Pituitary abscess: clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of 66 cases from a large pituitary center over 23 years

Usefulness of 3T split acquisition fast spin-echo diffusion-weighted imaging for differentiating pituitary abscess from other sellar cystic lesions: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

Pituitary abscess is a rare condition that can be challenging to distinguish from other sellar cystic lesions (OSCLs) due to no specific symptoms and overlapping imaging features. Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate treatment planning. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of 3T split acquisition fast spin-echo diffusion-weighted imaging (SPLICE-DWI) in differentiating pituitary abscesses from OSCLs.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 32 patients with sellar cystic lesions, including 5 with pathologically confirmed pituitary abscesses and 27 with OSCLs. Conventional MRI sequences and SPLICE-DWI were performed, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated. Qualitative assessments of signal intensity on SPLICE-DWI and conventional MRI were conducted by two neuroradiologists. The diagnostic performance of these imaging parameters was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

SPLICE-DWI successfully differentiated pituitary abscesses from OSCLs, showing significantly lower ADC values in the abscess group compared to OSCLs (0.62 ± 0.07 × 10- 3 mm²/s vs. 1.83 ± 0.70 × 10- 3 mm²/s, P = 0.002). ROC analysis revealed high diagnostic accuracy for DWI signal intensity (AUC = 0.89) and ADC values (AUC = 0.95). No significant differences were found in contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) features such as ring enhancement, pituitary stalk enlargement, or sphenoid sinus mucosal thickening between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

SPLICE-DWI is a valuable tool for the differentiation of pituitary abscesses from OSCLs, offering high diagnostic accuracy.

Fungal Sinusitis Spreading to the Sellar Region Mimicking a Pituitary Tumor: Case Report and Literature Review

Chronic fungal sinusitis (FS) can cause bone erosion and extend to the sellar region, often misdiagnosed as pituitary tumors or malignancies. We report a 56-year-old immunocompetent female with sphenoid FS presenting as a giant sellar mass compressing the optic chiasm, with normal pituitary function. The surgery successfully resolved her symptoms, and a histological examination confirmed the presence of a fungal hyphal mass. We conducted a literature review of 52 publications on FS cases with bone erosion and inflammatory extension to the sellar region, which included analyses of 67 patients (35 females, mean age 49.6 years, half immunocompetent). The most common symptom was headache (73.1%), followed by visual complaints (71.7%), visual deterioration (40.3%), ophthalmoplegia (38.8%), and visual field defects (13.4%). Symptom duration averaged 4.5 months in 65.7% of cases. Aspergillus was the most frequent (71.6%). Hormonal abnormalities included hypopituitarism (25.4%) and hyperprolactinemia (13.4%). Surgery was performed in 92.5% of patients. Common diagnoses included pituitary abscess (41.8%), fungal granuloma (16.4%), aspergillosis (16.4%) and allergic FS (14.9%). Antifungal therapy was administered in 53.7% of cases. Cure was achieved in 67.2%, while the mortality rate was 10.4%. Early recognition of fungal involvement, supported by a multidisciplinary approach, is essential for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This highlights the need for vigilance to improve the outcomes in similar cases.

Clinical features and outcome of brain abscess after introduction of CT and MRI: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features and outcome of brain abscess since introduction of computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase were searched using "brain abscess" or "cerebral abscess" from 1970 through 2023 and analyses restricted to study populations hospitalised after 1980. Single-variable meta-analyses were done using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 21,840 patients from 209 studies were included. The mean age was 34 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 30-38) and 11,817/17,406 (66%, 95% CI 64-67) were male. The aetiologies were consistent across time and continents with Streptococcus spp. 2064/6393 (32%, 95% CI 28-36), Staphylococcus spp. 1061/6393 (14%, 95% CI 12-16), and Gram-negative enteric bacteria 696/6393 (9%, 95% CI 7-11) as the most common. Predisposing conditions included otitis media/mastoiditis 1909/6433 (27%, 95% CI 22-33), immunocompromise 1022/4652 (19%, 95% CI 14-24), sinusitis 565/3725 (16%, 95% CI 12-20), and neurosurgery 745/4927 (16%, 95% CI 12-20). The case-fatality was 2444/18,991 (12%, 95% CI 11-14) and good recovery was found in 3419/5409 (63%, 95% CI 58-68).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Brain abscess remains a disease predominantly occurring in men and is caused by contiguous or distant infections. Case fatality and outcome have not improved during recent decades.

An unusual case of primary pituitary abscess due to Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum

Pituitary abscesses are an uncommon cause of pituitary lesions. A 77-year-old woman presented for elective resection of a presumed non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma in the context of a progressive left-sided visual field deficit. She proceeded to trans-sphenoidal resection of the pituitary lesion, with purulent fluid found upon opening the pituitary capsule. Culture of operative samples yielded Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, susceptible to penicillin. Following debridement, treatment with 10-weeks of directed antimicrobials achieved good clinical response. This is the first reported case of primary C. pseudodiphtheriticum infection of the central nervous system, representing a rare but important differential for a slow growing pituitary lesion.

Progress in investigating pituitary stalk lesions: A review

Pituitary stalk lesions are uncommon and are typically identified through pituitary magnetic resonance imaging and screening for causes of diabetes insipidus. Recent literature indicates that pituitary stalk lesions primarily manifest as pituitary stalk interruption syndrome and thickening of the pituitary stalk. The etiology of these lesions is complex and can be divided into major categories: congenital disorders, inflammatory or infectious diseases, and tumors. Therefore, achieving accurate diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment for pituitary stalk lesions is crucial. This article aims to classify pituitary stalk lesions and delve into the latest research on their etiology, pathological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of associated diseases.

Pituitary abscess occurring 12 years after transsphenoidal surgery for Rathke's cleft cyst

A 73-year-old man who previously underwent transsphenoidal surgery for a Rathke's cleft cyst presented with headache and fever. Ophthalmological examination revealed the progression of visual impairment. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass in the sellar and suprasellar regions with rim-like enhancement. An intralesional hyperintense area with temporal enlargement was identified using serial diffusion-weighted imaging. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid tap findings indicated bacterial meningitis. The patient had undergone a transsphenoidal surgery; an intraoperatively implanted sheet of artificial dura mater from the previous surgery was identified adjacent to the sellar floor. After incising the floor, the pus material was drained and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was identified on culture. Consecutive antibiotic treatment resolved the pituitary abscess (PA). PA may develop as a late complication of transsphenoidal surgery, particularly when an artificial material is implanted during surgery. Clinical signs coupled with temporal findings on diffusion-weighted sequences can facilitate the diagnosis and activity of PA and serve as a guide for proper management.

