A potential catastrophic trap: an unusually presenting sellar lesion

Simultaneous resection of pituitary adenoma and clipping of aneurysm through endoscopic endonasal approach: a case report

Pituitary adenomas and intracranial aneurysms are prevalent neurosurgical conditions, but their simultaneous presence is uncommon, affecting only 0.5%-7.4% of those with pituitary adenomas. The strategy of treating aneurysms endovascularly before removing pituitary adenomas is widely adopted, yet reports on addressing both conditions at once through an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) are scarce. We present a case involving a pituitary adenoma coupled with an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. Utilizing the EEA, we excised the adenoma and clipped the aneurysm concurrently. The patient recovered well post-surgery, with follow-up assessments confirming the successful resolution of both the adenoma and aneurysm. We proved the feasibility of the EEA in the treatment of pituitary adenomas with anterior communicating artery aneurysms under specific anatomical relationships and close intraoperative monitoring.

Surgical treatment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with coexisting intracranial lesions: A case series and review of the literature

Background

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are a diverse group of benign neoplasms that account for a significant proportion of intracranial tumors (13%). The coexistence of PitNET with other intracranial lesions, such as meningiomas and intracranial aneurysms, has been constantly reported in the literature; yet, the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown, and the appropriate management is controversial. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcomes of patients with PitNET with coexisting intracranial lesions in a single healthcare center.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients who underwent surgical treatment for PitNET and another intracranial lesion at our single tertiary referral center over 15 years from January 2008 to May 2023.

Results

Among these coexisting lesions, aneurysms were the most commonly found (41.67%), followed by meningiomas (33.33%). Surgical intervention for both lesions was performed in a single-stage procedure for most cases (75%), employing transcranial, endoscopic endonasal, and combined approaches. We found low preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale scores in three patients, with significant differences in functional outcomes.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to the limited knowledge about PitNET coexisting with other intracranial lesions and emphasize the importance of patient-tailored, multidisciplinary management in these unusual scenarios.

A comprehensive assessment of self-reported symptoms among patients harboring an unruptured intracranial aneurysm

Background

Approximately 3.2%-6% of the general population harbor an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA). Ruptured aneurysms represent a significant healthcare burden, and preventing rupture relies on early detection and treatment. Most patients with UIAs are asymptomatic, and many of the symptoms associated with UIAs are nonspecific, which makes diagnosis challenging. This study explored symptoms associated with UIAs, the rate of resolution of such symptoms after microsurgical treatment, and the likely pathophysiology.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with UIAs who underwent microsurgical treatment from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020, at a single quaternary center were identified. Analyses included the prevalence of nonspecific symptoms upon clinical presentation and postoperative follow-up; comparisons of symptomatology by aneurysmal location; and comparisons of patient demographics, aneurysmal characteristics, and poor neurologic outcome at postoperative follow-up stratified by symptomatic versus asymptomatic presentation.

Results

The analysis included 454 patients; 350 (77%) were symptomatic. The most common presenting symptom among all 454 patients was headache (n = 211 [46%]), followed by vertigo (n = 94 [21%]), cognitive disturbance (n = 68[15%]), and visual disturbance (n = 64 [14%]). Among 328 patients assessed for postoperative symptoms, 258 (79%) experienced symptom resolution or improvement.

Conclusion

This cohort demonstrates that the clinical presentation of patients with UIAs can be associated with vague and nonspecific symptoms. Early detection is crucial to prevent aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is imperative that physicians not rule out aneurysms in the setting of nonspecific neurologic symptoms.

[Combination of pituitary adenomas and intracranial aneurysms]

The combination of intracranial tumors and asymptomatic brain aneurysms is an urgent problem, since it can significantly affect surgical intervention. Aneurysms are common in patients with meningioma, glioma and pituitary adenoma. According to certain authors, combination of aneurysms with pituitary adenomas is 7 times more common than with other tumors. In these cases, a comprehensive examination of the patient and decision-making on surgical strategy are required. This review is devoted to epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of patients with a combination of pituitary adenomas and intracranial aneurysms detected intraoperatively or at the preoperative stage. The manuscript is illustrated by cases observed at the Burdenko Neurosurgery Center.

A systematic review of causes of sudden and severe headache (Thunderclap Headache): should lists be evidence based?

Background

There are many potential causes of sudden and severe headache (thunderclap headache), the most important of which is aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Published academic reviews report a wide range of causes. We sought to create a definitive list of causes, other than aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, using a systematic review.

