Primary choroid plexus papilloma of the sellar region

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system and are usually confined to the ventricle system. We describe a choroid plexus papilloma located in the sella turcica that was identified pathologically.

A 49-year-old woman with a 5-year history of progressive visual deterioration in the left eye was admitted to our hospital. Neurological examination found no abnormality except for the perception of light and secondary optic atrophy in her left eye. Careful endocrine testing did not show any hormone excess or deficiency of the pituitary and target glands. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a hemorrhagic mass in the sellar region, which occupied the entire sella turcica and extended to the suprasellar cistern. The mass was excised via an endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach. Histologic examination proved that the lesion was a choroid plexus papilloma.

Choroid plexus papillomas arising in and occupying the sella are rare, although some radiographic patterns of ectopic choroid plexus papillomas have been reported. A review of the current literature revealed no similar cases of a choroid plexus papilloma. We discuss the different radiological appearances of choroid plexus papillomas, the differential diagnosis, and treatment.