Association between radiological parameters and clinical and molecular characteristics in human somatotropinomas

Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 18;8(1):6173. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-24260-y.

Abstract

Acromegaly is a rare but severe disease, originated in 95% of cases by a growth hormone-secreting adenoma (somatotropinoma) in the pituitary. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique used for the diagnosis and prognosis of pituitary tumours. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of T2-weighted signal intensity at MRI could help to improve the characterisation of somatotropinomas, by analysing its relationship with clinical/molecular features. An observational study was implemented in a cohort of 22 patients (mean age = 42.1 ± 17.2 years; 59% women; 95% size>10 mm). Suprasellar-extended somatotropinomas presented larger diameters vs. non-extended tumours. T2-imaging revealed that 59% of tumours were hyperintense and 41% isointense adenomas, wherein hyperintense were more invasive (according to Knosp-score) than isointense adenomas. A higher proportion of hyperintense somatotropinomas presented extrasellar-growth, suprasellar-growth and invasion of the cavernous sinus compared to isointense adenomas. Interestingly, somatostatin receptor-3 and dopamine receptor-5 (DRD5) expression levels were associated with extrasellar and/or suprasellar extension. Additionally, DRD5 was also higher in hyperintense adenomas and its expression was directly correlated with Knosp-score and with tumour diameter. Hence, T2-weighted MRI on somatotropinomas represents a potential tool to refine their diagnosis and prognosis, and could support the election of preoperative treatment, when required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly / diagnosis
  • Acromegaly / etiology
  • Acromegaly / therapy
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / blood
  • Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / etiology*
  • Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Radiotherapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers