Endocrinology and Metabolism

Original Article

⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT in the Localization of Pituitary Tumors in Cushing’s Disease: Kyungwon Kim, Dongwoo Kim, Min-Ho Lee, Yae Won Park, Sung Soo Ahn, Ju Hyung Moon, Eui Hyun Kim, Sun Ho Kim, Cheol Ryong Ku, Eun Jig Lee; Received November 20, 2024 Accepted January 21, 2025 Published online March 18, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2249 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
This study aimed to determine the value of ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in localizing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 30 patients with Cushing’s disease and positive ACTH immunoreactivity. All patients underwent ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before transsphenoidal adenomectomy.
Results
Twenty-five patients showed ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC uptake in their pituitary glands on PET/CT. Median age, pre-operative ACTH levels, pre-operative cortisol, and tumor size on MRI were comparable irrespective of DOTATOC uptake. ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT showed a 77% success rate for localizing adenomas, which was not statistically different from that of MRI. The ACTH level in the successful localization group was significantly higher than that in the failed group (84.41 pg/mL vs. 37.26 pg/mL, P=0.001). The ACTH level was statistically significant predictor of successful localization using ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT (P=0.013). The area under the curve was 0.932 with a cutoff of 53.86 pg/mL for ACTH levels to determine successful localization. Pre-operative ACTH levels above 53.86 pg/mL showed the best diagnostic accuracy in predicting the success of localizing adenomas (sensitivity, 91.3%; specificity, 85.7%). Mean and maximum standardized uptake value of adenoma negatively correlated to pre-operative ACTH level.
Conclusion
Plasma ACTH level is a favorable predictor for the successful localization and negative correlation with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC uptake of corticotroph adenomas in ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT. ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT did not improve tumor localization for Cushing’s disease compared with MRI alone.

Review Article

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Elucidating Clinical Queries for Tailored Therapy in Patients with Prolactinoma: Min-Ho Lee, Jae Won Hong, Kyungwon Kim, Cheol Ryong Ku, Eun Jig Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):819-826. Published online October 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2057

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Prolactinomas are the most prevalent type of pituitary neuroendocrine adenomas, primarily affecting women of reproductive age. Unlike other pituitary tumors, the first-line management has traditionally been pharmacological rather than surgical. This preference is due to the effectiveness of dopamine agonists (DAs), which typically reduce tumor size and normalize prolactin levels in most patients. However, this does not imply that there is no room for improvement; the duration of treatment and medication side effects often lead to compliance issues among patients. Recent advances in surgical techniques and molecular biology have paved the way for the development of precision medicine, allowing for more flexible and personalized treatment strategies for prolactinomas. This review aims to enhance clinical decision-making and patient care for endocrinologists by focusing on several key factors: predictive markers of DA sensitivity, clinical characteristics and suitability for transsphenoidal adenomectomy as a potential first-line treatment, factors determining the successful withdrawal of DAs after prolonged use, safety concerns during pre/post-pregnancy and breastfeeding, and determinants of tumor aggressiveness. Through tailored therapy—a patient-focused, multidisciplinary approach— we aim to improve the management of prolactinoma patients.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

When to embark on surgery for prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma?
Nazmin Ahmed, Subodh Gautam, Bipin Chaurasia
Annals of Medicine & Surgery.2025; 87(4): 1798. CrossRef

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