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    Neurosurgery. 2008 Jun;62(6):1262-9; discussion 1269-70.

    Gamma knife radiosurgery for acromegaly: outcomes after failed transsphenoidal surgery.

    Jagannathan J, Sheehan JP, Pouratian N, Laws ER Jr, Steiner L, Vance ML.

    Lars Leksell Gamma Knife Center, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

    OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with a growth hormone-secreting adenoma. METHODS: A retrospective review of data collected from a prospective database of GKRS patients between January 1988 and September 2006 was performed in patients with acromegaly. Successful endocrine outcome was defined as normalization of the insulin-like growth factor level. Tumor volume was also assessed. At least 18 months of follow-up was available in 95 patients who received radiosurgery during the study period. Mean endocrine follow-up was 57 months (range, 18-168 mo). RESULTS: Normal insulin-like growth factor levels were achieved in 50 patients (53%) at an average time of 29.8 months after radiosurgery (median, 23.5 mo). A decrease in tumor volume control was achieved in 83 (92%) of 90 patients. Five patients (6%) had no change in tumor volume, and two patients (2%) had an increase in tumor volume. New endocrine deficiencies developed in 32 patients (34%). Four patients developed new-onset partial visual acuity deficits; three of these patients had received previous conventional fractionated radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: GKRS is a complementary treatment for recurrent or residual growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas. Although infrequent, tumor growth, new-onset pituitary hormone deficiency, recurrence, and neurological dysfunction require careful clinical, radiological, and endocrinological follow-up.

    PMID: 18824992 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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