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MR of pituitary metastasis in a patient with diabetes insipidus
Y Koshimoto1, M Maeda, H Naiki
1Department of Radiology, Matsunami General Hospital, Gifu, Japan.
Abstract:
We present a case of acute-onset diabetes insipidus in a 69-year-old man who had been treated for lung cancer. T1-weighted MR images showed a thickened pituitary stalk and absence of the normal high intensity of the posterior pituitary lobe. Dynamic imaging demonstrated poor enhancement in the posterior lobe, whereas the anterior lobe was strongly enhanced. Autopsy revealed that metastatic tumor from lung cancer had infiltrated the posterior lobe as well as the pituitary stalk.
Insights
A 69-year-old man with lung cancer developed acute diabetes insipidus. Metastatic lung cancer infiltrated the pituitary stalk and posterior lobe, causing the condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lung cancer treatment can lead to endocrine complications.
- Pituitary gland involvement is a rare but serious complication of metastatic cancer.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male patient with a history of lung cancer presented with acute-onset diabetes insipidus.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a thickened pituitary stalk and absent posterior pituitary hyperintensity.
- Dynamic imaging showed poor enhancement of the posterior pituitary lobe, with strong enhancement of the anterior lobe.
Findings:
- Autopsy confirmed metastatic lung cancer infiltration of the posterior pituitary lobe and pituitary stalk.
- This infiltration was the direct cause of the patient's diabetes insipidus.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering pituitary metastasis in patients with lung cancer and new-onset diabetes insipidus.
- Early diagnosis and management of pituitary involvement in cancer patients can improve outcomes.
- Understanding the neuroendocrine effects of cancer metastasis is crucial for comprehensive patient care.