Ectopic pituitary adenoma occurring in the interpeduncular cistern. Case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Neurosurgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Intracranial ectopic pituitary adenomas are rare tumors typically found in the suprasellar cistern, often connected to the pituitary stalk.
• These tumors are thought to arise from ectopic pituitary cells or the pars tuberalis.
• Cushing's syndrome can be caused by pituitary adenomas, but ectopic locations present unique diagnostic and surgical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of an intracranial ectopic pituitary adenoma.
• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical management of a patient with Cushing's syndrome due to an ectopic pituitary adenoma.
• To discuss the potential origin of ectopic pituitary adenomas in unusual locations.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 37-year-old woman with Cushing's syndrome.
• Diagnostic evaluation including endocrine testing and neuroimaging.
• Surgical resection of the ectopic pituitary adenoma.
• Post-operative follow-up to assess clinical and laboratory improvements.

Main Results:

• A 37-year-old woman presented with Cushing's syndrome.
• An ectopic pituitary adenoma was identified in the interpeduncular cistern, separate from the pituitary stalk.
• Surgical removal of the tumor led to resolution of endocrine symptoms and normalization of laboratory results.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis, and the absence of residual tumor in the pituitary gland or stalk was inferred from clinical improvement.

Conclusions:

• Ectopic pituitary adenomas can occur in rare locations, such as the interpeduncular cistern, and cause significant endocrine dysfunction.
• Surgical resection is an effective treatment for ectopic pituitary adenomas, leading to symptom resolution.
• The origin of such tumors may involve aberrant pituitary cells within the leptomeninges.