A cross - sectional study of the visual profile of pituitary macroadenomas in a tertiary health care

Authors : Lily Daniel, Vaishnavi R, Bhagya Lakshmi M.V, Ganesh K

DOI : 10.18231/2581-5016.2018.0023

Volume : 4

Issue : 2

Year : 0

Page No : 89-92

Pituitary Macroadenoma, primarily a benign neurological condition initially may present to the Ophthalmologist with loss of vision. This cross sectional study in a Tertiary Health Care involved the analysis of the visual profile of 41 radiologically proven cases of pituitary macroadenomas. Simple visual function tests such as visual acuity, colour vision and visual field analysis by confrontation at the time of presentation followed by automated perimetry can raise a suspicion of pituitary tumours. Early detection favours a better visual prognosis. When patients present with relative afferent pupillary defect, optic disc pallor and extensive field loss, the visual prognosis is grave. It is important to diagnose pituitary adenomas in the early stages when a high index of suspicion can elicit a field defect. The classical field defect that has been described in pituitary tumours causing chiasmal compression is bitemporal hemianopia. The visual prognosis is best when the tumours are diagnosed even when they start producing a superior quadrantonopia before progressing to the classical bitemporal hemianopia.

Keywords: Bitemporal hemianopia, Pituitary macroadenomas, Superior bitemporal quadrantonopia, Visual signs, Visual prognosis.


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