7239 Natural history of cystic pituitary lesions
Authors: Graner Brian , Erickson Dana Z , Donegan Diane 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Disclosure: B. Graner: None. D.Z. Erickson: None. D. Donegan: None.
Introduction: Pituitary lesions are a common incidental finding on brain MRI, the majority of which are cystic. The natural history and management of cystic pituitary lesions have not been clearly established. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the natural history of incidentally identified cystic pituitary lesions, risk factors for growth and the proportion of patients who develop clinically significant symptoms requiring surgical intervention. Methods: Pituitary MRI reports between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2022 in patients aged 18 years and older were searched for using Dig Our Radiology Information System (DORIS) using the words “cyst” or “cystic.” Additional inclusion criteria included a follow-up pituitary MRI of at least one year duration, clinical evaluation by Endocrinology, and the presence of a cystic pituitary lesion. Patients with non-contrast exams, excessive pituitary hormone secretion, and surgery within 1 year of presentation were excluded. Patient demographics, imaging characteristics of the lesion and clinical outcomes were collected. All pituitary MRI exams were reviewed by a single neuroradiologist. Results: A total of 157 MRIs in 56 patients with a mean age of 48 ±15 years were included, 39 (70%) were female. The mean follow-up was 2.3 ± 1.4 years. The most common indication for MRI was headache (n= 18, 32%). There was no significant difference in mean maximum (max) diameter at last follow-up compared to baseline (7.45 ±4.23 vs 7.04 ±4.35 mm, p=0.06) or mean cyst volume (197.08 ±252.68 vs 201.43 ±326.18 mm3). Nine (16%) of the lesions increased in volume with a mean change in volume of 105 ±133.64 mm3/yr, note 11 (20%) decreased volume and 36 (64%) remained the same size. Using univariate logistic regression, the odds of cyst growth was greater the larger the max diameter (p= 0.03) or volume was at baseline (p= 0.02)/ Female sex (p=0.32), age at diagnosis (p=0.70) or whether the lesion was thought to be a Rathke cleft cyst or a cystic adenoma (p=0.80) were not associated with increased odds of growth. The risk of growth was higher (42 vs 9%, p=0.016) and the volume change per year was greater (67.2 ±134 vs -7 ±28 mm3, p=0.04) in those with a baseline max diameter of &gt;10 mm. Surgery was performed in 4 patients (7%), 3 of which demonstrated lesion growth (baseline size 12-15 mm and growth rates of 59-341mm3/yr). Pathology revealed one Rathke cleft cyst, one cystic adenoma and fibrotic pituitary changes. The fourth surgical patient opted for resection at an outside facility without a demonstrated increase in size (Rathke cleft cyst). Conclusion: The majority of incidentally found cystic pituitary lesions do not increase after an average follow-up 2-3 years. Growth necessitating surgical intervention was only required in 5% of patients over the study period. A pituitary cyst &gt;10 mm at diagnosis was associated with an increased risk of growth and therefore warrants closer follow-up.
Presentation: 6/1/2024