Vascular flow empty shadow in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Key Clinical Message To investigate the blood supply characteristics and surgical significance of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with vascular flow void signal in tumors. The clinical data of one case of giant pituitary neuroendocrine tumor with vascular flow void signal were reported, and the related literature was reviewed. In this case of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor, the blood sinus from the superior pituitary artery was seen in the left rear of the tumor before the first operation, showing irregular low signal. Subsequently, the tumor recurred 46 mm high, grew upwards, and had no cystic degeneration. The blood vessels that showed flow voids signal in magnetic resonance imaging originated from the inferior pituitary artery. The tumor was removed through the frontal lobe through the lateral ventricle approach, and desirable results were obtained. Vascular flow void signals in giant pituitary neuroendocrine tumors are rare, which suggests a sufficient and rich arterial blood supply. Arterial blood supply from below such tumors should be properly handled during the operation.

Keywords

• Giant pituitary neuroendocrine tumor
• magnetic resonance imaging
• vascular flow void signal