Intrasellar Mass Research Articles

Abstract #1411935: A Radiographic Diagnosis: IgG4-Related Hypophysitis Presenting with Hypopituitarism and Central Diabetes Insipidus

Hypophysitis is defined as inflammation of the pituitary gland. IgG4-related hypophysitis is a rare form and isolated IgG4-related hypophysitis is even more rare. Here, we discuss an interesting patient who presented with symptoms of diabetes insipidus and was found to have panhypopituitarism with suspicious MRI findings of a suprasellar mass and a thickened pituitary stalk, suggestive of IgG4-related hypophysitis. A 69-year-old male with past medical history of lung adenocarcinoma status-post right pneumonectomy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, orthostatic hypotension, and poor oral intake due to esophageal compression presented with acute encephalopathy and sepsis secondary to pneumonia. CT head scan done for encephalopathy showed a 1.2 cm suprasellar mass. On consultation, the patient was found to be hypernatremic. Upon further questioning, the patient reported experiencing polydipsia, nocturia, chronic cold intolerance, fatigue, and impotence for several weeks to months. He denied any vision changes, breast tenderness, or galactorrhea. Laboratory testing revealed a sodium level of 157 mmol/L (n.135-145 mmol/L) with plasma osmolality elevated at 332 mOsm/kg (n.275-295 mosm/kg). Urine sodium was low at < 20 mmol/L. Desmopressin (DDAVP) 0.1mg nightly was started given concern for diabetes insipidus. Peak cortisol after performed Cosyntropin stimulation test resulted at 13.5mcg/dL with an ACTH 6 pg/mL (n.6-50 pg/mL). TSH was < 0.01 mU/L, free T4 1.79 ng/dL, and free T3 4.9 nmol/L. The elevated free T3 was felt to be from heparin displacement. Total testosterone was 84 ng/dL with suppressed FSH and LH. Elevated prolactin of 39 ng/mL was thought to be from stalk-effect. MRI of the pituitary gland revealed a 1.3cm enhancing suprasellar mass in the region of the optic chiasm and a smaller 9mm intra-sellar mass, with a thickened pituitary stalk. Given these radiologic findings and the patient's age and gender, the possibility of IgG4 hypophysitis was suspected. CT chest, abdomen, and pelvis were unremarkable. In addition to the DDAVP, he was started on high-dose hydrocortisone, thyroxine replacement, and testosterone replacement. Serum IgG4 level was 23.6 mg/dL (n. 4-86 mg/dL). A six week repeat pituitary MRI is pending; however, the patient is clinically improving and doing well. Specific radiologic findings, such as thickened pituitary stalk and pituitary enlargement with suprasellar mass, led us to strongly consider IgG4-related hypophysitis in our differential for this patient. Clinical presentation of panhypopituitarism, along with patient age and gender, also supported the diagnosis of IgG4-related hypophysitis. Although this patient does not meet all Leporati diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related hypophysitis, the high degree of suspicion led to prompt treatment with high dose steroids. High dose steroids have been shown to revert symptoms and prevent irreversible fibrosis. This case highlights the need for radiologists and endocrinologists to work together in the early recognition of the diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-related hypophysitis.

Presumed pituitary apoplexy in 26 dogs: Clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes

Pituitary apoplexy refers to hemorrhage or infarction within the pituitary gland resulting in acute neurological abnormalities. This condition is poorly described in dogs. To document presenting complaints, examination findings, endocrinopathies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatments, and outcomes of dogs with pituitary apoplexy. Twenty-six client-owned dogs with acute onset of neurological dysfunction. Retrospective case series. Dogs were diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy if MRI or histopathology documented an intrasellar or suprasellar mass with evidence of hemorrhage or infarction in conjunction with acute neurological dysfunction. Clinical information was obtained from medical records and imaging reports. Common presenting complaints included altered mentation (16/26, 62%) and gastrointestinal dysfunction (14/26, 54%). Gait or posture changes (22/26, 85%), mentation changes (18/26, 69%), cranial neuropathies (17/26, 65%), cervical or head hyperpathia (12/26, 46%), and hyperthermia (8/26, 31%) were the most frequent exam findings. Ten dogs (38%) lacked evidence of an endocrinopathy before presentation. Common MRI findings included T1-weighted hypo- to isointensity of the hemorrhagic lesion (21/25, 84%), peripheral enhancement of the pituitary mass lesion (15/25, 60%), brain herniation (14/25, 56%), and obstructive hydrocephalus (13/25, 52%). Fifteen dogs (58%) survived to hospital discharge. Seven of these dogs received medical management alone (median survival 143 days; range, 7-641 days) and 8 received medications and radiation therapy (median survival 973 days; range, 41-1719 days). Dogs with pituitary apoplexy present with a variety of acute signs of neurological disease and inconsistent endocrine dysfunction. Dogs that survive to discharge can have a favorable outcome.

RF13 | PMON83 Culture Negative Pituitary Abscesses: A Case Series

Abstract Introduction Pituitary abscesses are rare, representing less than 1% of pituitary lesions. Patients may present with pituitary hypofunction, headache, and/or vision changes, often without systemic or biochemical signs of infection, with diagnosis only made intraoperatively. Cases A 74-year-old man with history of diabetes and coronary artery disease presented with headache and left-eye ptosis. MRI revealed a 1.8 cm hypoenhancing cystic, hemorrhagic sellar mass extending into the left cavernous sinus. Pre-operative labs showed AM cortisol 1.1 ug/dL, testosterone 43 ng/dL (reference range 250-1100), FSH 15.3 mIU/mL, LH 4.5 mIU/mL consistent with adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadism. He underwent transsphenoidal pituitary resection (TSR) during which frank pus was demonstrated after incision into the dura overlying the pituitary. Surgical pathology showed necrosis and granulation-type reaction with acute inflammatory cell infiltrates. Gram stain and methenamine silver stains did not reveal definite micro-organisms while tissue bacterial cultures showed normal skin flora. He remained hemodynamically stable without fevers throughout the hospitalization and was discharged on empiric antibiotics and hydrocortisone. A 74-year-old female with history of a pituitary macroadenoma was admitted for worsening headaches. Labs were consistent with her known history of secondary adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Repeat MRI showed characteristics suggestive of hemorrhage within a 1.8 cm intrasellar mass with inhomogeneous and peripheral enhancement after contrast. She underwent TSR and intraoperatively frank pus was encountered. Surgical pathology showed sinonasal mucosa with chronic inflammation. There was no growth in aerobic, fungal, or AFB cultures; anaerobic cultures grew rare commensal bacteria. She was discharged with a course of antibiotics and remains on hydrocortisone. A 42-year-old male presented with headache and was found to have a 2.5 cm sellar mass with rim enhancement elevating and compressing the optic chiasm on MRI. Labs were significant for AM cortisol 4.9 ug/dL and testosterone 8 ng/dL, FSH 0.4 mIU/mL, LH &amp;lt;0.2 mIU/mL consistent with adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadism. He underwent TSR and was found to have purulent debris in the sella. Pathology showed epithelial tissue fragments insufficient for diagnosis, and cultures grew few skin and oropharyngeal contaminants. He was discharged on hydrocortisone with a course of antibiotics. Conclusion We describe three patient cases presenting with headache and varying degrees of hypopituitarism, found to have purulent material emanating from the sella during transsphenoidal resection. None presented with clinical or biochemical systemic signs of infection. MRI imaging was variable, ranging from cystic, hemorrhagic features to peripheral enhancement. Surgical pathology and cultures were unrevealing for a definitive infectious source or other cystic lesion such as Rathke's cleft cyst. This case series demonstrates the potential nonspecific presentation of pituitary abscesses including negative cultures and pathology. It is important to keep this rare diagnosis in the differential for patients presenting with pituitary disease. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 12:35 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Case Report: Secondary Amenorrhea with Hyperprolactinemia due to Pituitary Macroadenoma

Introduction: Secondary amenorrhea has a broad etiology, so each case must be studied in depth. One of the causes of secondary amenorrhea is a state of hyperprolactinemia caused by a mass in the anterior pituitary. Pituitary macroadenoma patients may be asymptomatic or have a hormone imbalance or mass impact symptoms. Tumors in asymptomatic patients might be identified during a routine head imaging examination for unrelated medical issues. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old unmarried woman with complaints of headache, blurred vision, and worsening for one year ago. The patient complained of not having menstruation in the past five years ago, with a history of previous normal menstruation. On physical examination, found breast and pubic Tanner stage 5. On laboratory examination, it was found FSH (2.21), Oestradiol (20.23), and Prolactin (1365.47). On an MRI of the head examination on April 14, 2021, a solid intrasellar mass of suspected pituitary macroadenoma was found with a size of ± 1.3 cm x 1.4 cm x 1.6 cm. Conclusion: Secondary amenorrhea caused by hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary macroadenoma is a rare case (40%). First-line therapy for prolactinomas is dopamine agonist administration because most pituitary macroadenomas respond to dopamine agonists.

Intrasellar psammomatous meningioma: a case report and review of the literature

Intrasellar meningioma (IM) is a rare occurrence that is difficult to distinguish preoperatively from the most common non-functioning pituitary adenoma. Here we describe a case of psammomatous IM occurring in a 68-year-old woman, presented with visual defects. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) she was found to have an intrasellar mass with suprasellar extension that was approached with transsphenoidal surgery. Subtle radiological hints, namely dural tail sign, intralesional calcifications and a marked and homogenous early enhancement of IM on MRI after gadolinium administration, may aid clinicians in achieving an accurate pre-operative diagnosis and choosing the proper surgical approach. The clinical and neuroradiological features of IM described in the literature has been reviewed.

Abstract #996232: A Rare Case Of Actinomyces Infected Prolactinoma

BACKGROUND: Pituitary abscesses are rare and can be dire. During MRI (the preferred imaging modality for prolactinomas) they present as a solid tumor displaying an intrasellar or suprasellar mass with attenuation similar to the brain, demonstrating moderate contrast enhancement. Here we present a patientwho had transsphenoidal resection of a prolactinoma and pathology revealed a gram positive filamentous bacteria.

Intrasellar Cavernous Hemangioma, a Rare Condition Causing Both Radiological And Clinical Difficulties- a Case Report

Introduction: Intrasellar cavernous hemangiomas constitute an extremely rare group of findings in endocrinological practice. Diagnosis remains challenging due to non-characteristic symptoms and neuroradiological features which may resemble those of pituitary adenomas. Presentation of the Case: We present a case of female born in 1941, diagnosed with a hemangioma cavernosum located in the Sella turcica. In 2004 our patient presented with uncharacteristic symptoms: syncopes and chronic headaches. Computed tomography (CT) of the head revealed an intrasellar hyperdense tumor mass with radiological features suggesting a pituitary adenoma. In 2005 the patient underwent transcranial resection of the sellar mass, with subsequent oculomotor nerve palsy. In histopathological examination, diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was determined. Between 2005 and 2020 patient was asymptomatic, with multiple follow-up head MRIs scans, showing gradual progression in size of the intrasellar tumor. The patient was consulted by a neurosurgeon, with no direct indications for surgical approach found. Furthermore, due to suprasellar expansion into the direct proximity of the right optic nerve, the patient was disqualified for Gamma-Knife radiotherapy.The last MRI of the hypothalamic-pituitary area in 2020 revealed a polycyclic, homogeneous, 33x31x29 mm mass, filling in the space of the Sella turcica, with strong enhancement after contrast administration. Invasion of the surrounding structures, including the clivus, right cavernous sinus and right trigeminal cave were described. Bilaterally, internal carotid arteries and right optic nerve adhered directly to the lesion. Pituitary gland was compressed by the tumor mass. In July 2020, in order to verify the ambiguous radiological and clinical characteristics of the lesion including tumor regrowth and its invasiveness, a transsphenoidal partial resection was performed. Tissue samples were collected for the histopathological examination, which confirmed the initial diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma originating from the cavernous sinus. During a multidisciplinary tumor board, having taken into consideration relatively stable clinical condition and high risk possible surgical complications, the patient was currently disqualified from neurosurgical re-operation nor radiotherapy. Surprisingly, during whole follow up, patients pituitary function remained unimpaired. A watchful waiting approach, with radiological and endocrinological follow up were scheduled. Conclusion: To date, only few cases of intrasellar cavernous hemangiomas have been reported. Intrasellar hemangiomas may originate from the vascular tissue of the cavernous sinus. Surgical removal remains the recommended treatment modality, but radiosurgery could be a therapeutic option as well. Stable patients with no clinical symptoms may remain in observation.