Hypopituitarism due to CNS Aspergillus Infection

A 59-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with hyponatremia. An endocrine examination indicated panhypopituitarism, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass-like lesion in the pituitary gland. Sinus endoscopy revealed a fungal mass in the sphenoid sinus, and the patient was diagnosed with hypopituitarism due to aspergillosis of the central nervous system (CNS). The patient's hyponatremia resolved with hydrocortisone replacement. Although the right internal carotid artery was eventually occluded, antifungal medications were administered for the aspergillosis, and the patient's general condition improved. The patient's CNS lesions have remained under control since discharge. This is the first case to suggest that ACTH secretion may be relatively preserved in Aspergillus-induced hypopituitarism.

Secondary Pituitary Abscess: A Rare Complication of Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma - Description of Two New Cases and Review of the Literature

Background: Pituitary abscess (PA), a rare complication following transsphenoidal (TS) surgery for pituitary adenoma with an incidence of 0.2%, poses a significant risk; carrying potential morbidity, recurrence, and the necessity for reoperation. Timely suspicion, diagnosis, and treatment are imperative. Patients and Methods: We present two cases and provide a literature review on the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes associated with secondary PAs following TS surgery for adenoma. Results: We identified 12 articles reporting a total of 45 cases, in addition to our 2 cases. The primary symptoms were headache and visual impairment, with no fever or specific infectious parameters observed. Predominant risk factors identified included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and prior radiotherapy (RT). Our first patient, a 45-year-old male, presented 10 weeks after TS surgery with sudden-onset symptoms, whereas our second patient, a 64-year-old female, presented 22 years postoperatively. In the first case, intraoperative CSF leakage, with the patient's history of allergic rhinitis and frequent nasal irrigation possibly contributed to the development of abscess. In the second case, RT was considered a potential risk factor. Severe headache and subclinical signs of infection associated with a cystic lesion of the pituitary gland were common findings. Both patients underwent endoscopic TS drainage and received appropriate antibiotic therapy, resulting in complete recovery without recurrence. Conclusions: When faced with severe headaches in a patient with a history of TS surgery for a pituitary adenoma, coupled with radiological evidence showing a cystic appearance with peripheral enhancement, taking a proactive approach to promptly identify and intervene in secondary PAs is essential for mitigating potential complications and optimizing patient outcomes.

Primary pituitary abscess: case report and suggested management algorithm

PURPOSE

To describe a case of successful treatment of a patient with a rare primary pituitary abscess (PA) and propose a management algorithm.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

PA is an infrequent entity that can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. PAs can be primary or secondary, the latter in the presence of sellar anomalies, risk factors or a systemic or local infection. Symptoms are nonspecific, making clinical suspicion imperative. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the radiological tool of choice. Despite some characteristic radiographic signs, oftentimes the diagnosis is not suspected until surgical exploration. Treatment includes transsphenoidal decompression surgery with sampling of purulent material and abscess wall for appropriate microbiological staining and cultures (bacteria, mycobacteria and fungus) and prolonged antibiotic treatment. Pituitary hormonal deficiencies must be addressed as well.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We describe a case of a female patient who presented with headaches, anorexia and bitemporal hemianopsia. MRI revealed a peripherally enhancing sellar mass. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed, with intra-operative finding of purulent material. Cytology confirmed the presence of abundant leucocytes, but no pathogen was isolated. Patient completed three weeks of antibiotic therapy, with good clinical and radiological response. Headaches and visual deficits resolved. Hormonal substitution therapy was needed for six months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

This report highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment of PAs. The diagnosis is commonly very difficult before surgery, due to overlapping clinical, radiological and laboratorial findings with various other pathologies. Prompt management, with surgical decompression and appropriate antibiotic treatment, typically results in a low mortality rate and higher chance of full recovery of pituitary function. We propose a management algorithm for sellar masses suspected of being PAs.

Pituitary abscess: a descriptive analysis of a series of 19 patients-a multi-center experience

OBJECTIVES

Pituitary abscess (PA) accounts for only 0.3-0.5% of sellar masses, and the lack of specific clinical symptoms makes diagnosing PA difficult without a surgical biopsy. In clinical practice, PA is often mistaken for cystic pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, and Rathke's cyst. Thus, this study aims to investigate challenges in diagnosing PA and evaluate the importance of combining intraoperative surgery with postoperative antibiotic treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 19 patients diagnosed with PA through histopathology. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenomas after undergoing comprehensive preoperative evaluations, including routine tests, endocrine assay, and imaging examination. Furthermore, we compared different treatments for pituitary abscess (PA) to determine the most effective approach for achieving a favorable prognosis.

RESULTS

The most prevalent symptom of PA was headache, especially in the frontal-temporal and vertex regions, ranging from mild to moderate severity. Hypopituitarism-related symptoms were also frequently observed, including hypaphrodisia, cold sensitivity, fatigue, weight loss, polyuria, and amenorrhea. Twelve patients exhibited abnormalities in endocrinology examinations. Diagnosing PA correctly is challenging. In our study, none of the patients were correctly diagnosed with PA prior to surgery, and many sellar lesions were misdiagnosed. The favorable prognosis was largely attributed to surgical intervention and active postoperative antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the lack of clarity in preoperative diagnosis, typical intraoperative findings and effective antibiotics treatment are more indicative of the correct diagnosis than other tests. In terms of therapy, optimal surgical intervention and active postoperative antibiotic treatment contribute to resolving the challenges posed by PA.

Primary Pituitary Abscess: Two Case Reports

Introduction  Pituitary abscess is a rare disorder that represents a small fraction of all pituitary lesions. In this report, we present two additional cases with unique features to promote awareness and prompt surgical intervention. Case Presentations  A 42-year-old male presented with headache, photophobia, subjective fever, dizziness, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting. A pituitary hormone panel confirmed hypothyroidism and suggested central hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large sellar mass measuring 2.5 cm × 1.8 cm × 1.6 cm (CC × XT × AP). A 76-year-old woman presented with several months of headaches and unsteady gait in the setting of a known previously asymptomatic sellar lesion, measuring 1.8 cm × 1.2 cm × 1.5 cm (XT × CC × AP). Repeat MRI demonstrated possible hemorrhage within the lesion. In both cases, a preliminary diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma was made, but transsphenoidal surgery revealed an encapsulated abscess; cultures obtained from the abscesses stained for gram-positive bacteria. Conclusion  Pituitary abscess is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder that may be easily mistaken for other sellar lesions. In this review, we contribute two additional cases of pituitary abscesses to increase awareness and emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and management.

Pituitary Abscess Causing Panhypopituitarism in a Patient With Neurobrucellosis: Case Report

Background/Objective

Pituitary abscess is an uncommon life-threatening disease that could lead to panhypopituitarism. It is important to suspect its prevalence in regions with endemic infectious diseases.

Case Report

A 55-year-old man, a farmer, with a background of consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, presented with headache, impaired consciousness, and fever that started in February 2023. Initial test results were consistent with neuroinfection. Brain MRI showed ventriculitis; the pituitary gland was heterogeneous with the presence of an 8 × 8 mm abscess. The pituitary hormone axis was evaluated, and it showed results compatible with the results of panhypopituitarism with central hypothyroidism, central hypocortisolism, central hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. Hormone replacement treatment with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine was started. The Rose Bengal test for Brucella spp. and 2-mercaptoethanol Brucella agglutination test showed positive results. After neurobrucellosis (NB) was diagnosed, antibiotic treatment was commenced. The patient was discharged 6 weeks later and treatment with prednisone, levothyroxine, recombinant somatropin, testosterone, as well as doxycycline, and rifampin was continued for another 4 months.

Discussion

NB and pituitary abscess are rare manifestations of brucellosis and are challenging to diagnose due to their nonspecific clinical presentation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings. NB diagnosis relies on neurologic symptoms and serological evidence of Brucella infection. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred diagnostic tool for pituitary abscesses. Medical management may be sufficient, while transsphenoidal drainage is not always necessary. Hormonal deficits typically remain permanent.

Conclusion

Pituitary abscess could be suspected in patients presenting with symptoms of neuroinfection, panhypopituitarism, and heterogenous image in the magnetic resonance imaging differential diagnosis. Opportune management can lead to reduced mortality and improved recovery of the pituitary hormone function.

Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders in Endocrine Pathology

A variety of inflammatory conditions may directly involve the endocrine glands, leading to endocrine dysfunction that can cause severe consequences on patients' health, if left untreated. Inflammation of the endocrine system may be caused by either infectious agents or other mechanisms, including autoimmune and other immune-mediated processes. Not infrequently, inflammatory and infectious diseases may appear as tumor-like lesions of endocrine organs and simulate neoplastic processes. These diseases may be clinically under-recognized and not infrequently the diagnosis is suggested on pathological samples. Thus, the pathologist should be aware of the basic principles of their pathogenesis, as well as of their morphological features, clinicopathological correlates, and differential diagnosis. Interestingly, several systemic inflammatory conditions show a peculiar tropism to the endocrine system as a whole. In turn, organ-specific inflammatory disorders are observed in endocrine glands. This review will focus on the morphological aspects and clinicopathological features of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, drug-induced inflammatory reactions, IgG4-related disease, and other inflammatory disorders involving the endocrine system. A mixed entity-based and organ-based approach will be used, with the aim to provide the practicing pathologist with a comprehensive and practical guide to the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory disorders of the endocrine system.

Diagnosis of pituitary abscess and treatment via transsphenoidal surgery: experience from 15 cases

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary abscess is an often misdiagnosed, rare clinical disorder. To improve diagnostic accuracy and the efficacy of surgical and antibiotic therapy for patients with pituitary abscess, herein, we retrospectively reviewed 15 patients who presented with pituitary abscesses from 2005 to 2022.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PATIENTS

Fifteen patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and received antibiotic treatment.

MEASUREMENTS

Complete details regarding medical history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging studies, and treatment strategies were obtained for all patients.

RESULTS

Most patients presented with hypopituitarism and headaches, while some presented with fever, visual disturbances, and diabetes insipidus (DI). Abscesses showed significant annular enhancement post gadolinium injection. In most patients, pituitary abscess can be cured via microscopic or endoscopic drainage of the abscess followed by antibiotic treatment. Complete cure of pituitary abscess was observed in nine patients, with six cases of prolonged hypopituitarism and only one case of recurrence. Long-term hormone replacement therapy was effective in the postoperative management of hypopituitarism.

CONCLUSIONS

The typical manifestations of pituitary abscess include hypopituitarism and headaches; the presence of an enhanced ring at the edge of the mass on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images (MRI) is highly suggestive of pituitary abscess. We recommend antibiotic treatment for 4-6 weeks postoperatively, based on the results of bacterial cultures or metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Characteristics of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pituitary gland in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery

PURPOSE

Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pituitary gland (IIPD) are rare lesions often misdiagnosed preoperatively. Immediate surgery is indicated especially in cases of neurological impairment. However, (chronic) inflammatory processes can mimic other pituitary tumors, such as adenomas, and data on the preoperative diagnostic criteria for IIPD are sparse.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 1317 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery at our institution between March 2003 and January 2023. A total of 26 cases of histologically confirmed IIPD were identified. Patient records, laboratory parameters, and postoperative course were analyzed and compared with an age, sex, and tumor volume-matched control group of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

RESULTS

Pathology confirmed septic infection in ten cases, most commonly caused by bacteria (3/10) and fungi (2/10). In the aseptic group, lymphocytic hypophysitis (8/26) and granulomatous inflammation (3/26) were most frequently observed. Patients with IIPD commonly presented with endocrine and/or neurological dysfunction. No surgical mortality occurred. Preoperative radiographic findings (cystic/solid tumor mass, contrast enhancement) did not significantly differ between IIPD and adenomas. At follow-up, 13 patients required permanent hormone substitution.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, correct preoperative diagnosis of IIPD remains challenging, as neither radiographic findings nor preoperative laboratory workup unequivocally identify these lesions. Surgical treatment facilitates decompression of supra- and parasellar structures. Furthermore, this low-morbidity procedure enables the identification of pathogens or inflammatory diseases requiring targeted medical treatment, which is crucial for these patients. Establishing a correct diagnosis through surgery and histopathological confirmation thus remains of utmost importance.

Pituitary abscess: a case report and systematic review of 488 cases

BACKGROUND

Pituitary abscess (PA) is a rare condition and not well understood. We aimed to describe a case and perform a comprehensive systematic review to explore presenting symptoms, radiological findings, endocrine abnormalities and mortality.

AIM

To identify presenting symptoms, radiological findings, endocrinological abnormalities and predictors of mortality for PA.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature to identify all case reports of PA. Data regarding presentation, mortality, radiological findings, endocrinological abnormalities and treatment was extracted.

RESULTS

We identified 488 patients from 218 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Mortality was 5.1%, with days to presentation (OR 1.0005, 95% CI 1.0001-1.0008, p < 0.01) being the only identified independent predictor of mortality. Mortality rates have decreased over time, with cases published prior to 2000 having higher mortality rates (OR 6.92, 95% CI 2.80-17.90, p < 0.001). The most common symptom was headache (76.2%), followed by visual field defects (47.3%). Classical signs of infection were only present in 43%. The most common imaging feature on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was high T2 and low T1 signal of the pituitary gland with peripheral contrast enhancement. Over half (54.8%) were culture negative, with the most common bacterial organism being staphylococcus aureus (7.8%) and fungal organism being aspergillus (8.8%). The most common endocrine abnormality was hypopituitarism (41.1%), followed by diabetes insipidus (24.8%). Whilst symptoms resolved in most patients, persistent endocrine abnormalities were present in over half of patients (61.0%).

CONCLUSION

PA is associated with significant mortality, with delayed presentation increasing risk of mortality. Ongoing endocrinological abnormalities are common. Given the non-specific clinical presentation, the appearance of high T2, low T1 and peripheral contrast enhancement of the pituitary on MRI should prompt consideration of this rare disease.

Pituitary Abscess: A General Retrospective Diagnosis

We present the case of a 27-year-old female who had a history of recurrent headaches and visual disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a lesion that suggested pituitary adenoma, with indications of a recent bleeding or cystic degeneration. Nonhormonal deficiencies were documented, restricted to nontumoral hyperprolactinemia. Transsphenoidal approach surgery was performed and the purulent material was drained, confirming the diagnosis of pituitary abscess. Sinusitis was considered to be the only possible cause of this condition. Empirical treatment to Gram-positive anaerobic cocci was administrated, with a satisfactory response.

Evaluation of the Value of Perfusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Differential Diagnosis of Sellar and Parasellar Tumors

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) in the differential diagnosis of sellar and parasellar tumors, as an additional sequence in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. Analysis was based on a substantial group of subjects and included 124 brain and pituitary MRI examinations with a dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) PWI sequence. The following perfusion parameters were determined for the tumors: relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative peak height (rPH) and relative percentage of signal intensity recovery (rPSR). To ensure greater repeatability, each of the aforementioned parameters was calculated as: arithmetic mean of the values of the whole tumor, arithmetic mean of the maximum values on each axial slice within the tumor and maximum values derived from the whole tumor. In our study, we established that meningiomas compared to both non-functional and hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors-PitNET) had significantly higher values of rCBV with cut-off points set at 3.45 and 3.54, respectively (mean rCBV). Additionally, meningiomas presented significantly higher maximum and mean maximum rPH values compared to adenomas. DSC PWI imaging adds significant value to conventional MRI examinations and can be helpful in differentiating equivocal pituitary tumors.

Pituitary Abscess: A Challenging Preoperative Diagnosis—A Multicenter Study

Background and Objectives: Pituitary abscess (PA) is a rare occurrence, representing less than 1% of pituitary lesions, and is defined by the presence of an infected purulent collection within the sella turcica. Pas can be classified as either primary, when the underlying pituitary is normal prior to infection, or secondary, when there is associated a pre-existing sellar pathology (i.e., pituitary adenoma, Rathke’s cleft cysts, or craniopharyngioma), with or without a recent history of surgery. Preoperative diagnosis, owing to both non-specific symptoms and imaging features, remains challenging. Treatment options include endonasal trans-sphenoidal pus evacuation, as well as culture and tailored antibiotic therapy. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study, conducted on a prospectively built database over a 20-year period, identified a large series of 84 patients harboring primary sellar abscess. The study aimed to identify crucial clinical and imaging features in order to accelerate appropriate management. Results: The most common clinical presentation was a symptom triad consisting of various degrees of asthenia (75%), visual impairment (71%), and headache (50%). Diagnosis was achieved in 95% of cases peri- or postoperatively. Functional recovery was good for visual disturbances and headache. Pituitary function recovery remained very poor (23%), whereas the preoperative diagnosis represented a protective factor. Conclusions: In light of the high prevalence of pituitary dysfunction following the management of PAs, early diagnosis and treatment might represent a crucial issue. Currently, there are no standard investigations to establish a conclusive preoperative diagnosis; however, new, emerging imaging methods, in particular nuclear imaging modalities, represent a very promising tool, whose potential warrants further investigations.

Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging ectopic posterior pituitary hyperintense signal in pituitary macroadenoma

Objective

When the lesions in the sellar region are large, they can involve both the inside and outside the sella, which brings challenges to the differential diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma and lesions other than macroadenoma. Therefore, this study explored the diagnostic value of an ectopic posterior pituitary hyperintense signal (EPPHS) in pituitary macroadenoma and its possible causes.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of 131 patients with sellar tumors or tumor-like lesions involving both intrasellar and extrasellar regions in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from February 2011 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnostic value of EPPHS in pituitary macroadenoma was analyzed. The differences in clinical and imaging indexes between the EPPHS-positive group and the EPPHS-negative group were compared.

Results

These 131 cases of sellar tumors or tumor-like lesions involving both intrasellar and extrasellar regions included 91 cases of pituitary macroadenoma and 40 cases of lesions other than macroadenoma. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that EPPHS had a diagnostic value in diagnosing pituitary macroadenoma [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.857, P = 0.0001]. Compared with the EPPHS negative group, the median prolactin level in the EPPHS positive group was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05). Through ROC curve analysis, prolactin value was found to be of diagnostic value for EPPHS (AUC = 0.612, P = 0.0312).

Conclusion

In sellar tumors or tumor-like lesions involving both intrasellar and extrasellar regions, the appearance of EPPHS is helpful in the diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma. The formation of EPPHS may be related to injuries to the pituitary stalk.

Nocardia farcinica pituitary abscess in an immunocompetent patient: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Pituitary abscess is a rare clinical entity, typically precipitated by Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, or Aspergillus infection. Although Nocardia species–associated central nervous system abscesses have been documented in immunocompromised patients, no case of Nocardia pituitary abscesses has been previously reported.

OBSERVATIONS

A 44-year-old man presented with hemoptysis and was found to have a cavitary right lung nodule, which was presumed histoplasmosis, prompting antifungal treatment. Several months later, he developed panhypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a pituitary mass, which subsequently underwent transsphenoidal endoscopic biopsy. Infectious workup was negative, and the patient was discharged on intravenous ertapenem therapy. Over several months, he developed progressive headaches, and updated imaging confirmed interval enlargement of the mass with new cavernous sinus invasion. He underwent repeat endoscopic biopsy, which yielded positive cultures for Nocardia farcinica and prompted successful treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and linezolid.

