A rare case of pituicytoma-related hypercortisolism in a patient with Cushing syndrome—case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Distinguishing between a pituitary adenoma and a pituicytoma can be challenging. Hormonal changes in pituicytomas are uncommon, and the tumor's mass effect has triggered most symptoms. There were only two reported cases of pituicytoma with elevated hormonal levels in patients who presented with Cushing syndrome as of 2017. Case presentation This report describes a rare case of a patient who had Cushing syndrome from a pituitary-related hypercortisolism, most likely a pituicytoma with neuroendocrine features with the benefit of early detection and surgical resection. Conclusions Pituicytomas have malignant tendencies while pituitary adenomas are mostly benign, hence the need to distinguish them accurately for prompt treatment and improved prognosis.

Keywords

• Pituicytoma
• Pituitary adenoma
• Cushing syndrome
• Transsphenoidal resection
• Case report