Macroprolactinoma Presenting With Hyponatremia; A Rare Case Report

Abstract Background: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality, investigating the etiology can be challenging to the clinician, especially when the cause has rarely been associated with hyponatremia. Macroprolactinoma has rarely been reported as a cause of hyponatremia. We are reporting a case of macroprolactinoma presenting with hyponatremia. Care Report: A 67 year old female previously healthy female, presented with a fall due to syncopal episode. Patient reported lightheadedness for a week prior to presentation. On physical examination, patient had bilateral periorbital ecchymoses, and swelling of the nose. Remaining of physical exam was unremarkable. Lab work showed hyponatremia with high urine osmolality and high urine sodium, consistent with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). CT head showed Intrasellar soft tissue mass represents a pituitary macroadenoma. Pituitary hormonal workup showed high prolactin: 2,808 ng/mL, the rest of pituitary profile was normal, including pituitary-adrenal axis evaluation. Pituitary MRI confirmed a large pituitary macroadenoma measuring 1.7 x 2.9 x 2.5 cm, which displaces and compresses the optic chiasm and invades the right cavernous sinus. She was treated with fluid restriction and salt tablets with improvement of sodium level to normal. Cabergoline 0.25 mg twice a week was started with improvement of prolactin level to 156 ng/mL over 9 months period. Discussion: Pituitary macroadenoma rarely associated with hyponatremia, and when reported it is usually secondary to hypopituitarism (low ACTH or low TSH). However, there are few cases reported of SIADH related hyponatremia in the presence of normal pituitary function. Although the exact mechanism of exaggerated production of arginine vasopressin (AVP) is not fully understood, the likely theory thought to be related to the mechanical pressure on the axonal terminal of AVP neurons by the large pituitary tumor. Conclusion: Hyponatremia due to SIADH has been linked in few cases with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. Only two cases found in the literature reporting SIADH secondary to prolactin producing pituitary adenoma, with our case being the third reported case.

