Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is the most common pituitary gland disorder?

1. Pituitary adenoma

2. Cushing's disease

3. Hyperprolactinemia

4. Sheehan's syndrome

The correct answer is: Pituitary adenoma

The most prevalent disorder associated with the pituitary gland is a pituitary adenoma. These are typically benign tumors that arise from the glandular tissue of the pituitary. Their commonality can be attributed to the fact that they often remain asymptomatic for long periods before causing recognizable issues due to their size or the hormonal imbalances they may produce. Pituitary adenomas can secrete various hormones that lead to different syndromic presentations, such as acromegaly from excess growth hormone or Cushing's disease, which results from excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The fact that they account for approximately one-third of all brain tumors highlights their frequency, emphasizing their significance in clinical practice. Other disorders, while important, are not as commonly encountered. Cushing's disease specifically refers to a form of hypercortisolism due to pituitary adenomas secreting ACTH, making it less common overall than adenomas themselves. Hyperprolactinemia involves elevated prolactin levels and can be caused by various factors, including adenomas, but is not as frequently diagnosed in isolation. Sheehan's syndrome, associated with pituitary failure following severe blood loss during or after childbirth, is relatively rare compared to