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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
[Asymptomatic acoustic neurinoma associated with hypophyseal macroadenoma]
P Vaamonde Lago1, C Castro Vilas, A Soto Varela
1Cátedra y Servicio de O.R.L., Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela.
Unlabelled:
The widespread use of gadolinium-enhanced MRI (Gd-MRI) in our hospitals has supposed an increase in detection of asymptomatic acoustic neuromas (AN) as incidental finding. Concurrent primary intracranial tumors of different cell types are extremely uncommon.
Clinical Case:
A 23 year-old woman complained of irregular menstrual cycles and galactorrhea for two years. A Gd-MRI scan showed a pituitary macroadenoma and an AN of 1.4 cm. with intracanalicular and cisternal extension. The patient did not have any otologic or neuro-otologic symptoms or signs. Audiograms revealed bilateral normal hearing. The results of acoustic reflex test and electronystagmographic caloric tests were normal. The AN underwent radiosurgery treatment.
Discussion:
The literature about atypical AN is reviewed, giving a particular concern on asymptomatic cases. We only have found one case of association between AN and pituitary adenoma. The real prevalence of AN in general population is discussed.
