Intrasellar mucocele simulating pituitary adenoma: case report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Endocrinology
• Radiology

Background:

• Sellar and suprasellar lesions pose diagnostic challenges.
• Pituitary adenomas are common sellar masses.
• Mucoceles are rare cystic lesions in the sella turcica.

Observation:

• A rare case of an intrasellar mucocele with suprasellar extension is presented.
• Preoperative clinical presentation was non-specific.
• Computed tomography (CT) imaging findings were indistinguishable from pituitary adenoma.

Findings:

• The intrasellar mucocele mimicked a pituitary adenoma on preoperative evaluation.
• Definitive diagnosis required surgical or pathological examination.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses like intrasellar mucoceles.
• Advanced imaging techniques may be needed for differentiation.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for appropriate surgical planning and patient management.