Visual field and visual acuity and secretory and non secretory pituitary adenomas associations

Abstract

Abstract: Pituitary adenoma (PA) is common benign monoclonal neoplasm. PA can be subdivided into nonsecretory and secretory tumors of the pituitary gland. Pituitary adenomas can affect visual functions due to compression to the optic chiasm. For detailed visual examination for the patients with PA various visual functions are tested the main are visual acuity and visual field.

Purpose: to assess the association between the visual field and visual acuity in patients with secreting and non secreting PA. Methods. There were 41 patients with PA and 100 healthy age-matched controls tested with Snellen rings chart for visual acuity, and Goldmann perimtery for visual field.

Results: In the control group the visual acuity was better (1.0) when in PA producing hormones 0.87 (SD 0.23) and in PA not producing hormones 0.55 (SD 0.37) (p<0.05) patients’ group. In the PA that produce hormones visual field (VF) was affected for 76% and VF was intact in 24% of patients. In the 92% of patients with PA not producing hormones VF was affected, and was intact in 8% of patients.

Conclusion: Visual field and visual acuity testing may be informative and helpful in patients with functioning and non-functioning PA, visual functions are affected more common in patients with not producing PA.