Pituitary Hyperplasia: To Operate or Not to Operate, That Is the Question

Pituitary hyperplasia is defined as an absolute increase in the number of one or more adenohypophyseal cell subtypes, manifesting radiologically as pituitary enlargement beyond what is considered normal. It has been noted in certain physiological conditions like pregnancy however can also be seen in pathological conditions with end organ insufficiency like severe hypothyroidism.21- year old female with a past medical history of Primary Hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis presented initially for evaluation of worsening headache and blurry vision. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 10 years of age and had an extensive family history of hypothyroidism. At the time of presentation, she was 11 months post- partum and had been on and off her levothyroxine supplementation, having stopped it completely for a few months after delivery. MRI brain showed an 18 mm homogeneously enhancing intrasellar mass with suprasellar extension. She was referred to Neurosurgery for further evaluation. Workup revealed a TSH >100 (0.27 - 4.2 mIU/L) and FT4 <0.4 (0.8 - 2 ng/dL). In the context of severe untreated hypothyroidism and MRI findings consistent with pituitary hyperplasia with abutment but no mass effect on the optic apparatus, initial plan was to treat the hypothyroidism medically and observe closely. Patient was started on levothyroxine supplementation. Her TSH improved to 3.367 (0.550 - 4.780 uIU/mL) and FT4 to 2.00 (0.89 - 1.76 ng/dL), ηοωεϖερ she continued to have worsening of visual symptoms. Surgery was considered to decompress the optic nerve, but pre-operative MRI showed a significant decrease in size of the pituitary gland with decreased suprasellar bulging and no mass effect on the optic chiasm. Surgery was subsequently cancelled.Prolonged primary hypothyroidism leads to pituitary hyperplasia due to loss of negative feedback from lack of circulating T4 and T3, leading to excessive TRH secretion from the hypothalamus. The high TRH can lead to thyrotroph as well as lactotroph hyperplasia. Subsequently patients can present with headache, vision changes along with signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and increased prolactin secretion. It is important to differentiate hyperplasia from other sellar lesions like pituitary macroadenoma or hypophysitis. Patients with hypothyroidism, who have pituitary enlargement diagnosed on brain imaging, should be promptly diagnosed and treated with thyroid hormone replacement. With a higher frequency and improved quality of imaging techniques, we are increasingly coming across scenarios of abnormal findings on imaging. Correlation of radiographic imaging results with a thorough history and biochemical testing is essential prior to proceeding with surgical intervention.

Successful pregnancy after operation in an infertile woman caused by luteinizing hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma: case report and literature review

BackgroundFunctional gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) are rare adenomas that most commonly secrete FSH. However, solitary LH-secreting pituitary adenomas are unusual.Case presentationA 30-year-old woman with elevated LH and normal FSH presented with inability to conceive. An MRI revealed an enlarged sella turcica and an intrasellar mass. Treatment with transsphenoidal resection led to normalization of LH and estradiol, as well as successful pregnancy. And we reviewed 6 cases of LH-secreting pituitary adenomas from 1981 to 2020.ConclusionsOur case is unique because of the LH-secreting pituitary adenoma without FSH hypersecretion. This case indicates that pituitary adenoma should be considered when other diseases causing infertility have been excluded.

Primary intrasellar schwannoma with intratumoral hemorrhage mimicking pituitary apoplexy: A case report

Tumours growing in the sella turcica are mostly pituitary adenomas. We describe a rare case of primary intrasellar schwannoma with intratumoral bleeding. A 38-year-old man presented with headache in association with bilateral supratemporal quadrantopsia. MRI showed an intrasellar mixed signal mass lesion with suprasellar extension. The majority of the pituitary hormones were normal. He was diagnosed as non-functional pituitary adenoma with pituitary apoplexy. Subtotal resection was achieved eventually via an endoscopic transnasal trans-sphenoidal approach. The histopathologic diagnosis was schwannoma. It is the first intrasellar schwannoma with intratumoral hemorrhage in literature to date. It implied that the primary intrasellar schwannoma has potential risk of intratumoral bleeding, which should be considered in the differential diagnoses of sellar lesions.

Homoeopathic Treatment of Pituitary Adenoma: A Case Report

Most pituitary adenomas are slow-growing and benign, which means they are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body. They generally have a slow but severe impact on vision due to compression of the optic nerves, optic chiasm, and cavernous sinus. However, as they grow big they can put pressure on nearby structures, such as the nerves that connect the eyes to the brain and cause symptoms. Pituitary adenomas are the third most common intracranial tumor and arise from the pituitary gland. An individual case is presented in this paper with radiological evidence (MRI) of a large lobulated intrasellar mass (3.0 cm transversely, 3.5 cm craniocaudally and 2 cm anteroposteriorly) with supra-sellar extension is causing elevation of the floor of the 3rd ventricle of the brain. Pituitary macroadenoma and hemorrhagic foei, pituitary apoplexy, and pituitary adenomas were founded by different CT scan and MRI reports in different laboratories. The patient was treated with constitutional homoeopathic medicines – Natrum muriticum-m/1, 16 doses up to Natrum muriticum-m/20, 16 doses each from 26/04/2014 to 07/08/2017. Before treatment imaging was done several times from 6/04/2011 to 12/01/2012showed complete resolution of the pituitary adenoma and during treatment3 follow-up imaging was done on 25/07/2015 and 06/08/2017. This case report reviews the clinical presentation, homoeopathic management, and treatment of the major classification of pituitary adenomas and call attention to the need for repertorization in individualized homoeopathic prescription. It is hoped that if this type of clinical research continues in the future, homeopathy will have a breakthrough result and it’s symptomatic medical treatment will play a beneficial role in the near future from the deadly evils of various types of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combined therapy.

Ectopic pituitary adenomas: clinical features, diagnostic challenges and management.

Ectopic pituitary adenomas (EPAs) are extremely rare pituitary adenomas located outside the sella turcica without any connection with intrasellar components. This study aims to review all the reported cases to date and describe the clinical characteristics of EPAs. In a retrospective chart review, 14 patients were identified with EPAs in our hospital. A literature review was performed, and 166 cases in the literature met the criteria. Clinical data were analyzed. Of 180 patients with EPAs, the mean age at diagnosis was 45.4years, and 66.5% of the patients were females. EPAs were mainly located in the sphenoid sinus (34.4%) and suprasellar region (25.6%), followed by the clivus (15.6%), cavernous sinus (13.3%) and nasopharynx (5.6%). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting (38.9%) and nonfunctioning (27.2%) adenomas were predominant. Patients with suprasellar EPAs were more likely to present menstrual disorders and visual changes, while patients with clival EPAs were more likely to suffer from headaches. EPAs in the cavernous sinus and suprasellar space were more likely to be initially misdiagnosed as a suspicious intrasellar mass on imaging examination. The complete tumor resection rates for EPAs in the sphenoid sinus, suprasellar region, clivus, cavernous sinus and nasopharynx were 72.3%, 88.6%, 45.0%, 73.3% and 88.9%, respectively. EPA clinical characteristics varied across different tumor locations and hormone-secreting types. In addition to comprehensive hormone evaluation and careful review of imaging data, nuclear medicine and surgical biopsy should also be considered when facing differential difficulty. EPA management should be individualized.

SAT-262 A Case of Pseudotumor Cerebri After Removal and Recurrence of ACTH-Producing Tumor

