Rare Manifestations of Common Diseases: Middle-Aged Male Polyuria-Headache-Inflammatory Granulomatous Lesions / 罕见病研究

A middle-aged man was presented with poor appetite, polyuria, polydrpsia, and headache. A sellar mass was found, along with total pituitary hypofunction and visual field defect. A biopsy of the lesion via the trans-sphenoidal approach showed inflammatory changes and granuloma formation. However, repeated cerebrospinal fluid and pathogenic examination of the pathological tissue showed no positive indications. The initial diagnosis considered autoimmune hypophysitis, and treatment of glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants was administered, which led to a temporary shrinkage of the lesion, but it gradually enlarged subsequently. After multidisciplinary discussion, a high possibility of pituitary tuberculosis infection was decided upon. After standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment was initiated, the lesion reduced noticeably and the patient′s condition improved. Pituitary tuberculosis infection is incredibly rare and extremely easy to misdiagnose. This case was diagnosed and treated in a timely and effective manner through a multidisciplinary approach, highlighting the importance of such an approach in dealing with rare diseases.

Diagnosis and differentiation of common sellar cystic/cystic-solid lesions based on clinical and MRI features / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Cystic lesions in the sellar region are one of the special types of space-occupying lesions in the sellar region, including cystic pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, Rathke′s cyst, pituitary apoplexy, pituitary abscess, arachnoid cyst, epidermoid Cysts, etc. Each type of lesion has its corresponding treatment principles and strategies, and the prognosis also varies. Therefore, a clear preoperative diagnosis helps to hammer out the right treatment plan. If the volume of cystic lesions in the sellar region increases to a certain extent, mass effect and changes in pituitary hormones may occur. Different types of cystic lesions have their own characteristics, so as MRI and other imaging. In this paper, the diagnosis and differential diagnosis are analyzed and summarized based on clinical and imaging features, flow chart of differential diagnosis is developed.

Microneurosurgery treatment for 41 recurrent craniopharyngioma cases / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the method and effect of microneurosurgery in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma.Methods:The clinical data of 41 recurrent craniopharyngioma patients treated by microneurosurgery in Capital Medical University Sanbo Brain Hospitalfrom January 2018 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 41 patients, 38 cases were treated with the frontal basal interhemispheric approach and 3 cases with the translongitudinal fissure combined with the transSylvian fissure approach. Gross total resection was performed in 34 cases (82.9%) and subtotal resection in 7 cases (17.1%). One patient (2.4%) died of pulmonary embolism during perioperative period. All patients had transient electrolyte disorder after operation, and recovered within 3 months after treatment. All patients had endocrine dysfunction. After 3 months of hormone replacement therapy, 11 patients were cured. Visual acuity decreased in 3 cases after operation, and 2 cases improved after treatment.Conclusions:Surgical treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma is very difficult, which is a great challenge for doctors and patients. However, through the individualized evaluation of the patients and the meticulous technique of the doctors during the operation, a satisfactory effect can be achieved post the operation of recurrent craniopharyngioma.

Application of anterior clinoid grinding in sellar region tumors and ophthalmic/superior clinoid process aneurysms of internal carotid artery / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of anterior clinoid process grinding in the treatment of ophthalmic / superior clinoid process aneurysms and sellar tumors.Methods:The clinical data of 16 patients who underwent anterior clinoid process grinding in Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2015 to July 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 1 patient with recurrent craniopharyngioma, 1 patient with recurrent pituitary adenoma, 13 patients with aneurysms, and 1 patient with suprasellar granulosa cell tumor combined with ophthalmic aneurysm of right internal carotid artery. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was used to evaluate the situation at discharge and in the medium-and-long term.Results:Sixteen patients underwent anterior clinoidprocess grinding. At discharge and the latest follow-up, the mRS scores of the patients were 0-2. A total of 15 aneurysms were treated, and there were no symptoms of visual loss or visual field defect after operation. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in all patients.Conclusions:The grinding of anterior clinoid process can effectively and fully stretch the optic nerve and internal carotid artery, and can observe the tumor neck at the lower end of pituitary stalk and the ocular segment/superior clinoid process of internal carotid artery under direct vision. It is one of the important auxiliary methods for the treatment of sellar lesions.

