Pituitary Diseases and Bone

Endocr Rev. 2018 Aug 1;39(4):440-488. doi: 10.1210/er.2018-00005.

Abstract

Neuroendocrinology of bone is a new area of research based on the evidence that pituitary hormones may directly modulate bone remodeling and metabolism. Skeletal fragility associated with high risk of fractures is a common complication of several pituitary diseases such as hypopituitarism, Cushing disease, acromegaly, and hyperprolactinemia. As in other forms of secondary osteoporosis, pituitary diseases generally affect bone quality more than bone quantity, and fractures may occur even in the presence of normal or low-normal bone mineral density as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, making difficult the prediction of fractures in these clinical settings. Treatment of pituitary hormone excess and deficiency generally improves skeletal health, although some patients remain at high risk of fractures, and treatment with bone-active drugs may become mandatory. The aim of this review is to discuss the physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical insights of bone involvement in pituitary diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnosis
  • Fractures, Bone* / drug therapy
  • Fractures, Bone* / etiology
  • Fractures, Bone* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis* / diagnosis
  • Osteoporosis* / drug therapy
  • Osteoporosis* / etiology
  • Osteoporosis* / metabolism
  • Pituitary Diseases* / complications
  • Pituitary Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Pituitary Diseases* / metabolism