A Sedimentation Level in Pituitary Adenoma on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
- Author:
Young Rae KIM
1
;
Jun Hyeok SONG
;
Hyang Kwon PARK
;
Sung Hak KIM
;
Kyu Man SHIN
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Women's University, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Pituitary apoplexy;
Sedimentation level
- MeSH:
Craniopharyngioma;
Diagnosis;
Female;
Headache;
Hemianopsia;
Hemorrhage;
Humans;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*;
Middle Aged;
Neurologic Examination;
Pituitary Apoplexy;
Pituitary Neoplasms*;
Visual Acuity
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
2001;30(4):519-521
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
We present a rare case of a pituitary adenoma revealing a sedimentation level on MRI, which has not been previously documented. This 55-year-old woman was referred with the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. She presented with four-month history of progressive headache and visual dimness. Neurological examination revealed a bitemporal hemianopsia and decreased visual acuity. Laboratory data including endocrine examination were unremarkable. An additional three-dimensional MRI was taken for further evaluation, and demonstrated a sedimentation level within the tumor. The patient underwent transcranial removal of the tumor. About 12cc of dark-red blood was aspirated from the tumor. Histological examination revealed a pituitary adenoma with hemorrhage. Postoperatively, the patient showed gradual improvement of visual function. Considering that the pituitary adenoma is one of more common tumors that cause tumoral bleeding, a cystic sellar tumor that has a sedimentation level should be sought first for a pituitary adenoma rather than a craniopharyngioma. This may have an important impact when deciding surgical approach.
