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Published on: January 17, 2018
Isolated Suprasellar Chordoma Mimicking Pituitary Adenoma: A Case Report
Mohammed K Al-Quwayee1, Fahad Albadr2, Rayan N Almasoud3
1Neuroradiology, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, SAU.
Abstract:
Chordomas are uncommon neoplasms predominantly observed in adult males, typically middle-aged. These tumors present with diverse clinical features, including headaches, cranial neuropathies, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Surgical intervention is often complex due to tumor location or postresection reconstruction requirements, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for optimal management. The report describes an atypical case of a 20-year-old female patient presenting with persistent headaches and visual disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large sellar/suprasellar mass initially suggestive of a pituitary adenoma. Following surgical excision, histopathological analysis confirmed a chordoma. This report emphasizes the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of suprasellar chordomas, which may radiologically mimic common sellar lesions. The case underscores the importance of including chordoma in the differential diagnosis of sellar/suprasellar masses, especially in younger patients with visual impairment and headache.

