Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Typical cluster headache caused by granulomatous pituitary involvement
I Favier1, J Haan, S G van Duinen
1Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands. i.favier@lumc.nl
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|January 30, 2007
Summary
Cluster headache attacks in a young woman resolved after pituitary tumor removal. This rare case highlights the need for brain imaging to rule out structural causes of cluster headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder characterized by severe unilateral head pain.
- Pituitary mass lesions can cause various neurological and endocrine symptoms.
Observation:
- A young woman presented with typical cluster headache attacks.
- Simultaneously, a pituitary mass lesion was identified in the same patient.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the pituitary mass, diagnosed as granulomatous inflammation, led to the complete resolution of cluster headache attacks.
- This represents a previously undescribed association between cluster headache and pituitary granulomatous inflammation.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between pituitary inflammation and cluster headaches.
- It underscores the importance of neuroimaging in evaluating even typical cluster headache presentations to exclude underlying structural abnormalities.
Related Concept Videos
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...

