Large pituitary incidentaloma in a patient with sarcoidosis

Abstract

A 60 year old male with a medical history of pulmonary sarcoidosis and chronic low testosterone presented to his allergist for excessive lacrimation. Computed tomography (CT) scan of sinuses ordered for possible blocked nasolacrimal duct revealed an abnormal expansion of the sella turcica. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a homogeneously enhancing 4 cm soft tissue mass enveloping the internal carotid and abutting the optic nerves. Since the patient indicated no symptoms, it was felt to be consistent with a pituitary incidentaloma. Laboratory investigation showed only minimally elevated prolactin. Visual field testing at the office was normal but computed campimetry was suggestive of few minimally depressed points in the supra-temporal quadrant on the right. Even with high suspicion of neurosarcoidosis, the patient had a surgical indication so he underwent transsphenoidal excision of the mass with no complications. Pathology was consistent with a null-cell pituitary adenoma.

Keywords

• pituitary macroadenoma
• MRI
• transsphenoidal surgery
• incidentaloma
• sarcoidosis