Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Seventeen-year-old adolescent with pituitary abscess
Michelle I Lin1, Anna J Janss, David Wrubel
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emory Children's Center, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. milin@emory.edu
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|December 8, 2011
Summary
Pituitary abscess, a rare infection, can mimic other conditions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing severe pituitary dysfunction and life-threatening complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Pituitary abscess is a rare, potentially fatal condition.
- Diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms and lack of infection signs.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male presented with headaches, polyuria, and polydipsia.
- He had hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency.
- Imaging revealed a pituitary mass.
Findings:
- Transsphenoidal biopsy and drainage revealed a pituitary abscess.
- Antibiotic treatment led to abscess resolution.
- One-year follow-up MRI showed a normal pituitary.
Implications:
- Despite resolution, the patient requires long-term hormone replacement therapy.
- Early hypothalamic-pituitary evaluation is vital for any pituitary lesion.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in complex presentations.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain 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,...
01:27Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:22Bacterial 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...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...