Clinical application of turbo gradient and spin echo-BLADE diffusion weighted imaging at the sellar region / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To compare the image quality of turbo gradient and spin echo-BLADE diffusion weighted imaging (TGSE-BLADE-DWI) with that of readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains (RESOLVE) at the sellar region.Methods:From September 15 th, 2019 to February 15 th, 2020, 38 patients with suspected sellar abnormalities were enrolled prospectively to perform RESOLVE and TGSE-BLADE-DWI at a 3.0 T MR scanner in Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Totally, 32 patients were identified with sellar lesions. The DWI images were evaluated subjectively and objectively. Two experienced radiologists scored images of the two DWI methods for anatomical structures (including the internal carotid arteries, optic chiasm, pituitary stalk and pituitary gland), lesion conspicuity, susceptibility artifacts, geometric distortions and overall image quality using a five-point scale respectively. Objective parameters on the images of the two DWI methods were analyzed, including lesion size, signal to noise ratio (SNR) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The consistency of subjective scores of two radiologists was tested by Kappa test. Paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, Kappa statistics were used for statistical evaluation. Results:TGSE-BLADE-DWI performed significantly better than RESOLVE in depicting the sellar anatomical structures, lesion conspicuity, geometric distortion and overall image quality (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in SNR, maximum longitudinal diameter of lesions and ADC of lesions between the two DWI methods(all P>0.05). The maximum transverse diameter measured by TGSE-BLADE-DWI was significantly smaller than that of RESOLVE ( Z=3.31, P=0.001). Conclusions:Compared with RESOLVE, TGSE-BLADE-DWI is superior in depicting the anatomical structures, decreasing susceptibility artifacts and geometric distortions at the sellar region and effectively improves the image quality of DWI, which has great value in clinical applications.

Dedicated sellar magnetic resonance imaging protocols without contrast enhancement in girls with central precocious puberty: prevalence of pathologic lesions and clinical correlation

ABSTRACT Objective: Contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely performed in children with central precocious puberty (CPP). We evaluated the value of a dedicated sellar MRI protocol without contrast enhancement in girls with CPP. Subjects and methods: This study included 261 girls diagnosed with CPP. We performed sellar MRI scanning without gadolinium enhancement of the hypothalamic-pituitary area (HPA) at the pituitary level, including additional T2-weighted imaging of whole-brain scans to check for other lesions. We evaluated the prevalence of intracranial lesions via this MR protocol. In addition,the correlation between the clinical parameters and morphology of the pituitary gland on the images was assessed. Results: Intracranial lesions were detected in 17 (6.5%) of the 261 girls. Of the 17 girls with abnormalities, 16 (94.1%) had findings in brain areas other than the HPA. The weight, height, Tanner stage of patients were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the group with greater pituitary height. Patient weight and height, Tanner stage of breast development, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in those with a higher pituitary grade as determined on sellar MRI. Conclusion: A dedicated unenhanced sellar MRI protocol provides valuable information on brain lesions and pituitary morphology. We found a significantly low prevalence of brain lesions among girls with CPP. Analysis of the height or shape of the pituitary gland on sellar MRI revealed significant correlations with the weight, height, Tanner stage, and LH levels of the patients.