LESSONS

The current study highlights a previously unreported clinical entity, the first pituitary abscess attributable to Nocardia sp. or N. farcinica, which arose in a young, immunocompetent individual. Although rare, atypical infections represent an important component in the differential diagnosis for sellar mass lesions.

Suppression of Pituitary Hormone Genes in Subjects Who Died From COVID-19 Independently of Virus Detection in the Gland

CONTEXT

Involvement of the pituitary gland in SARS-CoV-2 infection has been clinically suggested by pituitary hormone deficiency in severe COVID-19 cases, by altered serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in hospitalized patients, and by cases of pituitary apoplexy. However, the direct viral infection of the gland has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 genome and antigens could be present in pituitary glands of lethal cases of COVID-19, and to assess possible changes in the expression of immune-related and pituitary-specific genes.

METHODS

SARS-CoV-2 genome and antigens were searched in the pituitary gland of 23 patients who died from COVID-19 and, as controls, in 12 subjects who died from trauma or sudden cardiac death. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized. Levels of mRNA transcripts of immune-related and pituitary-specific genes were measured by the nCounter assay.

RESULTS

The SARS-CoV-2 genome and antigens were detected in 14/23 (61%) pituitary glands of the COVID-19 group, not in controls. In SARS-CoV-2-positive pituitaries, the viral genome was consistently detected by PCR in the adeno- and the neurohypophysis. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the pituitary. Activation of type I interferon signaling and enhanced levels of neutrophil and cytotoxic cell scores were found in virus-positive glands. mRNA transcripts of pituitary hormones and pituitary developmental/regulatory genes were suppressed in all COVID-19 cases irrespective of virus positivity.

CONCLUSION

Our study supports the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for human pituitary and encourages exploration of pituitary dysfunction after COVID-19.

Brain Abscess and Risk of Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Background and objectives:

Underlying occult cancer could potentially explain some of the observed increased long-term mortality among brain abscess patients.

Methods:

Nationwide, population-based healthcare registries were used to examine long-term risks of cancer in brain abscess patients from 1982 through 2016 compared with a population comparison cohort individually matched (10:1) on age, sex, and residence. Cumulative incidences and adjusted cause-specific hazard rate ratios (HRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer were computed. Potential confounding by family-related factors was explored by comparing cumulative incidences of cancer among siblings of both groups.

Results:

Among 1,384 brain abscess patients (37% female, median age 50 years, IQR 33-63), cancer was observed in 218 (16%) compared with 1,657/13,838 (12%) in the comparison cohort yielding an adj. HRR of 2.09 (95% CI 1.79-2.45). Median time to diagnosis of cancer was 1.8 years (IQR 0.02-9.1) in brain abscess patients and 8.6 years (IQR 3.9-15.9) in comparison cohort. Among brain abscess patients, central nervous system and eye cancer was diagnosed in 59 (4.3%), of which 47/59 (80%) occurred within 90 days of the admission date, metastasizing cancer in 54 (3.9%), respiratory tract cancer in 48 (3.5%), and gastro-intestinal cancer in 36 (2.6%). Results remained consistent in almost all subgroups and in sensitivity analyses. Accounting for competing risk of death, the 1-, 5-, 10-, and 35-year cumulative incidence of cancer was 7% (95% CI 6-8), 11% (95% CI 9-12), 13% (95% CI 11-15), and 24% (95% CI 20-27) in brain abscess patients compared with 0.7% (95% CI 0.6-0.9), 4% (95% CI 4-5), 8% (95% CI 8-9), and 25% (95% CI 23-27) in the comparison cohort. The cumulative incidences of cancer among siblings of brain abscess patients was 10% and 12% among siblings of the comparison cohort.

Discussion:

Brain abscess was associated with substantially increased risk of cancer during the first ten years after diagnosis.

Typing of inflammatory lesions of the pituitary

Inflammatory pituitary lesions account for 1.8% of all specimens from the German Pituitary Tumor Registry. They occure in 0.5% of the autoptical specimens and in 2.2% of the surgical cases. Women are significantly more often affected than men and are often younger when first diagnosed. In general, primary and secondary inflammation can be distinguished, with secondary types occurring more frequently (75.1%) than idiopathic inflammatory lesions (15.4%). In primary inflammation, the lymphocytic type is more common (88.5%) than the granulomatous type of hypophysitis (11.5%). The most common causes of secondary inflammation are Rathke's cleft cysts (48.6%), followed by tumors (17.4%) such as the craniopharyngioma (9.1%), adenoma (5.5%) or germinoma (2.0%). More causes are tumor-like lesions (7.1%) such as xanthogranuloma (3.5%) or Langerhans histiocytosis (3.5%), abscesses (5.5%), generalized infections (5.1%), spreaded inflammations (4.7%) and previous surgeries (4.0%). In 1.6% of all specimens the reason for the inflammation remains unclear. The described classification of hypophysitis is important for specific treatment planning after surgery.

Atypical pituitary abscess lacking rim enhancement and diffusion restriction with an unusual organism, Moraxella catarrhalis: A case report and review of the literature

Background:

Pituitary abscess (PA) can be fatal if diagnosed late. Rim enhancement is a typical radiological finding of PA on postgadolinium T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diffusion-weighted imaging is helpful in distinguishing PA from other sellar cystic lesions. Herein, we report the first atypical case of PA showing neither rim enhancement nor diffusion restriction with an unusual organism, Moraxella catarrhalis.

Case Description:

A 77-year-old woman presented with headache, polyuria, polydipsia, and fatigue for a month before presenting to a local hospital. MRI showed pituitary enlargement with contrast enhancement. She had neither fever nor visual deficits and was followed up with hormonal replacement. Six months later, she complained of visual impairment, and MRI showed further pituitary enlargement with a thickened stalk compressing the optic chiasma. Neither rim enhancement nor diffusion restriction was observed. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery was performed based on the radiological diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis or pituitary tumors. A thick, creamy yellow pus was drained from the sellar lesion. Intraoperative rapid histopathological findings revealed polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltrating the pituitary gland. PA was diagnosed, and irrigation and open drainage of the abscess was performed. Bacterial culture of the pus detected M. catarrhalis by mass spectrometer, confirming the diagnosis. She underwent appropriate antibiotic administration, and her visual deficits improved.

Conclusion:

We report the first atypical case of PA showing neither rim enhancement nor diffusion restriction with M. catarrhalis. Even if preoperative findings are not suggestive of PA, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Intraoperative rapid histopathological findings are useful for accurately diagnosing PA and initiating appropriate surgical treatment.

Case of an atypical pituitary abscess

A pituitary abscess is a rare intrasellar infection. Correct identification can be challenging preoperatively given its non-specific symptoms and imaging findings. We report a case of a young woman presenting with secondary amenorrhea, visual field deficits and a 2.6 cm pituitary lesion diagnosed to be a craniopharyngioma. A concomitant unexpected pituitary abscess was diagnosed intraoperatively without associated meningeal symptoms.

Primary pituitary abscess mimicking meningitis in a pediatric patient

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary abscess is a rare lesion of the pituitary gland that can cause morbidity and mortality in the absence of appropriate treatment. They are classified as primary and secondary pituitary abscesses. Primary pituitary abscesses occur in patients with no previous pituitary pathology. Secondary pituitary abscesses are detected in patients with existing pituitary pathologies.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a 16-year-old female patient with primary pituitary abscess who was misdiagnosed initially and treated as meningitis. Following the visual disturbances, pituitary abscess was diagnosed, and she underwent abscess drainage via endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery and antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

Primary pituitary abscess can be clinically confused with other pathologies affecting the central nervous system. In order to avoid permanent sequelae in such patients, it should be kept in mind by physicians in similar cases. Satisfying results are obtained in these patients after appropriate treatment and dramatic improvement is achieved.

Primary Sellar Abscesses: A Systematic Review and 2 Rare Observations

BACKGROUND

Abscesses of the chiasmatic-sellar region are quite rare and are often a result of surgical intervention, trauma, or tumor growth. Primary abscesses are extremely rare and represent a group of abscesses the occur because of internal microbial seeding. Primary abscesses are rarely reported. We present 2 clinical cases featuring primary abscesses of the chiasmal-sellar region. To put into perspective the rarity of these findings, we performed a systematic review of existing clinical reports regarding this pathology.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature was conducted to gather existing clinical reports on primary abscesses of the chiasmatic-sellar region. Two personal findings are added to the literature review, including a 13-year-old girl and a 58-year-old man who presented with chiasmal-sellar region primary abscesses. The diagnostic aspects, treatment strategy, and outcomes are discussed.

RESULTS

Both patients included in the report had positive outcome. The pediatric patient developed a recurrence of the abscess and was treated accordingly. Overall, 41 cases of primary abscesses of this region have been reported in literature, of which 6 are in children under 18 years of age. The main nonspecific clinical manifestations include headaches, visual impairment, and endocrine pathology. Acute inflammatory responses are rarely seen, despite infectious genesis. Transnasal endoscopic surgical treatment offers diagnostic and treatment advantages.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper diagnostic procedures can aid in correct treatment strategy and improve overall outcome.

Rathke's cleft cyst infections and pituitary abscesses: case series and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Pituitary abscesses (PAs) are a rare clinical entity which may arise from normal pituitary tissue or underlying lesions within the gland. Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are not commonly associated with the development of PA.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of three patients with PAs within RCCs at a single university center and review of the literature.

RESULTS

Three cases are reported. The first case presented with fever and headache and a history of prior surgery due to RCC and a recent respiratory tract infection. The second case had a history of recent skin infections and presented with sudden onset headache and hypopituitarism. In the third case, chronic visual field impairment prompted an ophthalmologic evaluation resulting in a diagnosis of an adenoma and an infected RCC. In all three cases, an endoscopic endonasal approach was performed to drain infected tissue and allowed microbiological identification of gram-positive cocci, followed by treatment with antibiotics for at least three weeks. Cases in the literature are scarce and the diagnosis is usually made intraoperatively due to non-specific manifestations and imaging. PAs arising from underlying pituitary lesions are less common than primary PAs. Differential diagnosis should include pituitary apoplexy, hypophysitis and other cystic lesions.

CONCLUSION

PAs occurring in RCCs are infrequent. Clinical manifestations are commonly subacute, without septic symptoms. Imaging is usually non-specific. Preoperative diagnosis is infrequent and a broad differential diagnosis should be considered. Empirical antimicrobial therapy should be initiated and adjusted after obtaining cultures to reduce the rate of recurrence and improve clinical outcomes.

Secondary Pituitary Abscess from Mite

A 30-year-old woman experienced nasal stuffiness followed by a progressive headache and reduced visual acuity for 3 weeks. She underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary spindle cell oncocytoma 13 months before the present admission. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intrasellar cystic lesion with a suprasellar extension. After endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for tumor removal, the histologic findings of inflammatory infiltration showed a pituitary abscess. Microscopy revealed mites and fungal hyphae. Cultures from the abscess showed Staphylococcus hyicus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Aspergillus sp. The patient received a 6-week antibiotic treatment, which completely resolved the clinical symptoms and cleared the magnetic resonance imaging findings.

What we have to know about corticosteroids use during Sars-Cov-2 infection

PURPOSE

Glucocorticoids (GCs), alone or associated to other drugs, were widely used in the management of patients affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. This review summarizes the available data on HPA axis impairment in GC-treated SARS-CoV-2 patients, focusing on the risk of adrenal insufficiency and on potential drug interactions during concomitant treatments.

METHODS

Literature on the impact of GCs therapy on HPA axis and on the consequences of coadministration of GCs and other drugs in SARS-CoV-2 patients has been reviewed.

RESULTS

GC treatment can cause symptoms of hypercortisolism, especially in patients with individual hypersensibility, or hypoadrenalism after drug withdrawal, due to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, with consequences in terms of increased morbidity and mortality risk. On the other hand, in SARS-CoV-2-infected patient's cortisol secretion could be insufficient also due to critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). In addition, in this clinical context, the co-administration of antiretroviral drugs and corticosteroids may trigger drug-drug interaction and enhance the exposure to the latter ones, metabolized through the CYP450 CYP3A pathway, severely impacting on HPA axis.

CONCLUSION

Physicians involved in the management of patients affected by COVID-19 should be aware of the need of an appropriate GC dose tapering, and of potential interaction of GCs with antiviral therapy and drugs used to treat associated co-morbidities.

