Primary hypothalamic lymphoma with clinical findings mimicking pituitary apoplexy: a case report

Somatostatin and Somatostatin Receptors in Tumour Biology

Somatostatin (SST), a growth hormone inhibitory peptide, is expressed in endocrine and non-endocrine tissues, immune cells and the central nervous system (CNS). Post-release from secretory or immune cells, the first most appreciated role that SST exhibits is the antiproliferative effect in target tissue that served as a potential therapeutic intervention in various tumours of different origins. The SST-mediated in vivo and/or in vitro antiproliferative effect in the tumour is considered direct via activation of five different somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR1-5), which are well expressed in most tumours and often more than one receptor in a single cell. Second, the indirect effect is associated with the regulation of growth factors. SSTR subtypes are crucial in tumour diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, with the recent development of new SST analogues and receptor-specific agonists with emerging functional consequences of signaling pathways are promising therapeutic avenues in tumours of different origins that are discussed.

Central Diabetes Insipidus in a Patient With Lymphoma: A Case Report

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma or systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma that infiltrates the CNS can cause central diabetes insipidus (CDI). Polyuria and polydipsia should raise the suspicion of CDI development in patients with lymphoma that infiltrates the CNS. CDI is effectively treated with desmopressin. However, careful monitoring of the patient's serum sodium, fluid intake, urine output, and weight is necessary because patients receiving desmopressin may develop hyponatremia, so they should be alert to recognize this side effect promptly. Moreover, CDI due to lymphoma can occasionally be reversible. Therefore, the dosage of desmopressin should be adapted during or after the treatment of lymphoma.

Primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in fourth ventricle: Case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare, especially lymphoma arising in the fourth ventricle. Only a few cases have been reported. We report a case of fourth ventricular lymphoma and review the relevant literature. Characterizing these cases can provide a basis for optimizing the diagnosis and management of fourth ventricle lymphoma.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 48-year-old male with blurred vision, dizziness, staggering persisting for 2 months was admitted.

DIAGNOSIS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a space occupying lesion of the fourth ventricle. The patient presented with symptoms of hydrocephalus before surgery, such as memory loss and slurred speech. Pathological analysis following complete resection confirmed the lesion as PCNSL.

INTERVENTION

The patient underwent a midline posterior fossa craniotomy.

OUTCOMES

The patient symptoms were relieved after surgery. Postoperative chemotherapy was administered with our regular follow-up. Follow-up 9 months after operation indicated a good prognosis.

LESSONS

According to the literature, biopsy surgery and subsequent chemotherapy are generally considered as the best treatment options for PCNSL. We believe that for the special location of the fourth ventricle, lymphomas in this site are suitable for the combination of complete resection and subsequent chemotherapy. This approach facilitates tumor resection and reduces possibility of obstructive hydrocephalus.

Non-Hodgkin B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Pituitary Mass

INTRODUCTION: The authors describe the case of a pituitary mass considered from the radiological point of view as a non-secretory adenoma. CASE REPORT: The patient, a 31-year-old male, presented with an intense headache, non-responsive to antalgics, right eye Mydriasis, and semiptosis. An endoscopic transnasal surgery caused important but temporary relief to the patient, who some days later complained of tumefactions in both axillar regions. Pathological diagnosis was of a non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Although pituitary involvement is rare in the case of systemic lymphomas, and even rarer among primary central nervous system malignancies, this possibility must become part of differential diagnosis when approaching pituitary masses.