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Primary intrasellar coccidioidomycosis simulating a pituitary adenoma
M Scanarini1, A Rotilio, L Rigobello
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Padua, Italy.
Neurosurgery
|May 1, 1991
Summary
A rare Coccidioides granuloma mimicked a pituitary mass causing unilateral ophthalmoplegia in a 68-year-old woman. This fungal infection should be considered in pituitary mass evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Mycology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pituitary and cavernous sinus masses can present with ophthalmoplegia.
- Fungal infections are an uncommon cause of sellar and parasellar lesions.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old woman presented with acute, unilateral ophthalmoplegia.
- Radiological imaging revealed a mass involving the pituitary gland and left cavernous sinus.
Findings:
- Transsphenoidal biopsy identified a Coccidioides granuloma.
- This represents a rare fungal etiology for a pituitary mass.
Implications:
- Coccidioidomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for pituitary masses.
- Early identification of fungal causes can guide appropriate treatment and improve patient outcomes.