Methods

Systematic Review of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases using pre-defined search criteria up to September 2009. We extracted data from any original research paper or case report describing a case of someone presenting with a sudden and severe headache, and summarized the published causes.

Results

Our search identified over 21,000 titles, of which 1224 articles were scrutinized in full. 213 articles described 2345 people with sudden and severe headache, and we identified 6 English language academic review articles. A total of 119 causes were identified, of which 46 (38%) were not mentioned in published academic review articles. Using capture-recapture analysis, we estimate that our search was 98% complete. There is only one population-based estimate of the incidence of sudden and severe headache at 43 cases per 100,000. In cohort studies, the most common causes identified were primary headaches or headaches of uncertain cause. Vasoconstriction syndromes are commonly mentioned in case reports or case series. The most common cause not mentioned in academic reviews was pneumocephalus. 70 non-English language articles were identified but these did not contain additional causes.

Conclusions

There are over 100 different published causes of sudden and severe headache, other than aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. We have now made a definitive list of causes for future reference which we intend to maintain. There is a need for an up to date population based description of cause of sudden and severe headache as the modern epidemiology of thunderclap headache may require updating in the light of research on cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.

Giant cavernous carotid artery aneurysm mimicking a fungal granuloma and presenting with massive epistaxis

A 42-year-old man presented with frequent minor nasal bleeds since 1 month. He was undergoing chemotherapy for pulmonary tuberculosis. MRI brain revealed a space occupying lesion in the right cavernous sinus extending to sphenoid sinus, with T2 inversion. An initial diagnosis of fungal granuloma was made and endoscopic trans-nasal biopsy was attempted. During surgery, a pink pulsating mass was seen in the sphenoid sinus and the procedure was abandoned. A cerebral CT-angiography done subsequently revealed a giant right cavernous segment internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. He was then referred to our centre and upon admission he collapsed secondary to a major bout of epistaxis. An emergency cervical carotid artery ligation resulted in transient control of epistaxis. Owing to recurrence of bleed, trapping of the aneurysm was done resulting in cure. The present case shows that a giant cavernous ICA aneurysm can occasionally be erroneously diagnosed as fungal granuloma.

Posterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture mimicking apoplexy

Background:

Cerebral aneurysm rupture can lead to devastating neurological complications and present a complex problem to treat. We report a unique case of a ruptured posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm presenting with sudden and complete vision loss.

Case Description:

A 39-year-old man presented with the acute onset of severe headache and complete bilateral vision loss. The patient described headaches for several months prior to presentation. However, prior to the day of presentation, he had no visual disturbance. A CT angiogram (CTA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a 1.6-cm, non-contrast enhancing suprasellar mass, eccentric to the left side, consistent with hemorrhagic mass. There was no obvious aneurysm or vascular malformation. The sella tursica was normal in appearance. The patient was taken for an immediate endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum approach for optic nerve decompression. Hematoma without an associated tumor was encountered and partially evacuated before aborting with resultant partial improvement in vision. A subsequent cerebral angiogram revealed an irregularly shaped, postero-laterally pointing, 2.5-mm left PCoA aneurysm. The patient was then taken for open clipping of the ruptured aneurysm. A large, fibrinous capsule was found over the superolateral aspect of the aneurysm. The ruptured aneurysm was secured with clips and the surrounding hematoma was evacuated.

Conclusion:

In the immediate postoperative period, the patient regained vision in the nasal field of his right eye. This case illustrates a unique presentation of a ruptured PCoA aneurysm, and thus must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a suprasellar hemorrhage resulting in visual loss in absence of a recognizable associated tumor.

Pituitary macroadenoma co-existent with supraclinoid internal carotid artery cerebral aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature

With improved angiographic techniques and magnetic resonance angiography available today, an increasing number of incidental aneurysms are being detected. Occurrence of an intracranial aneurysm together with a pituitary adenoma presents tremendous risk to the patient, particularly when the aneurysm lies near the operative field.

A 61-year-old woman presented with a progressive visual field defect. Neurological examination revealed bi-temporal haemianopia. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed a pituitary macroadenoma co-existent with a cerebral aneurysm near the sellar region. The patient underwent an endovascular procedure for aneurysm embolisation and then underwent surgery for removal of the pituitary adenoma via a trans-sphenoidal approach.

We report our experience and emphasize the need for critical evaluation of neuroradiological examinations for precise diagnosis for avoiding a possible life-threatening situation.