Insights into non-classic and emerging causes of hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is defined as one or more partial or complete pituitary hormone deficiencies, which are related to the anterior and/or posterior gland and can have an onset in childhood or adulthood. The most common aetiology is a sellar or suprasellar lesion, often an adenoma, which causes hypopituitarism due to tumour mass effects, or the effects of surgery and/or radiation therapy. However, other clinical conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, can result in hypopituitarism, and there are also genetic causes of hypopituitarism. Furthermore, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat cancer is increasing the risk of hypopituitarism, with a pattern of hormone defects that is different from the classic patterns and depends on mechanisms that are specific for each drug. Moreover, autoantibody production against the pituitary and hypothalamus has been demonstrated in studies investigating the development or worsening of some cases of hypopituitarism. Finally, evidence suggests that posterior pituitary damage can affect oxytocin secretion. The aim of this Review is to summarize current knowledge on non-classic and emerging causes of hypopituitarism, so as to help clinicians improve early identification, avoid life-threatening events and improve the clinical care and quality of life of patients at risk of hypopituitarism.

Role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 18F-2-fluorodeoxy sorbitol (FDS) in autoimmune hypophysitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hypophysitis is a rare disease characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytic cells into the pituitary gland. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and ¹⁸F-2-fluorodeoxy sorbitol (FDS) positron emission tomography (PET) are well-established and emerging techniques, respectively, which may aid in the diagnosis and classification of autoimmune hypophysitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we report a 40-year-old female diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus and multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, and MRI revealed homogeneous signals in the pituitary gland as well as thickened in the pituitary stalk. FDG PET localized the pituitary and pituitary stalk lesions and displayed an SUVmax of 5.5. FDS, a sensitive radiotracer for bacterial infections but remains unproven under aseptic inflammation, also demonstrated elevated radioactivity, with an SUVmax of 1.1 at 30 min and 0.73 at 120 min. Transnasal biopsy suggested a diagnosis of autoimmune hypophysitis, and the patient displayed radiological and clinical improvement after treatment with glucocorticoids and hormone replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

Autoimmune hypophysitis can display elevated FDG uptake, which aids in the localization of the lesions. In addition to revealing bacterial infection specifically, FDS can also accumulate under autoimmune conditions, suggesting that it could serve as a potential radiotracer for both bacterial and aseptic inflammation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The patient was enrolled in study NCT02450942 (clinicaltrials.gov, Registered May 21, 2015).

Sellar surprises: a single-centre experience of unusual sellar masses

BACKGROUND

Most common incidentally detected sellar-suprasellar region (SSR) masses are pituitary adenomas, followed by craniopharyngioma, rathke's cleft cyst, hypophysitis, and meningioma. Besides these, certain unusual SSR lesions can sometimes present as diagnostic challenges, where diagnosis is often made post-operatively on histopathology, the pre-operative suspicion of which might have influenced the management strategies. Series describing such masses are few.

OBJECTIVE

To present clinical, biochemical, and radiological characteristics and management outcomes of rare SSR lesions other than pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngioma, rathke's cleft cyst, hypophysitis, and meningioma.

DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS

Retrospective case record analysis of patients with uncommon SSR masses (from January 2006 to December 2016).

RESULTS

Our series consisted of ten patients, five with neoplastic and five with non-neoplastic lesions. Neoplastic masses included granular cell tumor (n = 2), astrocytoma (n = 1), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST, n = 1), and metastasis from occult papillary carcinoma of thyroid (n = 1), while non-neoplastic masses were aspergillus abscess (n = 1), sterile abscess (n = 1), and tubercular abscess (n = 1), aneurysm of left internal carotid artery (n = 1), and ruptured dermoid cyst (n = 1). All patients (except one) presented with headache and/or visual disturbance. Only one patient had acromegaly while most others had hypopituitarism. We describe detailed MRI characteristics of each of the lesion. Seven patients underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery. Post-operatively, five patients had permanent diabetes insipidus, while two patients died in early post-operative period.

CONCLUSION

Our series expand the differential diagnostic considerations of SSR lesions. Most of the rare SSR masses present with symptoms of mass effects and hypopituitarism. Except for some non-neoplastic lesions like sellar abscesses, aneurysms, and dermoid cysts which can have some specific imaging characteristics that can provide clue to pre-operative diagnosis, most of the other neoplastic masses have overlapping radiological features, and pre-operative suspicion remains difficult.

Pituitary abscess: two case reports

BACKGROUND

Pituitary abscess is a rare condition with nonspecific symptoms that can be delayed. Proper diagnosis needs to occur preoperatively so that the management can be set up accordingly. Accurate diagnosis is challenging because many differential diagnoses can exhibit the same magnetic resonance imaging features.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report two cases of pituitary abscess. The first patient was a 66-year-old Arab woman who underwent a surgical procedure for a pituitary macroadenoma and presented 3 months later with chronic headaches and panhypopituitarism. A pituitary abscess was found on the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. The second patient was a 64-year-old Arab man with no medical history who presented with a chiasmal syndrome with headaches and panhypopituitarism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a heterogeneous pituitary mass that turned out to be a pituitary abscess intraoperatively. These two patients were treated with hormone substitution, endoscopic transsphenoidal drainage, and antibiotherapy, with excellent outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Pituitary abscess is a rare and serious condition. Preoperative diagnosis can be challenging because of the many existing differential diagnoses upon imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging is the mainstay technique of imaging due to its multimodal nature. These cases demonstrate the variable patterns of a pituitary abscess seen on magnetic resonance imaging and the potential difficulties in achieving an accurate diagnosis preoperatively due to many other conditions potentially exhibiting the same magnetic resonance imaging features.

Pituitary abscess following endoscopic endonasal drainage of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst: Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Arachnoid cysts are uncommon lesions of the sellar region, and only rarely require decompressive surgery to treat symptoms. Pituitary abscesses are another rare lesion, and are an uncommon complication of pituitary surgery. A previously healthy 45 year old woman presented with a new finding of bitemporal hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a cystic sellar lesion with suprasellar extension and compression of the optic chiasm. Endoscopic transphenoidal surgery was performed and the lesion was found to be an arachnoid cyst. She was well immediately after the operation, but 1 week later presented with headaches, fever and worsening visual acuity. MRI showed a homogenous collection in the sellar region that was compressing the chiasm. The patient was treated with antibiotics, and a second transphenoidal operation was performed, with frank pus found in the pituitary fossa. Cultures of the fluid found during the operation grew Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Her symptoms resolved after the second operation, and formal visual fields and a pituitary hormone panel were normal at this time. We report on a rare case of a pituitary abscess complicating surgery for a sellar arachnoid cyst, and discuss management of these conditions.

