Management of recurrent and refractory Cushing disease

Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Oct;4(10):560-8. doi: 10.1038/ncpendmet0947. Epub 2008 Aug 19.

Abstract

Cushing disease is most frequently caused by pituitary adenomas that secrete adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Transsphenoidal surgery is the treatment of choice in patients with these tumors because of reported remission rates of 69-93%. More challenging for neurosurgeons and endocrinologists, however, is management of the remaining patients whose Cushing disease is refractory to initial transsphenoidal surgery or recurs after initial remission. Here, we review the treatment options and latest surgical, medical, and radiosurgical advances for patients who have persistent or recurrent Cushing disease after transsphenoidal surgery.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / complications
  • ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / surgery
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Humans
  • Hypophysectomy / methods
  • Ketoconazole / therapeutic use
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / etiology
  • Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / pathology
  • Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / therapy*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiosurgery / methods
  • Recurrence
  • Sphenoid Bone / surgery
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Ketoconazole