Proliferaton index in pituitary adenomas from a black African population

Publication date: Available online 31 December 2016
Source:Alexandria Journal of Medicine
Author(s): Ayodeji Salami, Mustapha Ajani, Augustine Adeolu, Olufunmi Ogun, Amos Adeleye, Olabiyi Ogun, Clement Okolo, Adefolarin Malomo, Effiong Akang
BackgroundThe WHO has recognized a variant of pituitary adenomas with potential aggressive behaviour which have been termed atypical pituitary adenomas. This group of tumours are recognized by their mitotic rate of more than >3%, p53 expression and invasion of surrounding structures. There has however been no study of the occurrence of these tumours in a black African population. This study is a preliminary attempt to examine this group of tumours in blacks.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed fifty-seven histologically diagnosed and immunohistochemically characterized pituitary adenomas received in our department over a twenty-one year period. Specimens were stained with ki67, a nuclear marker of cell proliferation which has been identified as the single best predictor of atypical pituitary adenoma.ResultsTwelve of the tumours showed atypical features with eight (67%) of these tumours being prolactinomas. Two of the tumours were gonadotrophs and two were null cell adenomas. There was no correlation with age or gender. Two of the tumours required neurosurgical re-exploration with one of these showing a higher mitotic index in the second biopsy.ConclusionThe study suggests similarity in the rate of occurrence of pituitary adenomas with atypical features in a black African population with what is seen in Caucasians. Prolactinomas constitute a significant percentage of the tumours with this feature.



http://ift.tt/2inQKqj