Pituitary Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism in a Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)

There is a scarcity of information regarding endocrine disease in New World primates (NWP). While diabetes has been described, there is little other published information about endocrinopathies in NWP. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) is a syndrome of persistent hypercortisolemia which can be caused by pituitary overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone, functional adrenocortical neoplasms and iatrogenic steroid administration. Although Cushing's disease is one of the most common endocrinopathies in domestic dogs, this syndrome has not been reported in NWP. A 15-yr-old, intact, female golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) was evaluated for progressive, bilaterally symmetric alopecia and weight loss. Computed tomography imaging revealed a 0.5 cm, slightly dome-shaped, contrast enhancing mass arising from the pituitary fossa. Based on this animal's age, size, and response in another non-human primate, medical treatment with ketoconazole, rather than surgical or radiation treatment was initiated. The animal was euthanized due to a marked decline in its condition after the CT scan and postmortem examination confirmed a pituitary pars inter media adenoma and adrenal cortical hyperplasia consistent with Cushing's disease. This is the first report of spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism secondary to a pituitary neoplasia in a NWP and contributes valuable information that will help aid in diagnosis and management of endocrine disease in this and other non-human primate species.