Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
A Case of Pituitary Macroadenoma Presenting as Aseptic Meningitis
Brendan J Wechsler1, Stephanie Kazi1, Nessim N Amin1,2
1University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Abstract:
Pituitary adenomas are a common brain tumor that are frequently asymptomatic but may initially present with vision deficits or very rarely as meningitis thought to be due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. In this case report we discuss the initial presentation of a pituitary macroadenoma as aseptic meningitis, particularly in the absence of an identifiable cerebrospinal fluid leak. We also discuss the workup and diagnostic challenges associated with this atypical presentation, including findings on imaging and pertinent laboratory results.
Insights
Pituitary macroadenomas can rarely mimic meningitis. This case report details a patient whose pituitary tumor initially presented as aseptic meningitis without a clear cerebrospinal fluid leak, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pituitary adenomas are common intracranial tumors.
- They are often asymptomatic but can cause symptoms like vision loss.
- Rarely, pituitary adenomas may present with meningitis due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
Observation:
- This case report focuses on a patient with a pituitary macroadenoma.
- The initial presentation mimicked aseptic meningitis.
- Crucially, no identifiable cerebrospinal fluid leak was present.
Findings:
- The study details the diagnostic workup for this atypical presentation.
- Imaging findings and relevant laboratory results are discussed.
- The challenges in diagnosing pituitary macroadenoma presenting as meningitis are highlighted.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering pituitary tumors in unusual neurological presentations.
- It emphasizes the need for thorough investigation even without obvious CSF leaks.
- The findings contribute to understanding the diverse clinical manifestations of pituitary adenomas.
