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Chang WY, Spitler K, Cheung G, Chock B. Ectopic Sphenoid Sinus Prolactinoma Associated With Empty Sella and Recurrent Meningitis Treated Successfully With Cabergoline. Cureus 2024; 16:e63058. [PMID: 39050327 PMCID: PMC11268879 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pituitary adenomas (EPA) are tumors that reside outside the sella turcica and are not connected to the pituitary gland. We present a case of a 62-year-old female who was hospitalized for recurrent meningitis. Workup, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, computed tomography (CT) of the sinuses, and follow-up MRI of the sella turcica, revealed an 8 millimeter (mm) mass in the right posterior sphenoid sinus with an empty sella turcica and no evidence of a sellar mass. The mass was biopsied, with pathology results showing findings of a pituitary adenoma staining positive for prolactinoma. Subsequent hormonal workup revealed an elevated prolactin level of 128.4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) without evidence of additional hormonal co-secretion or hypopituitarism. The patient was started on cabergoline with eventual normalization of the prolactin level and regression of the adenoma on follow-up imaging. EPAs are rare and thus treatment guidelines have not been established. Our case report not only highlights a case of successful treatment of ectopic prolactinoma with dopamine agonist therapy but also calls attention to the uncommon co-existence of EPAs and empty sella turcica and meningitis as an extremely uncommon presentation of EPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston Y Chang
- Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, Fontana, USA
| | - Kevin Spitler
- Radiology, Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, Fontana, USA
| | - Gilbert Cheung
- Radiology, Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, Fontana, USA
| | - Brandon Chock
- Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, Fontana, USA
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Iliass B, Khaoula B, Selma K, Fatima Zahra L, Laila J, Omar EA. Ectopic pituitary adenoma with empty sella: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 12:2050313X231223465. [PMID: 38162419 PMCID: PMC10757430 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231223465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pituitary adenoma is a condition characterized by the presence of an adenoma originating from extra-sellar pituitary cell residue from the migration of Rathke's pouch. First described in 1909, ectopic pituitary adenoma is a very rare, largely unknown condition with a challenging diagnosis, that requires proving the absence of communication between the extra-sellar mass and the normal pituitary gland (or any of the intra-sellar contents). Here, we describe the case of a 38-year-old female who presented with symptomatic hyperprolactinemia in whom magnetic resonance imaging revealed a space-occupying mass in the sphenoid sinus with an empty sella turcica. Clinical information coupled with magnetic resonance imaging findings raised suspicion for the diagnosis, which was later confirmed through surgery (showing the absence of a breach in the sellar floor dura), and histology. Given the rarity of such cases, management is not standardized; however, most patients reported in the literature, as in our case, have undergone surgical treatment. This case report aims to provide an additional example to the existing literature on this rare condition, especially when it is associated with an empty sella turcica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bourekba Iliass
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Boumeriem Khaoula
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Khouchoua Selma
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco
| | | | - Jroundi Laila
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco
| | - El Aoufir Omar
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco
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Li J, Zhong J, Li Z, Xiao Y, Wang S. Ectopic Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report Written With the Help of ChatGPT. Cureus 2023; 15:e46999. [PMID: 37965416 PMCID: PMC10641033 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a chat robot program developed by OpenAI (OpenAI Incorporated, Mission District, San Francisco, USA). It is a natural-language processing tool driven by artificial intelligence technology. It can complete tasks such as writing emails, video scripts, copywriting, translation, coding, and writing papers. At present, several studies have been conducted on the use of this tool for academic writing, so we report a rare case of suprasellar ectopic pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) secreting growth hormones, in a female 53-year-old patient with facial changes and hypertrophy of her hands and feet for six years. When asking questions on unusual topics, ChatGPT can provide answers but not specific ones, and similar to most machine learning solutions, verifying the correctness of information is a problem. Question asked from ChatGPT: Summarize ectopic pituitary neuroendocrine tumor. "Suprasellar heterotopic pituitary neuroendocrine tumors refer to tumors formed by the heterotopic growth of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor cells in the sellar region other than the pituitary glands. This tumor is common in middle-aged women, and it often manifests as headache, visual impairment, and endocrine dysfunction. Diagnosis is usually made by combining history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging. Treatment is primarily performed through surgical resection of the tumor, radiotherapy, and drug therapy, and the prognosis is mostly good." The content in quotation marks is generated by ChatGPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou 900th Hospital, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, CHN
| | - Jiansheng Zhong
- Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou 900th Hospital, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, CHN
