Internal medicine

Pathology

Disease

Genetic testing

Bioinformatics

GNAS complex locus

Biology

Gene

Germline

Germline mutation

Carney complex

Pituitary gland

Pituitary tumors

Multiple endocrine neoplasia

Pituitary disease

Mutation

Genetics

Hormone

Medicine

Clinical Endocrinology

Objective Most pituitary tumours occur sporadically without a genetically identifiable germline abnormality, a small but increasing proportion present with a genetic defect that predisposes to pituitary tumour development, either isolated (e.g., aryl hydrocarbon receptor‐interacting protein, AIP ) or as part of a tumour‐predisposing syndrome (e.g., multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1, Carney complex, McCune‐Albright syndrome or pituitary tumour and paraganglioma association). Genetic alterations in sporadic pituitary adenomas may include somatic mutations (e.g., GNAS, USP8 ). In this review, we take a practical approach: which genetic syndromes should be considered in case of different presentation, such as tumour type, family history, age of onset and additional clinical features of the patient. Design Review of the recent literature in the field of genetics of pituitary tumours. Results Genetic testing in the management of pituitary disease is recommended in a significant minority of the cases. Understanding the genetic basis of the disease helps to identify patients and at‐risk family members, facilitates early diagnosis and therefore better long‐term outcome and opens up new pathways leading to tumorigenesis. Conclusion We provide a concise overview of the genetics of pituitary tumours and discuss the current challenges and implications of these genetic findings in clinical practice.

Molecular genetic testing in the management of pituitary disease