Radiologic presentation of pituitary adenoma

This case report aims to educate the importance of ordering radiographic studies when suspicion arises: visual field defects and optic nerve appearance may lead to the discovery of otherwise asymptomatic central nervous system disease.

We describe a patient who was previously diagnosed and successfully treated for a pituitary adenoma but who presents with worsening visual acuity and visual field defects.

Pituitary tumors are the most common of all tumors arising from the sellar and parasellar region. Owing to the high prevalence and proximity of these tumors to the optic nerve, chiasm, and tract, it is especially important to incorporate an appropriate history, examination, and radiographic workup in patients with suspicious visual field or optic nerve appearances. It is also critical to have anatomic and physiologic familiarity with the sellar and parasellar region. This case report explores the clinical presentation, test results, anatomy and physiology, interdisciplinary co-management, and current and future treatments of pituitary adenomas.