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Ectopic pituitary adenoma with empty sella: A case report
Bourekba Iliass1, Boumeriem Khaoula1, Khouchoua Selma1
1Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco.
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
|January 1, 2024
Summary
Ectopic pituitary adenomas are rare tumors found outside the normal pituitary gland. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and surgical management of a sphenoid sinus ectopic pituitary adenoma presenting with hyperprolactinemia.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic pituitary adenomas arise from misplaced pituitary cells during embryonic development.
- Diagnosis is challenging, requiring confirmation of no connection to the normal pituitary gland.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old female presented with symptomatic hyperprolactinemia.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a sphenoid sinus mass and an empty sella turcica.
Findings:
- Surgical confirmation excluded sellar floor breach, supporting ectopic pituitary adenoma diagnosis.
- Histological examination confirmed the adenoma's ectopic origin.
Implications:
- This case adds to the literature on rare ectopic pituitary adenomas, particularly those associated with empty sella.
- Surgical treatment is the most common management approach for these rare tumors.
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