| | - Ziqi Li
- Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, CHN
| | - Yong Xiao
- Neurosurgery, Central Institute for Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, DEU
| | - Shousen Wang
- Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, CHN
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Li D, Wang Y, Tan H, Luo P, Yu Y. A giant invasive macroprolactinoma with recurrent nasal bleeding as the first clinical presentation: case report and review of literature. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:107. [PMID: 37173679 PMCID: PMC10176701 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01345-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant prolactinoma (> 4 cm in dimension) is a rare disorder. Invasive macroprolactinoma has the potential to cause base of skull erosion and extend into the nasal cavity or even the sphenoid sinus. Nasal bleeding caused by intranasal tumor extension is a rare complication associated with invasive giant prolactinoma. We report a case of giant invasive macroprolactinoma with repeated nasal bleeding as the initial symptom. CASE PRESENTATION A 24-year-old man with an invasive giant prolactinoma in the nasal cavity and sellar region who presented with nasal bleeding as the initial symptom, misdiagnosed as olfactory neuroblastoma. However, markedly elevated serum prolactin levels (4700 ng/mL), and a 7.8-cm invasive sellar mass confirmed the diagnosis of invasive giant prolactinoma. He was treated with oral bromocriptine. Serum prolactin was reduced to near normal after 6 months of treatment. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed that the sellar lesion had disappeared completely and the skull base lesions were reduced. CONCLUSION This case is notable in demonstrating the aggressive nature of untreated invasive giant prolactinomas which can cause a diagnostic difficulty with potential serious consequences. Early detection of hormonal levels can avoid unnecessary nasal biopsy. Early identification of pituitary adenoma with nasal bleeding as the first symptom is particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danting Li
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
- Department of Health Management, Health Management Center, General Practice Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Huiwen Tan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China.
| | - Peiqiong Luo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yerong Yu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
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Campana C, Nista F, Castelletti L, Caputo M, Lavezzi E, Marzullo P, Ferrero A, Gaggero G, Canevari FR, Rossi DC, Zona G, Lania A, Ferone D, Gatto F. Clinical and radiological presentation of parasellar ectopic pituitary adenomas: case series and systematic review of the literature. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1465-1481. [PMID: 35147925 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01758-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parasellar ectopic pituitary adenomas (pEPAs) are extremely rare tumors located out of the sella turcica. PEPAs are heterogeneous entities in terms of anatomical localization and secretion of anterior pituitary hormones. METHODS Multicenter retrospective study. Clinical charts' consultation of patients diagnosed with parasellar lesions, to identify all subjects fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of parasellar EPAs. Systematic review of the literature focused on the medical management of prolactin-secreting pEPAs and on the prevalence of radiological bone invasion in pEPAs. RESULTS We identified four cases of pEPAs: (1) 54-year-old female with a prolactin-secreting suprasellar EPA successfully treated with cabergoline; (2) 74-year-old male with a non-functioning EPA of the sphenoidal sinus treated with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery; (3) 75-year-old female with a giant lesion of the skull base (maximum diameter 7.2 cm) diagnosed as a non-functioning EPA after biopsy; (4) 49-year-old male with a silent corticotroph EPA of the sphenoidal sinus and clivus. Three out of four cases had radiological evidence of invasion of the surrounding bone structures. A systematic review of the literature highlighted that medical therapy can be effective in prolactin-secreting pEPAs. Overall, we found mention of local invasiveness in 65/147 cases (44.2%), confirmed by radiological signs of bone invasion/erosion. CONCLUSION Our experience confirms the heterogeneity of pEPAs in terms of clinical and radiological presentation, as well as hormone secretion. PEPAs show a high frequency of radiological bone invasion, though similar to that of sellar pituitary adenomas. Although extremely rare, pEPAs need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of parasellar lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Campana
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Nista
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - L Castelletti
- Department of Radiology, Ospedale di Lavagna, Lavagna, Italy
| | - M Caputo
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - E Lavezzi
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital and Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - P Marzullo
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Laboratorio di Ricerche Metaboliche, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - A Ferrero
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - G Gaggero
- Department of Clinical Pathology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - F R Canevari
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - D C Rossi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Zona
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Lania
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital and Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - D Ferone
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Gatto
