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DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1801282
Nonfunctioning Ectopic Pituitary Adenoma: A Rare Case Report from Southern Asia
Funding None.![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00053244/EFirst/lookinside/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0044-1801282_2410015-1.jpg)
Abstract
Ectopic pituitary adenoma (EPA) is an extraordinarily rare condition characterized by the presence of a pituitary adenoma outside the intrasellar region. Although EPA may share similarities with typical pituitary adenomas in morphology, radiological findings, immunohistochemistry, and hormonal activity, it can present with either nonspecific or specific endocrine symptoms. A 37-year-old female school teacher with persistent and worsening headaches underwent neuroimaging, which revealed a sizable extra-axial solid mass in the right parasellar region, extending into the cavernous sinus, base of the skull, and sphenoid sinus. This mass was initially indicative of a cavernous sinus meningioma. Laboratory investigations, including a pituitary hormone profile, yielded normal results. Despite the lack of typical symptoms, the patient underwent an elective right temporal craniotomy and subtotal tumor resection, which exposed both extra-axial and intra-axial components. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the presence of a pituitary adenoma with atypical features. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, and adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery was used to address the residual lesion. During the 1-year follow-up, the patient remained free of symptoms. This case highlights the diagnostic complexities associated with nonfunctioning EPAs and underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and sustained patient well-being.
Keywords
ectopic pituitary adenoma - pituitary adenomas - inactive ectopic pituitary adenoma - cavernous sinus meningiomaAuthor's Contributions
D.H. was involved in concepts, design, definition of intellectual content, literature search, manuscript preparation, editing, and review. G.M.C. contributed to the definition of intellectual content, literature search, manuscript preparation, editing, and review. I.C. participated in concepts, definition of intellectual content, manuscript editing, and review, and served as a guarantor. A.G. contributed to concepts, definition of intellectual content, manuscript editing, review, and also served as a guarantor.
Patients' Consent
We confirm that we have secured written consent from the patient to share her clinical information in this journal report. The patient and her family are aware that while her name and initials will remain confidential, and every effort will be made to protect her identity, complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Publication History
Article published online:
20 December 2024
© 2024. Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
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