Venous thromboembolism in patients with pituitary adenoma: UK multicentre cohort study

Abstract

Objective This study aims to assess risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) compared to acromegaly and non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) and to investigate the timing and risk factors for VTE. Design This is a retrospective, observational cohort study. Methods Patients diagnosed with acromegaly, NFPA, or CD across 3 UK centres between 2010 and 2021 were included. χ² and Cox regression were performed to compare VTE cumulative incidence and examine associations with clinical factors. Results Among 827 patients (107 CD, 502 NFPA, 218 acromegaly), the cumulative incidence of VTE was 11.2% in CD, 0.4% in NFPA, and 2.7% in acromegaly. Follow-up time was similar across diagnostic groups (median ∼13.3-13.5 years, P =. 41), allowing valid comparison of VTE incidence and Cox regression modelling. Patients with CD had significantly higher VTE risk compared to those with NFPA (odds ratio [OR] 21.05, P