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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Ectopic pituitary adenoma: The lost track of ciurea or the right man at wrong place. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2019.100567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Shuman W, Loewenstern J, Pai A, Bederson J, Shrivastava R. Variability in Clinical Presentation and Pathologic Implications of Ectopic Pituitary Tumors: Critical Review of Literature. World Neurosurg 2018; 122:397-403. [PMID: 30404064 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.10.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pituitary tumors are common, well-described skull base tumors of sellar origin. However, there are reports of rare ectopic pituitary tumors that are found exclusively outside of the sella turcica. Ectopic pituitary tumors have not been holistically analyzed. This study describes presentation and clinical patterns found among patients with ectopic pituitary tumors. METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature was performed for clinical descriptions of ectopic pituitary tumors. Reports of 85 applicable cases were evaluated. RESULTS The most common locations of ectopic pituitary tumors were the sphenoid sinus, clivus, suprasellar space, nasopharynx, and cavernous sinus. The majority of ectopic pituitary tumors were reported as being functional secretory tumors; they were statistically significantly more likely to be functional tumors than sellar pituitary tumors. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone, prolactin, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting tumors were most commonly found. Bone invasion was reported in more than one third of the cases, and malignant transformations were reported in 6 cases. A large majority of patients presented with hormonal, neurologic, or physiologic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Ectopic pituitary tumors are a rare entity of pituitary tumors with a presentation that can mimic those of other skull base tumors. Clinical presentation often correlates to location of the tumor. Ectopic pituitary tumors were significantly more likely to be functional secretory tumors. They may also exhibit more aggressive behavior than sellar-located tumors. Ectopic pituitary tumors may be part of a spectrum of presenting pathologies. Further genetic or genomic analysis is necessary to better understand their pathogenesis and clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Shuman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua Loewenstern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Akila Pai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua Bederson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Raj Shrivastava
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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Ao J, Singh S, Curragh DS, Valentine R, Selva D. Recurrent pituitary adenoma presenting as an isolated sino-orbital mass. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 47:542-543. [PMID: 30370579 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Ao
- South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Swati Singh
- South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David S Curragh
- South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rowan Valentine
- Department of Otolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dinesh Selva
- South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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9
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Liu B, Zhuang Z, Luo J, Wang Y. A case report of an ectopic clival growth hormone adenoma associated with an empty sella and a review of the literature. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2013; 115:2533-6. [PMID: 24129005 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China.
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Chaurasia PK, Singh D, Meher S, Saran RK, Singh H. Epistaxis as first clinical presentation in a child with giant prolactinoma: Case report and review of literature. J Pediatr Neurosci 2012; 6:134-7. [PMID: 22408665 PMCID: PMC3296410 DOI: 10.4103/1817-1745.92840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary tumour have a wide way of presentation. Epistaxis due to pituitary adenoma has been rarely reported. There is no report of bleeding from nose as clinical first presentation in a child. We report the first case in literature where a child had epistaxis for eight months before deterioration of vision. He was found to be having a invasive prolactinoma with normal prolactin levels.
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Ajler P, Bendersky D, Hem S, Campero A. Ectopic prolactinoma within the sphenoidal sinus associated with empty sella. Surg Neurol Int 2012; 3:47. [PMID: 22629484 PMCID: PMC3356983 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.96066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pituitary adenomas are a common cause of endocrinal dysfunction, which comprise 10–20% of all intracranial tumors. Although almost all of them arise within the sella turcica, there are some rare cases in which a pituitary adenoma is located outside the intrasellar region, so it is defined as an ectopic pituitary adenoma (EPA). Case Description: We described a case of a 31-year-old male with a serum prolactin (PRL) value of 240 ng/ml Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying mass within the sphenoid sinus (SS) which partially enhanced by gadolinium. MRI did not reveal any sellar floor defect and an empty sella was detected. As dopamine agonist treatment had failed in lowering the serum PRL level, he underwent surgical treatment. A transsphenoidal approach without opening the sellar floor was performed using an operating microscope and the lesion within the SS was completely removed. Conclusion: Although intrasphenoidal EPAs are rare findings, the presence of an endocrine disorder related to pituitary hormones, and a space-occupying mass within the SS associated with either a normal sellar pituitary gland or an empty sella must lead us to suspect this diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ajler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Kusano