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Updated: May 11, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
[Compressive optic neuropathy secondary to a pituitary macroadenoma]
M Cheour1, H Mazlout, S Agrebi
1Service d'ophtalmologie, faculté de médecine de Tunis, université de Tunis El Manar, CHU Habib Thameur, 8, rue Ali Ben Ayed Montfleury, 1008 Tunis, Tunisie. moniacheour@yahoo.fr
Introduction:
Pituitary adenoma is a common benign tumor representing 8 to 10% of intracranial mass lesions. The compressive optic neuropathy associated with a pituitary adenoma can be clinically indistinguishable from glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Case Report:
A 56-year-old man with no significant past medical history had noticed a rapid decrease in visual acuity for 6 months. Funduscopic examination revealed glaucoma-like bilateral, asymmetric optic cupping. Brain MRI examination revealed a pituitary tumor compressing the optic chiasm.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of a compressive optic neuropathy associated with a pituitary adenoma can be difficult, since it often simulates chronic glaucoma. However, several features should alert the clinician to the possibility of a compressive optic neuropathy and prompt neuroimaging, in order to obtain earlier diagnosis and treatment.
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