Anatomical Variations of Sphenoid Sinus in Patients with Sino-Nasal Complaints– A Study based on CT Scan

Background: Sphenoid sinus is variably pneumatized and may show septations. There are some very important structures present in its relation likeopticnerveandinternalcarotidartery.So,itbecomesimportanttoknowthepatternsofvariationsinpneumatizationandseptationofthesinus so as to avoid any inadvertent injury to these structures during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries. The Aim is to determine the anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus on CT scan. Subjects and Methods:It CL can be used for repair/reconstruction procedures. A better understanding of histological characteristics of injured ACL ligament will add further knowledtion. The data on radiological variations were summarized by routine descriptive statistics namely counts and percentages for categorical variables.Result: In 86% of the radiographs, sellar type of pneumatization was found followed by pre-sellar type (8%) and post sellar type (6.6%). Sphenoid sinus Septation was found as single septum in 82% and multiple septum in 18% cases. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females according as evident by the ‘p’ value of 0.879 for sphenoid sinus pneumatization and 0.833 for sphenoid sinus septation.Conclusion: The sellar type of pneumatization was found to be most common in the present study. Awareness of these variations will help the surgeon in his orientation during endoscopic sinus surgeries to avoid inadvertent injury.

Lesiones sincrónicas selares: adenoma hipofisario y quiste de la bolsa de Rathke / Collision sellar lesions: pituitary adenoma and Rathke cleft cyst

Resumen El quiste de la bolsa de Rathke (QBR) es una entidad benigna de crecimiento lento que proviene del remanente del ectodermo primitivo. Presenta un origen común con los adenomas hipofisarios (AH), sin embargo, la presentación sincrónica de un AH y un QBR es infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 41 años con enfermedad de Cushing. Se realizó resonancia magnética con el hallazgo de dos lesiones en región selar. Se hizo un abordaje transnasal endoscópico, con exéresis completa de ambas. El informe de anatomía patológica reveló un AH corticotropo y un QBR. Tuvo una remisión clínica analítica endocrinológica a los seis meses postquirúrgicos. Ante el hallazgo de una imagen quística a nivel selar concomitante con un adenoma hipofisario, debe ser considerada la posibilidad diagnóstica de un QBR.

Abstract Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) are a slow-growing, benign, cystic lesions that arises from the remnants of the primitive ectoderm and Rathke's pouch. They present a common origin with pituitary adenomas (PA), however, the concomitant presentation of a PA and a RCC rarely occur. We present a case of a 41-year-old female with Cushing's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed two synchronic lesions in the sellar region. An endoscopic transnasal approach was performed, with complete excision of both. The histological studies revealed an ACTH secreting PA and a RCC. The patient presented clinical and endocrinological remission six months after surgery. With the presence of cystic lesion at the sellar region, and the concomitant finding of a pituitary adenoma, RCC should be considered.

Huge Sellar Plasmacytoma as Differential Diagnosis of Invasive Pituitary Adenoma: A Case Report

Sellar plasmacytomas are rare tumors arising from plasma cells. They are often misdiagnosed as adenomas.We report the case of a 63-year-old woman with headache, cranial nerve III palsy and decreased visual acuity. Imaging revealed an extensive lesion centered on the clivus, extending to the cavernous sinus bilaterally and into the sphenoid sinus. The hormonal tests were compatible with panhypopituitarism and mild hyperprolactinemia. The first hypothesis was invasive pituitary adenoma. Partial resection was achieved, and the immunohistochemical evaluation was compatible with plasmacytoma. After a few weeks, she developed lumbar and hip pain, and the imaging confirming osteolytic lesions. The final diagnosis was multiple myeloma.

Multiplanar MRI imaging of sellar and parasellar lesions with clinical and pathological correlation

Background: Sellar and parasellar/ juxtasellar regions are complex areas of the brain, hold delicate neurovascular structures. A number of diseases that affect the pituitary-hypothalamic axis can have profound clinical, endocrinological as well as neurological consequences. Aim of this retrospective study was to identify the MR imaging characteristics and epidemiology of sellar and suprasellar lesions, to correlate the MRI findings with histopathological findings and to highlight the diagnostic superiority of MR imaging.Methods: Author studied the records of 65 patients with sellar and suprasellar lesions for which preoperative MR imaging films or reports were available. Radiological appearances were correlated with intraoperative findings and post-operative histopathology.Results: Majority of patients in this study belonged to the age group 21-40 years. Most common mass lesion found was pituitary macroadenoma comprising 58% of the total cases. The accuracy of MRI in diagnosing macroadenomas are 96.80%. MR was 87.50%accurate, in diagnosing craniopharyngioma. MR was 100% in diagnosing meningioma in our study.Conclusions: MRI is the modality for characterizing sellar and suprasellar lesions, morphology of lesions, nature of contrast material enhancement and extent of lesions. Hence MRI is the modality of choice for diagnosing sellar and suprasellar masses with high accuracy

