NORMAL FINAL HEIGHT AND APPARENT CURE AFTER PITUITARY IRRADIATION FORCUSHINGS-DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD - LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF ANTERIOR-PITUITARY FUNCTION

Pituitary-dependent Gushing's syndrome is rare in childhood. Two patie nts are reported who had unsuccessful transsphenoidal microadenomectom y and therefore underwent pituitary radiotherapy. In both patients the re was progressive normalization of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal func tion and at 8 and 10 years after radiotherapy their Gushing's syndrome remained in remission clinically and biochemically. Most importantly, they have both achieved adult heights within their respective expecte d ranges with close clinical observation and replacement growth hormon e therapy. Thyroid and gonadal function is normal and neither patient requires any other hormone replacement therapy. Pituitary radiotherapy is thus a safe, effective and well tolerated second-line therapy for paediatric Gushing's disease. Collaboration between the paediatric and adult departments and an experienced radiotherapist contributed to th e successful outcome of these two patients.