Y, Horiuchi T, Oya F, Miyaoka Y, Oguchi K, Takemae T, Hongo K. Ectopic pituitary adenoma associated with an empty sella: a case report and review of the literature. J Neuroimaging 2011; 23:135-6. [PMID: 21699614 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2011.00620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of ectopic pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus associated with an empty sella is reported. The coexistence of an ectopic pituitary adenoma and an empty sella is quite rare. The diagnosis was made with an intraoperative finding of the intact dura mater of the sellar floor. In the present case, the hypointense line that coated the pituitary gland was clearly demonstrated on 3-tesla T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The hypointense line is considered to be the pituitary capsule and was critical in diagnosing this rare entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Kusano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
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Yang BT, Chong VFH, Wang ZC, Xian JF, Chen QH. Sphenoid sinus ectopic pituitary adenomas: CT and MRI findings. Br J Radiol 2009; 83:218-24. [PMID: 19651706 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/76663418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic pituitary adenomas (EPAs) are rare lesions. The purpose of this study was to describe the CT and MRI features of sphenoid sinus EPAs. Eight patients with histology-proven EPAs in the sphenoid sinus, all of whom underwent CT and MRI, were reviewed retrospectively. The following imaging features were analysed: (i) size, (ii) margin, (iii) CT attenuation characteristics and (iv) MRI signal intensity. In addition, the involvement of adjacent structures and the time-intensity curve (TIC) of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI were analysed. All EPAs had well-defined margins and showed no relationship to the intrasellar pituitary gland. The mean size was 28 mm (range, 20-46 mm). On non-enhanced CT, the lesions appeared isodense to grey matter in 7 (88%) patients and hypodense in 1 (12%) patient. Only two patients underwent post-contrast CT, and they showed moderate enhancement. On T1 weighted images, EPAs appeared isointense in 6 (75%) patients and hypointense in 2 (25%). On T2 weighted images, the lesions appeared hyperintense in 2 (25%) patients and isointense in 6 (75%). EPAs showed mild to moderate heterogeneous contrast enhancement and exhibited a cribriform-like appearance. Two patients underwent DCE MRI; the TIC showed a rapidly enhancing and slow washout pattern. The following features were also seen: an empty sella, bone changes and involvement of the cavernous sinus (5 patients; 62.5%). In conclusion, a high index of suspicion for EPA and a familiarity with the imaging findings may help to diagnose this rare entity accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.
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Ectopic pituitary adenoma presenting as midline nasopharyngeal mass. Ir J Med Sci 2009; 179:593-5. [PMID: 19129981 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-008-0236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic pituitary adenomas are extremely rare. We report a case of ectopic pituitary adenoma in the midline of the nasopharynx. This adenoma probably arose from the pharyngeal remnant of Rathke's pouch. METHODS We discuss a case of a lady who presented to our unit with 2 months history of dryness and sensation of lump in her throat and a long standing history of hypothyroidism. Examination of nasopharynx revealed a smooth and fluctuant midline mass. CT scan of nose and paranasal sinuses confirmed the midline mass with small defect communicating with the sphenoid sinus. An initial diagnosis of Thornwaldt's cyst was made and she underwent upper aerodigestive tract endoscopy and marsupialization of the mass. Histopathological examination revealed ectopic pituitary adenoma. CONCLUSION Ectopic pituitary adenoma is an important differential diagnosis for a midline nasopharyngeal mass. It is recommended that prior to surgical resection of midline nasopharyngeal mass biopsy is taken and MRI is performed.
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Burgener IA, Gerold A, Tomek A, Konar M. Empty sella syndrome, hyperadrenocorticism and megaoesophagus in a dachshund. J Small Anim Pract 2007; 48:584-7. [PMID: 17608665 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2007.00323.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A five-year-old, entire, male dachshund was presented with a five day history of hypersalivation and regurgitation as well as polyuria and polydipsia for several months. Chest radiographs demonstrated megaoesophagus and aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, hyperadrenocorticism was demonstrated by means of elevations in levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol, decreased urinary specific gravity, increased response to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation, insufficient suppression of the post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol levels, an increased endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands on abdominal ultrasound. The dog became severely dyspnoeic and was euthanased after magnetic resonance imaging was performed. The magnetic resonance imaging and necropsy revealed the sellar region mainly filled with fluid, with only small tissue remnants, a condition defined as empty sella syndrome in human medicine. To the author's knowledge, this is the first dog described with empty sella syndrome and only the second dog described with hyperadrenocorticism secondary to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production. However, the association between empty sella syndrome and hyperadrenocorticism may be no more than incidental.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Burgener
- Division of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 128, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
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