Physiopathological Aspects of Sellar Epidermoid Cyst Determining Endocrine Disturbances: A Case Report

Epidermoid cysts (ECs) of the central nervous system (CNS) constitute benign circumscribed lesions that aremore common in lateral than in midline sites. Epidermoid cysts of the CNS arise more frequently in the cerebellopontine angle, around the pons, near the sella, within the temporal lobe, in the diploe, and in the spinal canal. Most common tumoral lesion of sellar region is pituitary adenoma, and sellar cystic epithelial masses may be difficult to differentiate based only on clinical and imaging findings. Epidermoid cysts are covered by keratinized squamous epithelium and are usually filled with keratin lamellae. The process is, for the most part, maldevelopmental in origin, presumably arising from trapped surface ectodermal elements in association with the developing CNS during the closure of the neural groove or formation of the secondary cerebral vesicles. In the present study, the authors describe a case of sellar epidermoid cyst producing endocrine alterations and visual disturbance in a 35 years woman, and review the physiopathological and diagnostic criteria of this lesion.

An interesting presentation of pituitary adenoma

Pitutary adenomas are one of the commonest tumors of seller region of which prolactinomas and non- functioning adenomas predominate. The usual presentation are symptoms of endocrine dysfunction and mass effects. We present a case report of 37 year old male presenting with frontal headache and vomiting. Clinical observations revealed frontal bossing with enlarged hands and feet which arose a suspicion of Acromegaly. Investigations revealed elevated IGF 1 (insulin like growth factor) and growth hormone levels. Magnetic resonance image of the brain were done which showed pituitary adenoma. This case highlights the importance of clinical examination and the treating physician must have high clinical index of suspicion to detect endocrine dysfunction and use the modern techniques like stereotactic radio surgery (SRS).

Anatomical variations of intra-sphenoid sinus septations in a sample of Kashmiri population: a non-contrast computed tomography study

Background: The sphenoid sinus shows multitude of variations in pneumatization, size and pattern of septations leading to differences in its segmentation. Pre-operative knowledge of their attachment especially to posterolateral bony walls covering vital structures is of utmost importance for a safe trans-sphenoidal approach for various surgical procedures involving skull base. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) with its ability to provide multiplanar reformations (MPR) with sharp algorithms is now a reference standard for visualization of these intra-sphenoid sinus septations preoperatively. The objective of this study was to determine the number and attachment of intra-sphenoid sinus septations in a Kashmiri population sample.Methods: NCCT head images of 591 patients in the age range of 16 to 75 years were analyzed retrospectively. Individuals with age less than 16 years, previous surgery involving skull base/sphenoid sinus, trauma causing hem sinus/fractures around skull base or having space occupying lesions around skull base/sphenoid sinus were excluded from the study. On the CT workstation multi-planar coronal, sagittal and axial reconstructions were performed and subsequently examined.Results: The age range was 16 to 75 years with mean age of 43.56 years of which 453 (76.6%) were males and 138 (23.4%) were females. Single intra-sphenoid septation was the most common anatomic variant in present study (79.7%) being complete in 71.7% and partial or incomplete in 8% of the examined subjects. Double septa were found in 11% inpresent study and more than 2 septae in 3.4%. After sellar attachment (51%) the next most common site of attachment was to the carotid canal (29.5%) (23% to left ICA and 6.5% to the right ICA).Conclusions: Intricate knowledge about sphenoid sinus, its pneumatization and anatomical variations in intra-sphenoid sinus septations and its relationship with the surrounding vital structures is of utmost importance before performing any endoscopic/open surgery involving skull base via trans-sphenoidal approach. The present study shows that a significant percentage of septal attachment to the carotid canal makes main sphenoidal septum as not so reliable landmark for endoscopic procedures as used to be in the pre-imaging era. Thus, preoperative CT is mandatory to avoid injuries to para-sellar neurovascular and glandular structures.

