Primary pituitary abscess

Abstract

This report details the management of a patient with a primary pituitary abscess. The patient presented with unilateral ophthalmoplegia and obtundation progressing to stupor. The diagnosis was established by utilizing plain x-ray films of the skull, computed tomography scans, and angiography. After a transsphenoidal decompression of the sphenoid sinus and the sella turcica, with accompanying antibiotic therapy, the patient enjoyed a progressive and nearly complete recovery. In view of the patient's clinical presentation and radiographic findings, we were able to make the diagnosis of pituitary abscess pre-operatively.