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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Robotic Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma
Published on: February 20, 2026
Two patients with primary sellar leiomyomas, a rare entity.
Andrew Ko1, David K Su, Donald Born
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Summary
Sellar leiomyomas are rare intracranial tumors. Their behavior may depend on immune status, potentially causing pituitary dysfunction. Complete resection isn't always advised if pituitary function is intact.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Leiomyomas are typically found in the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tracts.
- Intracranial extra-axial leiomyomas are rare, predominantly reported in immunocompromised individuals.
- Sporadic sellar leiomyomas are exceptionally rare in immunocompetent patients.
Observation:
- Two cases of sporadic sellar leiomyomas in immunocompetent patients are presented.
- One patient experienced amenorrhea; the other developed headaches and panhypopituitarism.
- Both lesions were surgically resected via a transnasal transsphenoidal approach.
Findings:
- Literature review identified only two prior cases of sporadic sellar leiomyomas.
- Tumor behavior appears linked to the patient's immune status.
- Sellar leiomyomas can cause pituitary dysfunction through infiltration, mass effect, or prolactin secretion.
Implications:
- Complete surgical resection may be contraindicated if pituitary function is intact.
- Long-term endocrine monitoring is crucial for patients with sellar leiomyomas.
- Understanding the natural history of these rare tumors is vital for patient management.