Sellar/Suprasellar Germinoma Masquerading As Pituitary Adenoma

We report a case of sellar/suprasellar germinoma in a 17-year-old female which was misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma both clinically and on imaging. Patient presented with severe headache of short duration and diminished visual acuity in left eye. Endocrinological work up revealed hyperprolactinemia and markedly reduced blood cortisol. MRI revealed homogenously enhanced intrasellar mass with suprasellar extension showing characteristic dumbbell conguration (snowman sign). Provisional diagnosis of pituitary adenoma was made and transsphenoidal resection of tumor was performed which on histology and immunohistochemistry proved to be germinoma. Sellar/suprasellar germinoma without diabetes insipidus is considered to be very difcult to diagnose preoperatively and the differentiation from pituitary adenoma based on MRI ndings was not possible in this case. However it is suggested that in a child with visual impairment, endocrine dysfunction and sellar/suprasellar mass a possibility of germ cell tumor should always be considered in differential diagnosis and a frozen section has to be performed to avoid excessive dissection.

Emergency irradiation with 3.4 Gy/2f in sellar/suprasellar germinoma patients with rapid visual acuity decline / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Rapid visual acuity (VA) decline was a common complaint in patients with sellar/suprasellar germinoma. In our hospital, 3.4 Gy/2f of emergency irradiation was applied to save patient VA and enable subsequent chemoradiotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of emergency irradiation with 3.4 Gy/2f in patients with sellar/suprasellar germinoma who had rapid VA decline.@*Methods@#From January 2014 to December 2017, 33 patients with sellar/suprasellar germinoma who complained of VA decline within 3 months received 3.4 Gy/2f of emergency irradiation in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The best-corrected VA (BCVA) and mean deviation (MD) were measured. Correlations between visual function change and clinical factors, including age at diagnosis, duration of VA decline, extent of tumor regression, serum level of tumor markers, were analyzed.@*Results@#Among 33 patients with sellar/suprasellar germinoma, the median diameter and volume of sellar/suprasellar lesions were 32 mm (range: 5–55 mm) and 12.9 cm3 (range 0.6–58.5 cm3), respectively. Data on pre- and post-emergency-irradiation BCVA were obtained in 32 patients. For the right eyes, BCVA was improved in 23 patients (71.9%), unchanged in 7 (21.9%), and worsened in 2 (6.2%); and for the left eyes, these numbers were 27 (84.4%), 4 (12.5%), and 1 (3.1%), respectively. In terms of the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = Log (1/BCVA) score, the improvement was significant in both eyes (P < 0.001). In terms of MD, six patients had paired data and the improvement was marginal in the right eyes (P = 0.068) and significant in the left eyes (P = 0.043). However, no clinical factor was found to have correlation with visual function improvement.@*Conclusion@#In sellar/suprasellar germinoma patients with VA decline, 3.4 Gy/2f of emergency irradiation was effective in improving visual function.

Hypopituitarism Secondary to an Arachnoid Cyst ­ Case Report

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are a rare condition of mass effect injury and are usually found in the Sylvian fissure. However, rarely, they can appear in the sellar area, causing symptoms of compression. Due to the mass effect, the sellar arachnoid cyst (SAC) may cause headaches, visual disturbances, hypopituitarism, precocious puberty, and the "bobble-head doll" syndrome. We present the case of JNS, 61 years old, male. The patient presented with hypotestosteronism, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism and bitemporal hemianopsia. The magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a mass above the pituitary gland, compatible with a SAC. A surgical excision was performed with removal of the capsule and fenestration within the subarachnoid spaces for emptying the cyst. After the procedure, the patient presented great clinical improvement. The rarity of the case calls attention to the fact that SACs should be thought of as a differential diagnosis in cases of hypopituitarism.

