodipine for preoperative optimization. She was only able to tolerate low-dose 2.5 mg OD alongside oral sodium chloride and ample oral fluid loading. She underwent a synchronous robotic-assisted left adrenalectomy and left midpole renal tumor excision. Strikingly, tumor manipulation did not precipitate a hypertensive crisis. Instead, she developed hypotension requiring an intravenous noradrenaline infusion prior to adrenal vein ligation and tumor removal. Vasopressor support was successfully weaned 12 hours postoperatively, and she was discharged well. Conclusion Normotensive, noradrenergic pheochromocytomas in VHL are hemodynamically fragile. Chronic catecholamine excess induces homologous desensitization and downregulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. This physiological adaptation explains the normotensive presentation and highlights the intraoperative vasoplegia experienced once sympathetic tone is altered by anesthesia. While CCB monotherapy with volume expansion safely facilitates prolonged, synchronous robotic surgeries, clinicians must anticipate and combat refractory hypotension rather than classical hypertensive spikes.

Introduction: Pituitary apoplexy is a rare but potentially life-threatening endocrine emergency caused by hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland. Its presentation often mimics other acute neurological conditions, posing diagnostic and management challenges. We report a case series of three patients presenting with similar neuro-ophthalmic complaints but differing in symptom onset and radiological features. Cases: The first case was a 25-year-old obese female who presented with acute headache, fever, and right eye ptosis with complete ophthalmoplegia for 2 days. Imaging demonstrated a heterogeneous pituitary macroadenoma with superimposed hemorrhage. Cortisol, prolactin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were low. She received hydrocortisone replacement and underwent left pterional craniotomy with tumor debulking, resulting in marked visual improvement. The second case involved a 59-year-old male who presented with headache and bilateral blurred vision for 1 week, followed by acute right-sided ptosis. Imaging showed a heterogeneous sellar-suprasellar mass compressing the optic chiasm. He had central hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, and hyponatremia. Surgical intervention was declined, and outpatient follow-up showed stable neuro-ophthalmic findings. The third case was a 30-year-old female who presented with a 2-week history of headache and right-sided blurred vision with temporal hemianopia. Imaging revealed a sellar-suprasellar mass with fluid-fluid levels compressing the optic chiasm. She had central hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism. Hydrocortisone replacement was initiated, followed by transsphenoidal surgery with tumor debulking. Her vision improved after the surgery. Conclusion Pituitary apoplexy may present with similar clinical features despite differing onset and radiological characteristics. Early corticosteroid therapy is essential, while surgical intervention should be reserved for patients with severe or progressive neuro-ophthalmic deficits. This case series highlights the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary management to achieve favorable outcomes.
Pituitary Apoplexy

Introduction: Graves’ disease is typically managed with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) and beta-blockers like propranolol. While allergic reactions to ATDs are common, beta-blockers are rarely identified as allergens. Case: A 42-year-old female with Graves’ disease was started on carbimazole 5 mg daily and propranolol 40 mg daily. She developed mild itchiness, which was tolerable. One month later, liver enzyme derangement led to the discontinuation of carbimazole. Propylthiouracil (PTU) 300 mg daily was initiated while continuing propranolol, but caused generalized urticaria, necessitating its cessation. Prednisolone was started, but her thyroid function worsened. Alternative therapies were proposed but declined by the patient. Upon resolution of urticaria, PTU was reintroduced at 50 mg daily without adverse effects, and propranolol was discontinued. Her cutaneous symptoms did not recur, implicating propranolol as the allergen. Conclusion In hyperthyroidism, increased hepatic clearance reduces plasma propranolol levels, minimizing the risk of adverse effects. However, as thyroid function normalizes, propranolol clearance slows, leading to drug accumulation and increased susceptibility to side effects. Clinicians should consider all medications as potential allergens and understand how thyroid states affect drug metabolism to optimize treatment.
Graves Disease ; Allergens

Metastasis to the pituitary gland is an unusual situation in clinical practice and is typically observed in those with underlying malignancy with breast and lung being the commonest primary site. However, we report a case of an apparently well 49-year-old female with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma who presented with visual disturbance and diabetes insipidus related to pituitary metastasis as an initial presentation.
Diabetes Insipidus ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung