[Pituitary adenomas extending into the orbit].

In 5 of 35 patients who died from giant adenomas of the hypophysis the tumor invaded the orbit through the superior orbital suture from the cavernous sinus. All five patients had hormonally active hypophyseal adenomas. Analysis of the neuroophthalmological complex of symptoms revealed the presence of a marked chiasmal syndrome combined with mild exophthalmos and oculomotor disorders. These data together with the results of X-ray diagnosis may show the degree of tumor spread.