Cistos aracnoides são uma condição rara de lesão de efeito de massa e que comumente aparecem na região da fissura silviana. No entanto, raramente, podem aparecer na região selar, ocasionando sintomas de compressão. Devido ao efeito de massa, podem causar dores de cabeça, distúrbios visuais, hipopituitarismo, puberdade precoce e síndrome da "bobble-head doll. " Apresentamos o caso de JNS, 61 anos, do sexo masculino. Paciente com hipotestosteronismo, hipotiroidismo, hipocortisolismo e hemianopsia bitemporal. As imagens de ressonância magnética (RM) revelaram uma massa acima da hipófise, mostrando um cisto aracnoide selar. O paciente foi submetido a excisão cirúrgica com fenestração dentro dos espaços subaracnoides para esvaziamento do cisto e apresentou grande melhora clínica após o procedimento. A raridade deste caso chama atenção para o fato de que o cisto aracnoide selar deve ser considerado como um diagnóstico diferencial em casos de hipopituitarismo.

Mri Characterization Of Sellar & Parasellar Lesions And Their Clinical Correlation

Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of the various lesions and to characterize imaging features of the sellar and parasellar lesions and to correlate between clinical and radiological diagnosis. Methodology: This study was done for the characterization of sellar & parasellar lesions with the help of MRI scan, which were done at the MRI centre, MB Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan from January 1, 2017, to December 2017. Medical case papers were reviewed for the primary clinical indication that led to a referral for pituitary MRI and serum prolactin levels were noted to follow up regarding surgical or conservative management was done. After analyzing the data results were expressed as frequency of occurrence and percentages of various lesions which were compared with clinical findings. Results: The study population consisted of 80 patients, of which majority were females. MRI revealed abnormality in 68% cases and it was found that combined sellar and suprasellar involvement was there in most of the patients, followed by pure intrasellar and parasellar involvement. Conclusion: The sellar and parasellar regions can be affected by a wide variety of lesions with almost similar presentation. When symptoms of mass effect, visual field deficits and endocrine abnormalities are not sufficient to distinguish these lesions, the use of MRI can helpful in reaching the proper diagnosis

Quantitative contrast study of sellar region by lateral orbital keyhole approach and conventional keyhole ap-proach / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To compare lateral orbital keyhole approach(LOK) with conventional keyhole approach including supraorbital keyhole approach (SOK) and pterional approach(PTK) for exposuring the sellar region and oper-ation ability, to provide theoretical and practical basis for the clinic. Methods From January, 2017 to Feburary, 2018, 15 cadaver head specimens of Chinese (30 sides) fixed by formalin were randomly divided into 3 groups, simu-lating SOK, LOK and PTK, application of frameless neuronavigation system, intersection of the posterior margin of the optic chiasma and the lamina terminalis served as the base point. Six different reference points were selected to radi-ate into the parasellar region of the skull base. The direction of the 2 adjacent reference points were connected to the base point to form a triangle. Six triangles constituted the sellar region to represent the total area. The supratentorial area, ipsilateral area, inferior area and contralateral area were calculated by stacking triangle. The comparison was made between groups. The Salma operation exposure scale was used to simulate the aneurysms of the common parts in the brain and the quantitative scores were performed. Results The total parasellar regions by SOK, LOK and PTK respectively were:(1641.6±295.6)mm2, (1782.3±294.6)mm2 and (1552.5±307.4)mm2. There was no statistical differ-ence(P>0.05); To compare the supratentorial region, SOK and LOK were both bigger than PTK ( P<0.05); To compare the ipsilateral and infratentorial area, LOK and PTK were both bigger than SOK respectively ( P<0.05);To compare the contralateral area, SOK, LOK and PTK were increased in turn (P<0.05). Salma operation exposure scale was used to get the scores:the score of SOK was 29.7 (39.08％), LOK was 37.0 (48.68％), and PTK was 36.1 (47.50％). Conclusion Anatomical analysis displayed that the 3 keyhole approaches showed different exposure of each part the parasellar re-gions, the LOK had a good exposure to the parasellar region and so as the higher maneuverability. But the clinical appli-cation should be comprehensive analysis, pay attention to specific lesions and make an appropriate choice. It has impor-tant clinical significance to improve the prognosis of patients.

