Histiocytosis X with Involvement of Pituitary Stalk: Case Report

ABSTRACT

A case of histiocytosis X with the involvement of pituitary stalk in a 5 year old boy was described. He presented with diabetes insipidus and the endocrinological study showed growth hormone deficiency. On computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the pituitary stalk was abnormally thick. Overlooking of the skull lesion on plain X-ray film led to an erroneous diagnosis of germ cell tumor'. Gross total removal of the lesion and chemotherapy were performed. In the differential diagnosis of suprasellar masses, this disease entity should be included. The importance of histological diagnosis of the infundibular lesion in cases of central diabetes insipidus is also emphasized.