Related Experiment Videos
[Intrasellar carotid aneurysm simulating prolactin adenoma]
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|December 1, 1985
Summary
A rare case of intrasellar aneurysm mimicking a pituitary tumor caused secondary amenorrhea and ophthalmoplegia. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial, as pituitary function may not recover.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Vascular Neurosurgery
Background:
- Secondary amenorrhea and ophthalmoplegia can be symptoms of pituitary dysfunction.
- Pituitary tumors are a common cause of sellar abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhea, ophthalmoplegia, and subarachnoid bleeding.
- Imaging revealed an enlarged sella turcica, initially suspected as a pituitary tumor.
- Carotid arteriography diagnosed an intrasellar aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery.
Findings:
- The patient had mild hyperprolactinemia and other adenohypophyseal function deficiencies.
- Embolization of the aneurysm and subsequent anastomosis did not restore endocrine function.
- Hyperprolactinemia was likely due to pituitary ischemia.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive investigations, including vascular imaging, before pituitary surgery.
- Intrasellar aneurysms can mimic pituitary tumors, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.
- Subarachnoid bleeding in the sellar region warrants thorough evaluation for vascular lesions.