Ectopic prolactinoma within the sphenoidal sinus associated with empty sella.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurosurgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Pituitary adenomas are common intracranial tumors causing endocrine dysfunction.
• Ectopic pituitary adenomas (EPAs) are rare, located outside the typical intrasellar region.

Observation:

• A 31-year-old male presented with hyperprolactinemia (240 ng/ml).
• MRI revealed a sphenoid sinus mass with partial gadolinium enhancement, an empty sella, and no sellar floor defect.

Findings:

• Dopamine agonist therapy failed to reduce prolactin levels.
• Surgical removal of the intrasphenoidal mass via a transsphenoidal approach was successful.

Implications:

• Intrasphenoidal EPAs, though rare, should be suspected in patients with endocrine disorders and sphenoid sinus masses.
• This case underscores the importance of considering ectopic pituitary adenomas in the differential diagnosis of sellar and parasellar masses.