Introduction: Pseudotumor cerebri also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure which as a result causes headaches and vision problems. Several case reports and studies have reported a relation of IIH with Cushing’s disease (CD) in adults and children, particularly after surgical or medical therapy. We describe a very uncommon presentation of persistent intracranial hypertension (ICH) in a patient with recurrence of cushing’s disease after her initial surgical resection.Case presentation:38-year-old African-American female with a BMI of 45, type 2 diabetes, HTN and history of Cushing’s syndrome from an ACTH-producing pituitary macroadenoma. She initially presented with increasing weight gain and features of Cushing’s syndrome including hypertension, hyperglycemia, truncal obesity and moon facies. Imaging studies showed a 2 cm intrasellar mass with suprasellar extension without compression of the optic chiasm. Hormonal evaluation confirmed Cushing’s syndrome from an ACTH-producing pituitary macroadenoma. Patient underwent initial trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy (TSR) and was tapered down to physiologic doses of glucocorticoids.Post-operatively she started complaining of significant headaches and transient vision loss. She followed up with neuro-ophthalmology and was diagnosed with papilledema that was not present in the pre-operative examination. An LP (lumbar puncture) was recommended to assess for ICH, however patient declined the procedure. A year after, a second surgery had to be performed for recurrent pituitary adenoma. Unfortunately, a repeat MRI pituitary shortly after her second surgery revealed recurrent pituitary macroadenoma of 2.2 cm. Patient continued with headaches and underwent an LP with an opening pressure of 28 cm H20 (ICH > 26 cm H2O). She underwent a third TSR with follow up MRI showing gross total resection of the previously seen pituitary mass. For her ICH she was started on acetazolamide but was not able to tolerate due to paresthesias and metallic taste. Her symptoms have improved after her last resection and last MRI brain shows no residual tumor. She is currently on furosemide and focusing on weight loss.Conclusion: Our patient’s presentation is an interesting and unusual case because we believe she had both pseudotumor cerebri (IIH) and real tumor cerebri from the complications of her ACTH-secreting macroadenoma. The cause of IIH after treatment of cushing’s disease is believed to be mostly due to steroid withdrawal after surgical resection or medical treatment comprising hormonal control of cerebrospinal fluid production and absorption. In our patient we suppose that the persistent weight gain caused by the recurrence of her CD could also contribute to her IIH. The treatment in general is the same with physiologic doses of corticosteroids, diuretics and weight loss.

Pituitary tumours - a large retrospective single-centre study of over 2300 cases. Experience of a tertiary reference centre.

Pituitary adenomas (PAs), also known as a pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNET), are usually benign tumours of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and account for the third most common intracranial neoplasm. The most common type of pituitary adenoma is lactotroph adenoma, in which dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment. Nevertheless, in selected cases surgery or even radiotherapy may be required. In the current study, we aimed to analyse all patients who underwent surgery due to intrasellar mass in order to evaluate frequency of particular pituitary tumours, clinical diagnosis, and pathology findings. We retrospectively analysed all cases of patients consecutively operated due to intrasellar mass between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2018 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, Poland. Our database included 2348 cases: 1390 women (59.2%) and 958 men (40.8%). The mean age for women was 48.4 years (SD ± 15.72; median 49) and for men 50.9 years (SD ± 14.94; median 53). In our cohort we found: 869 gonadotroph and null cell adenomas, 751 somatotroph and mammosomatotroph adenomas, 386 corticotroph adenomas, 71 plurihormonal adenomas, 59 craniopharyngiomas, 44 lactotroph adenomas, 18 purely thyrotroph adenomas, and other rare cases of pituitary tumours including one pituitary carcinoma metastasising to the liver (corticotroph origin). We provide a comprehensive analysis of both clinical and pathological findings of the largest cohort of patients operated on for pituitary adenomas in one tertiary reference centre. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest up-to-date published analysis in our country.

Functioning Gonadotroph Adenoma with Secondary Hypersecretion of Testosterone

Introduction: Gonadotroph adenomas are generally nonfunctioning. Hypersecretion of gonadotropins by gonadotroph adenomas rarely induced hypersecretion of testosterone. We report a case of functioning gonadotroph adenoma with secondary hypersecretion of testosterone. Medical Observation: A 25-year-old patient who having had a progressive and bilateral loss of visual acuity for two years. The ophtalmologist’s examination concluded to bitemporal hemianopia. He had no other clinical manifestations of hyper or hypo hormonal secretion. The brain scan has revealed an intrasellar mass with suprasellar development that represses the optic chiasma and the carotids. The assessment carried out revealed an increase in FSH, LH and testosterone. The diagnosis of a functioning gonadotroph macroadenoma with secondary hypersecretion of testosterone was retained. Surgical excision of the adenoma was performed. Anatomo-pathological examination concluded to a pituitary adenoma. The patient showed an improvement in the right visual acuity and developed an adrenal corticotropic insufficiency substituted by hydrocortisone 20 mg per day. The postoperative hormonal profile revealed a normalization of FSH and testosterone. Conclusion: Functioning gonadotroph adenoma with secondary hypersecretion of testosterone is rare. The first-line treatment is surgical and allows an improvement of the cerebral tumor syndrome and the restoration of the gonadotropic function.