Masa selar, no siempre un adenoma: presentación de 3 casos clínicos / A sellar mass, not always an adenoma: A report of 3 cases

El absceso hipofisario es un proceso infeccioso dentro de la silla turca, infrecuente, grave y de difícil diagnóstico debido a sintomatología variada e inespecífica. Presentamos 3 casos clínicos de abscesos hipofisarios, teniendo en común la presencia de lesiones preexistentes. Todos fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente, 2 pacientes resultaron ser abscesos asépticos y en un paciente se aisló Aspergillus capsulatum. Presentaron buena evolución con el tratamiento médico pero con secuelas de hipopituitarismo. Es muy importante tener en cuenta el absceso hipofisario entre los diagnósticos diferenciales de las masas que se localicen en esa región debido a que el diagnóstico oportuno y el tratamiento correcto son relevantes para el pronóstico de estos pacientes.

Pituitary abscess is due to a severe and uncommon infection in the sella. It is difficult to diagnose due to varied and non-specific symptoms. A report is presented of 3 cases of pituitary abscess, which had the presence of pre-existing injuries in common. All were subjected to surgery, with aseptic abscesses found in 2 patients, and Aspergillus capsulatum was isolated in 1 patient. They showed good progress with medical treatment, but with sequelae of hypopituitarism. It is very important to consider the pituitary abscess in the differential diagnosis of the masses that are located in that region, as a timely diagnosis and proper treatment can be important for the prognosis of these patients.

Hipofisitis linfoplasmocitaria con expresión de IgG4 / IgG4- related lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis

La hipofisitis linfoplasmocitaria con expresión de inmunoglobulina G4 (IgG4) es una entidad de reciente conocimiento. Pertenece al grupo de enfermedades relacionadas a IgG4 (IgG4-RD, del inglés: IgG4-related disease), donde uno o varios órganos pueden estar comprometidos, con síntomas compresivos u obstructivos, o disfuncionalidad por infiltración celular. La hipófisis puede estar afectada en forma aislada. Clínicamente, se presentan con diabetes insípida, hipopituitarismo y/o síntomas de masa ocupante selar, siendo los principales diagnósticos diferenciales los adenomas selares no secretantes, y otros tipos de hipofisitis. Para arribar al diagnóstico de este tipo patología es necesaria la presencia de una imagen de agrandamiento selar o engrosamiento del tallo pituitario en la resonancia magnética nuclear, una histopatología característica con inmunomarcación positiva para IgG4 en más de 10 células plasmáticas por campo de gran aumento y la presencia de IgG4 sérica elevada. Tienen una excelente respuesta a glucocorticoides, por lo que una sospecha diagnóstica oportuna evitaría una cirugía innecesaria en la mayoría de los pacientes con esta entidad.

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis is a recently known entity. It belongs to the IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD), in which one or more organs may be involved, with compressive or obstructive symptoms, or dysfunctionality due to cellular infiltration. The pituitary gland can be isolatedly affected. Clinically, lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis presents with diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism and/or symptoms of an occupying sellar mass, being the non-secreting sellar adenomas and other types of hypophysitis the main differential diagnosis. In order to reach the diagnosis, the presence of pituitary enlargement or pituitary stalk thickening on an MRI scan, a distinctive histopathology with positive for IgG4 immunostaining in more than 10 plasma cells per high-powerfield, and elevated serum IgG4 levels, confirms this type of hypophysitis. As this entity has an excellent response to glucocorticoids, the diagnosis suspicion may avoid an unnecessary surgery in most patients.