Non-functional recurrent pituitary adenoma with intracranial metastasis-Pituitary carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary carcinomas are rare, with only a few case reports to date. We present a null cell type non-functioning pituitary carcinoma (NFPC) with intracranial metastases and a review of the literature.

CASE REPORT

A 56-year-old male with a history of an aggressive pituitary adenoma was admitted. Initial MRI highlighted a large intracranial mass with leptomeningeal involvement, simulating meningioma. Based on his previous pathology report of the sellar mass, a diagnosis of null cell type non-functioning pituitary carcinoma has been made.

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive recurrent pituitary tumor with suprasellar and/or cavernous sinus invasion is the main characteristics of the NFPC. Single or multiple enhancing dural-based mass(es) mimicking meningioma is the most common MRI finding. The proof of malignancy is the same histopathological features of the recurrent aggressive pituitary tumor in the metastases. The histology alone is not distinctive in terms of malignancy. Most patients require a combined surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Bilateral extra-adrenal perirenal myelolipomas: CT features

Myelolipomas are rare benign tumours composed of adipose tissue and haematopoietic cells that are typically found in adrenal glands but have also appeared in extra-adrenal sites. Distinguishing between extra-adrenal myelolipomas and malignant tumours, such as liposarcomas, is crucial to avoid an invasive procedure. To this end, we present a comprehensive report of the CT imaging characteristics of a pathologically proven bilateral extra-adrenal perirenal myelolipoma.

Rare coincidence of congenital short and annular pancreas with gallbladder agenesis and splenic malrotation

We present an adult patient with anomalies of congenital short and annular pancreas, gallbladder agenesis and splenic malrotation. The patient presented with symptoms typical of the two pancreatic malformations and is the only reported case with these malformations reported in the English imaging literature.

Alveolar hydatid disease of the liver: brief review and spectrum of adjacent organ invasion

The purpose of this study is to show the spectrum of adjacent organ invasion and to make a brief review of hepatic alveolar hydatid disease (AHD), using CT and MR imaging. We retrospectively reviewed CT and MR images of three patients with various adjacent organ invasions surgically and histologically proven to be AHD. Local invasion to right kidney and adrenal, right hemidiaphragm and lung were detected in one patient, right adrenal in another patient and gall bladder, duodenum, gastric wall and pancreas invasion in the other. AHD may rarely extend to the gall bladder, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, right adrenal and kidney, diaphragm, pleura and lung. The extension of the disease outside the liver is usually encountered in patients with large, peripherally located masses in the advanced stage of the disease.

Primary serous papillary carcinoma of the retroperitoneum: magnetic resonance imaging findings with pathologic correlation

The incidence of a primary serous papillary carcinoma of the retroperitoneum is extremely rare. We present a case of the tumour in an adult simulating an adrenal mass with MRI findings and histopathological correlation.

Bacterial brain abscesses: prognostic value of an imaging severity index

AIM

To assess the correlation between imaging findings [computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] and neurological status before and after the treatment of bacterial brain abscesses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT and MRI images of 96 patients with brain abscesses were retrospectively evaluated in terms of the number, location and size of lesions, and the presence and extent of perilesional oedema and midline shift. An imaging severity index (ISI) based on these different radiological parameters was calculated. Initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and ISI were assessed and the prognostic value of these two indices was calculated. The Pearson correlation test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, together with comparison of ROC analyses and Fisher's exact test were used.

RESULTS

There was a negative correlation between ISI and the initial GCS values: ISI increased as the GCS score decreased, indicating an inverse relationship (r=-0.51, p<0.0001). There was a significant difference between the ISI and GCS scores of patients with an adverse event compared with patients with good recovery. Outcome was significantly worse in patients with initial ISI over the calculated cut-off values of 8 points or GCS scores under the cut-off value of 13 points.

CONCLUSION

ISI is a useful prognostic indicator for bacterial brain abscess patients and correlates strongly with the patient outcome for all parameters studied. ISI score had a better prognostic value than GCS.

Hyaline-vascular type Castleman's disease of the pararenal retroperitoneum: Multidetector CT findings

We describe the case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with a pararenal hyaline-vascular type Castleman's disease that had an arterial supply from the renal artery and a draining vein as showed by multidetector CT. Identification of the renal artery relationship to the feeding vessel of the mass is critical to prevent potential surgical complications.