Anatomical Aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Associated Destructive Cranial Lesions

The authors report two cases of destructive cranial lesions associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis–HIV coinfection in a male and female cadaver. Both cadavers were of African origin, from the Western Cape, South Africa. The authors present grossly abnormal tuberculosis–associated lesions of the anterior and middle cranial fossae, involving the ethmoid and sphenoid bones. Both individuals presented with tubercular intrasellar masses and obliteration of the paranasal sinuses. Current literature on cases such as these are extremely rare and others typically focus on lesions of the calvarium. Here we report on the gross anatomical findings as well as the relevant anatomical aspects of the probable aetiology. Both cases presented here hold interest for medical professionals in Africa and other geographic regions. It further illustrates the importance of understanding the venous drainage of the paranasal sinuses when considering the manifestation and treatment of extrapulmonary TB.

Severe hyponatremia as a presenting sign of panhypopituitarism due to non-functioning pituitary adenoma: a case report

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia is a commonest electrolyte imbalance which is defined as \&amp;quot;serum sodium level less than 135mEq/L\&amp;quot;. It is seen especially in elderly patients presenting in emergency department of hospitals. There are wide range of differentials in hyponatremic patients but it can be the initial sign of pituitary disease specifically in old age population. Diagnosis can often be challenging because symptoms can be attributed to normal aging process and high index of clinical suspicion is necessary. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present the case of 61-year old female presented in our facility with history of vomiting, drowsiness and fatigue for 2 days before admission. On investigating, her CBC, LFT\&amp;apos;s, RFT\&amp;apos;s and urine R/E were within normal limits. Serum electrolytes showed hyponatremia. CXR was also normal. As patient was not in fluid overload, so our differentials based on euvolumic hyponatremia included syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion(SIADH), severe hypothyroidism or glucocorticoid insufficiency. Urine osmolarity was not in range of SIADH. Serum cortisol was normal. FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone were low although these should be high as patient was post-menopausal. Prolactin was normal. MRI brain with contrast showed supra and intrasellar mass consistent with pituitary macroadenoma. Depending on presentation and investigations, Non-functioning pituitary adenoma(NFPA) presenting with panhypopituitarism complicated by hyponatremia was the final diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the importance of diagnosing NFPA in elderly patients who present with hyponatemia which can often be challenging and should not be delayed as this is life-saving, hence targeted treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Sudden and unexpected death due to intracranial sellar extramedullary plasmacytoma

The incidence of sudden death caused by undiagnosed primary intracranial neoplasm in young adults is extremely low. The aim of the work is to present a case report of the sudden death of a 24-year-old woman. The autopsy has revealed enlargement of sella turcica with an intrasellar tumorous mass extending into the adjacent basal parts of the brain. A tumour was diagnosed as an extramedullary plasmacytoma. The cause of death was established as a failure of the central nervous system. Toxicological analyses of biological materials were negative. According to the case history, a woman reportedly had no serious health problems. Finding of an extensive intracranial tumour in the sella turcica was random and surprising. The presented case is an extremely rare case of sudden death caused by intracranial intrasellar extramedullary plasmacytoma without previous clinical manifestation.

WITHDRAWN: Solitary Skull Base Plasmacytoma with Sella Turcica Extension

Summary A case of 65-year-old female with intrasellar mass was operated on under the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. The final diagnosis of plasmacytoma was made by immunocytochemical stain of IgG and electron microscopical findings. Postoperatively, the radiological studies of systemic skeletal bone and cytology of bone marrow were normal. However, the serum IgG was high, and the urinary Bence-Jones protein (kappa type) was positive. Although these laboratory data normalized after operation and irradiation, the patient converted to severe multiple myeloma and expired one and half year after operation.