Central adrenal insufficiency: open issues regarding diagnosis and glucocorticoid treatment

Background

Central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) is characterized by impaired adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion because of a disease or injury to the hypothalamus or the pituitary, leading to a reduced cortisol production. CAI suspicion arises more frequently in patients with pituitary tumors, cranial irradiation/surgery/injury/infections, as well as after exogenous glucocorticoid withdrawal. Nevertheless, a late diagnosis is not uncommon because CAI may present with nonspecific signs or symptoms, as fatigue or hyponatremia.

Content

The PubMed database was searched (years 1980–2018), using “central adrenal insufficiency” and “ACTH deficiency” as keywords. Subsequently, reference sections of the retrieved articles were searched.

Summary

Dynamic tests are needed when morning basal cortisol levels are not sufficient to exclude or to confirm CAI. Short Synacthen Test (SST) is the most used, and Endocrine Society’s guidelines recommend a cortisol peak >500 nmol/L to exclude CAI. Despite thresholds, understanding the pretest probability of ACTH deficiency (the clinical background of the patient) is essential because the diagnostic accuracy of SST in case of a negative result is suboptimal. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy, able to replicate cortisol circadian rhythm, is required in patients with CAI; fludrocortisone treatment is not necessary. Short-acting glucocorticoid drugs (hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate) are the most used; lower doses than previously used are nowadays recommended to reduce cortisol-related comorbidities. Promising results have been obtained with modified-release hydrocortisone, especially regarding glucose metabolism in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency.

Outlook

An accurate clinical diagnosis and a careful individualized therapy are mandatory in patients with CAI.

Pituitary Abscess: A Rare Clinical Entity in the Presence of Acute Rhinosinusitis: A Case Report

A pituitary abscess is an often-overlooked diagnosis in the clinical presentation of a sellar mass. Due to its rare incidence and nonspecific presentation, diagnosis and treatment is often delayed. The authors describe a 56-year-old male patient presenting with acute onset of severe headache, visual field deficit, and radiologic findings of an expansile sellar lesion. The presenting symptoms were unremarkable for the diagnosis of meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and septicemia. Recent medical history included symptoms of rhinosinusitis on the days preceding his acute presentation. The initial clinical presentation was suggestive of a possible pituitary apoplexy. Intraoperative findings revealed purulent output upon surgical entry of the sella. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a pituitary abscess. Review of the clinical and radiologic data revealed evidence of multiple opacifications within the paranasal sinuses, along with dehiscence overlying the sellar bone, supporting a diagnosis of secondary pituitary abscess. This case, along with a review of the available literature, will serve to expand our knowledge of this rare disease process that is often overlooked. Clinicians should be mindful of this condition, and include a primary versus secondary pituitary abscess in the differential workup on such cases.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of bacteria isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of neurosurgical patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Background

Postoperative central nervous system infections (PCNSIs) represent a serious complication, and the timely use of antibiotics guided by the identification of the causative pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivities is essential for treatment. However, there are little data regarding the prevalence of PCNSI pathogens in China. The aim of this study is to investigate the features of pathogens in patients with PCNSIs, which could help clinicians to choose the appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the positive CSF cultures in patients who underwent craniotomy between January 2010 and December 2015. We collected data, including demographic characteristics, type of neurosurgery, laboratory data, causative organisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results.

Results

A total of 62 patients with 90 isolates out of 818 patients with 2433 CSF culture samples were available for data analysis. The estimated incidence and culture-positive rate of PCNSIs were approximately 0.9 and 7.5%, respectively. The predominant organism was coagulase-negative staphylococci, of which most were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS). All were susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, rifampicin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most frequent causative Gram-negative agent and was resistant to 12 out of 18 antimicrobials tested. The sensitivity rates for tigecycline and minocycline were only 40 and 33%, respectively.

Conclusion

PCNSIs could lead to high mortality. Although the MRCoNS were the predominant organism, the management of Acinetobacter baumannii was a major clinical challenge with few effective antimicrobials in PCNSIs.

Recurrent pituitary abscess: case report and review of the literature

A 26-year-old woman presented with severe postpartum headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a symmetric, heterogeneous enlargement of the pituitary gland. Three months later, she developed central diabetes insipidus. A diagnosis of postpartum hypophysitis was suspected and corticosteroids were prescribed. Six months later, the pituitary mass showed further enlargement and characteristics of a necrotic abscess with a peripheral shell and infiltration of the hypothalamus. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed, disclosing a pus-filled cavity which was drained. No bacterial growth was observed, except a single positive blood culture for Staphylococcus aureus, considered at that time as a potential contaminant. A short antibiotic course was, however, administered together with hormonal substitution for panhypopituitarism. Four months after her discharge, severe headaches recurred. Pituitary MRI was suggestive of a persistent inflammatory mass of the sellar region. She underwent a new transsphenoidal resection of a residual abscess. At that time, the sellar aspiration fluid was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and she was treated with antibiotics for 6 weeks, after which she had complete resolution of her infection. The possibility of a pituitary abscess, although rare, should be kept in mind during evaluation for a necrotic inflammatory pituitary mass with severe headaches and hormonal deficiencies.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Drainage of a Spontaneous Candida glabrata Pituitary Abscess

BACKGROUND

Noniatrogenic pituitary abscess remains a rare clinical entity, and is the indication for surgery in <1% of transsphenoidal approaches. Correct diagnosis of this rare entity is often delayed. Without timely treatment, morbidity and mortality are high. Of the 200 cases reported to date, less than one-half have identified a causative organism. We report the second case of a pituitary abscess caused by Candida species, and also provide an intraoperative video showing the endoscopic management of this pathology.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 33-year-old woman presented with headache, hypopituitarism, and vision loss in the setting of diabetic ketoacidosis, and was found to have multiple abscesses in the liver, lung, kidney, and uterus. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 15-mm cystic sellar mass with restricted diffusion. The patient underwent urgent evacuation of the abscess via an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal route, with obvious purulent material filling the sella, later identified as Candida glabrata. Antimicrobial therapy was refined appropriately, and she exhibited significant improvement in neurologic function, although endocrinopathy has persisted.

CONCLUSIONS

With timely management, including a combination of surgical drainage and appropriate antimicrobial therapy, neurologic outcomes are good in most cases of pituitary abscess; however, endocrinopathy often does not improve. Although most reported cases with identified causative organisms speciate bacteria, some cases are of fungal etiology and require different antimicrobial agents. This further underscores the importance of identifying the causative agent.