Biopsy proven pituitary sarcoidosis presenting as a possible adenoma

Sarcoidosis is a well-recognized systemic granulomatous process which involves the central nervous system in 5-15% of patients. One of the more frequent sites of central nervous system involvement is the pituitary and hypothalamic region. Involvement of the sellar region by sarcoidosis is overall an infrequent occurrence, comprising less than 1% of all intrasellar lesions. Patients typically present with an infiltrative lesion on imaging studies and clinically with symptoms related to diabetes insipidus or hyperprolactinemia. This report describes a 38-year-old woman who initially presented with a variety of symptoms including headaches, light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, acute visual changes, cold intolerance, amenorrhea, decreased libido, fatigue and galactorrhea. She had an elevated serum prolactin level and evidence of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid. Imaging studies discovered a 1.8cm mass involving the pituitary gland and compressing the optic chiasm. The lesion was excised and microscopically was marked by a chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate and scattered nonnecrotizing granulomas. Stains and microbiologic cultures failed to demonstrate microorganisms. There was no evidence of other organ involvement on postoperative imaging. She was treated with prednisone with improvement of symptoms and subsequently required methotrexate to treat left eye pain and blurred vision, 29months after her surgery. Achieving treatment control in patients with pituitary and hypothalamic improvement in sarcoidosis still remains a challenge.