An algorithm for the treatment of concurrent pituitary adenoma and cavernous sinus aneurysm: A systematic review &...

Rarely, Pituitary adenomas (PA) can co-occur with intrasellar or intracavernous aneurysms. There is currently no clear guidance for the management of this dual pathology. We attempt to provide an algorithm to help guide clinical decision making for treatment of PAs co-occurring with adjacent cerebral aneurysms.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using various databases. Search terms included "(Pituitary Adenoma OR Prolactinoma OR Macroadenoma OR Adenoma) AND (ICA OR Internal Carotid Artery OR paracliniod OR clinoid) Aneurysm AND (Intra-cavernous OR intracavernous OR intrasellar OR Cavernous)."

A total of 24 studies with 24 patients were included. Twelve (50%) patients experienced visual symptoms. Ten patients (42%) had an aneurysm embedded within the adenoma. Fourteen patients (58%) had an aneurysm adjacent to the adenoma. Embedded aneurysms were significantly associated with rupture events.

Vision loss is the most pressing determinant of treatment. In the absence of visual symptoms, the aneurysm should be treated first by coil embolization. If not amenable to coiling, place flow diverting stent followed by six months of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. If visual loss is apparent, the adenoma-aneurysm spatial relationship becomes critical. In cases of an adjacent aneurysm, the adenoma should be removed transsphenoidally with extreme care and aneurysm rupture protocols in place. If the aneurysm is embedded within the adenoma, then a BTO is favored with permanent ICA occlusion followed by transsphenoidal resection if adequate collateral supply is demonstrated. If there is inadequate collateral supply, then an open-approach for amenable aneurysms with transcranial adenoma debulking should be performed.