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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Abscess formation within invasive pituitary adenoma
Mustafa Aziz Hatiboglu1, A Celal Iplikcioglu, Deniz Ozcan
1Department of Neurosurgery, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. azizhatiboglu@yahoo.com
Summary
This rare case of pituitary abscess secondary to an adenoma, a condition with high mortality, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Prompt surgical intervention and antibiotics led to patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Pituitary abscesses are uncommon, with only 19 cases previously reported.
- Pituitary adenomas are common pituitary tumors, but secondary abscess formation is rare.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old male presented with severe headache, nausea, vomiting, decreased vision, diplopia, and bilateral ophthalmoplegia with ptosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a pituitary abscess associated with an adenoma.
Findings:
- The patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery for debulking of the tumor and excision of the abscess.
- Post-operative antibiotic therapy was initiated.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of pituitary abscess with adenoma presenting as bilateral total ophthalmoplegia.
- Early diagnosis and prompt surgical and antibiotic treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with pituitary abscesses.
- This condition carries a significant mortality rate, emphasizing the need for timely intervention.
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