One Droopy Eye, Pituitary Gland? (photo)

Question

Hi! In 2011, a cerebral MRI revealed a 2,5 mm cyst on my pituitary gland. Last week, I went to a pituitary MRI. I'm waiting for the results. My concern is, since 2011, I've noticed from time to time that my left eye was droopier, and it felt like the left eye was "tired" and hurt a little. In 2011, I had blurry vision on the extreme left and right sides (I could see everything clearly, it was just blurry on the corners), but now it's back to normal. Do you have any idea of what it could be?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Microadenomas are pituitary adenomas are less than 10 mm in size.  At 2.5 mm yours is small.  They are typically diagnosed due to an incidental imaging study of the brain, or it they secrete hormones that affect the body in some way.  These smaller lesions are not typically associated with any visual symptoms.  The macroadenomas on the other hand can impair vision because they grow to a size where they impinge on the optic nerves.  It sounds like you are being followed very closely.  In your photo, you do have mild left upper eyelid ptosis.  It is unlikely that this is related to the pituitary tumor.  However, these is a reasonable questions.  The best specialist to see for this will be a neuro-ophthalmologist.  Your endocrinologist can likely make this referral for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Though I agree in theory with Dr Steinsapir, but in medicine never say never. Your history can lead one to think the tumor "might" be the issue. But unless there has been an increase in its size, than hard to point a finger at the tumor. Unless it is NOT an adenoma but a different type of tumor, one that causes secretions of hormones or precursors. Also the pressure of this tumor in the area of the pituitary gland could cause the optic nerve and occulomotor nerve issues, as a slim possibility. Best to obtain results from MRI and see neurosurgeon, neurologist, oculoplastic surgeon. Please type us follow up.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

These can be entirely unrelated issues or they can be related to eachother. I'd advise that you see an ophthalmologist who specializes in eyelid surgery (oculoplastic surgeon) to sort this out.

One Droopy Eye, Pituitary Gland? (photo)

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One Droopy Eye, Pituitary Gland? (photo)

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