Lipemia retinalis secondary to pituitary neuroendocrine tumor: a case report

This case report presents a 31-year-old male patient with lipemia retinalis secondary to a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). The patient presented with a 3-year history of progressive facial changes and enlargement of the hands and feet. Physical examination revealed typical signs of acromegaly. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a pituitary tumor. Laboratory examinations revealed significant elevations in growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and serum lipid levels, along with chylous blood. Bilateral fundus examination showed characteristic creamy-pink discoloration of retinal arteries and veins, as well as a darkened retina with slight salmon-pink discoloration. After treatment with lipid-lowering therapy, glycemic control, and pituitary tumor resection, the patient's serum lipid levels, blood glucose, and growth hormone levels returned to normal, and the fundus manifestations resolved completely. Lipemia retinalis is an uncommon ocular disorder, and its occurrence secondary to a pituitary tumor is extremely rare. Clinicians are advised to closely monitor lipid metabolism and ocular manifestations in patients with pituitary tumors. Early identification of lipemia retinalis can help prevent serious adverse outcomes such as retinal vascular occlusion and systemic vascular complications.