Cholesterol granulomas presenting as sellar masses: a similar, but clinically distinct entity from craniopharyngioma and Rathke's cleft cyst

Sellar Xanthogranulomatosis in a Two-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report

Sellar xanthogranulomas are extremely rare intracranial lesions, particularly in pediatric patients, and their diagnostic and therapeutic challenges prompt thorough investigation. We describe a case of a two-year-old toddler diagnosed with sellar xanthogranuloma, highlighting the challenges encountered in its diagnosis and management. The child presented with symptoms, including headache, ptosis of the left eye, and neurological deficits. Brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hypodense sellar lesion. The patient underwent a left pterional craniotomy for resection of the mass. Histopathological examination suggested the diagnosis of sellar xanthogranuloma, characterized by foamy macrophages, giant cells, lymphocytic infiltrates, fibrous proliferation, necrotic detritus, and hemosiderin deposits. Further diagnostic precision was achieved through immunohistochemical staining, including CD1a and langerin, which successfully ruled out the possibility of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), reinforcing the diagnosis of sellar xanthogranuloma. The successful surgical resection of the lesion led to a favorable outcome, evidenced by the significant alleviation of symptoms as well as the restoration of normal neurological function. Post-operative assessments demonstrated a marked improvement in the patient's quality of life, and there were no observed complications or recurrence of the lesion during the follow-up period. In summary, our case report not only highlights the rarity and diagnostic challenges of sellar xanthogranulomas but also emphasizes the importance of collaborative medical expertise in achieving accurate diagnosis and successful therapeutic outcomes in pediatric patients. The successful management of this case offers valuable insights into the clinical presentation, diagnostic complexities, and treatment strategy of sellar xanthogranulomas, further enriching our understanding of this uncommon intracranial pathology.

Sellar xanthogranuloma as a diagnostic challenge: a report on five cases

Xanthogranulomas are considered rare tumors, with their sellar and non-sellar frequency ranging from 1.6 to 7% among intracranial lesions, and described as a separate entity by the World Health Organization in 2000. The diagnosis of sellar xanthogranulomas is challenging, given their uncertain origin and clinical course. In addition, the limited reporting of sellar xanthogranuloma cases and the absence of characteristic images make these entities difficult to distinguish from other cystic lesions of the sellar region, such as adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas, Rathke's cleft cysts, pituitary tumors, arachnoid cysts, epidermoid cysts, and dermoid cysts. Here, we describe the clinical presentation, radiological findings, immunohistochemical/histopathological analysis, and the ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy of five sellar xanthogranulomas cases reported in two care centers in Cordoba, Argentina. Two males and three females between 37 and 73 years of age (average 51.8 years) presented with persistent headaches, generalized endocrine defects, and visual problems. MRI revealed cystic formations in the sellar region, which usually projected into adjacent tissues such as the suprasellar region or cavernous sinuses, and compressed other structures such as the optic chiasm, pituitary gland, and cranial nerves. All patients underwent surgical intervention to remove the tumor tissue. The histopathological analysis of the samples showed cellular tissue with a xanthogranulomatous appearance, inflammatory cellular infiltrate (mainly lymphocytes and macrophages), fibroblasts, abundant collagen fibers, and hemorrhages. An ultrastructural analysis helped to identify cellular infiltrates and granules resulting from tumor cell activity. The data support the hypothesis that sellar xanthogranulomas could occur as an inflammatory reaction secondary to the rupture and hemorrhage of a previous cystic process, thereby generating an expansion of the tumor body toward adjacent tissues. The information obtained from these cases contributes to the current knowledge about this disease's origin and clinical and histological evolution. However, the scarcity of patients and the observed phenotypic heterogeneity make its diagnosis still challenging. Undoubtedly, more investigations are needed to provide additional information in order to be able to achieve a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of this rare disease.

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region: a systematic review

Knowledge of xanthogranuloma (XG) of the sellar region comes from short series or single cases. We performed a systematic review, using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, eLibrary, and BIOSIS Preview databases, of all cases reported from 2000 to the present. We also describe one unreported patient treated in our institution. A search of the literature revealed that of 71 patients 50.7% were male and that mean age at diagnosis was 34.7 ± 19.2 years old. Median time from clinical onset until diagnosis was 7 (3-21) months. Hypopituitarism (70.4%), visual disorders (64.7%), headache (53.5%), and polyuria-polydipsia (28.2%) were the most common symptoms. On MRI, median tumor size was 20 (16-29) mm, while 71.8% were sellar/suprasellar and less frequently exclusively suprasellar (15.5%) or sellar (12.7%). On T1-weighted imaging, XG was hyperintense in 76.3% of patients, while it showed variable appearance on T2-weighted imaging. The tumor showed cystic features in 50.7%, gadolinium enhancement in 45.1%, and calcification in 22.5% of patients. All patients underwent surgery (77.4% transphenoidal approach and 18.3% craniotomy), with hypopituitarism (56.4%), diabetes insipidus (34.5%), and visual defects (7.3%) being the most common complications. Total/subtotal resection was achieved in 93.5%, while the tumor was partially removed in 6.6%. Median follow-up was 24 (6-55) months and no tumor recurrence or remnant growth was reported in 97.5% of cases. In conclusion, XG affects the younger population, manifested by hormonal deficit and mass effect symptoms. Surgery is safe and offers excellent outcomes, though hypopituitarism is frequent post-surgery. Tumor recurrence or remnant growth is rare and radiological surveillance is a good option for patients with remnant lesions.

Successful immunomodulatory treatment for recurrent xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis in an adolescent: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Xanthomatous lesions of the pituitary have been linked to ruptured or hemorrhagic Rathke’s cleft cysts. Most cases are reported to resolve following radical resection. When recurrence does occur, there is no established treatment regimen. High-dose glucocorticoids have been reported to be beneficial in several published cases; however, their effects are often not sustained once therapy is discontinued.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors report the case of an adolescent male who developed recurrent xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis associated with a Rathke’s cleft cyst despite two surgical interventions. He was treated with a short course of dexamethasone followed by a maintenance course of celecoxib and mycophenolate mofetil. This regimen proved to be safe and well-tolerated, and it successfully prevented another recurrence of his xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis.

LESSONS

This case demonstrates a novel nonsurgical approach to the management of recurrent xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis. It suggests a potential application of a combined corticosteroid-sparing immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory regimen in other cases of refractory xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis.

Xanthogranuloma of the Sellar Region: A Comprehensive Review of Neuroimaging in a Rare Inflammatory Entity

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region is a rare chronic inflammatory lesion resulting from secondary hemorrhage, inflammation, infarction, and necrosis of an existing Rathke’s cleft cyst, craniopharyngioma, or pituitary adenoma. Sellar xanthogranulomas are challenging to differentiate from other cystic lesions preoperatively due to the lack of characteristic imaging features. We performed a literature overview of the clinical and paraclinical features, treatment options, and long-term outcomes of patients with sellar xanthogranuloma, focusing on the preoperative radiological diagnosis. The hyperintense signal in both T1- and T2-weighted sequences, cystic or partially cystic morphology, ovoid shape, sellar epicenter, intra- and suprasellar location, intratumoral calcifications, linear rim contrast enhancement, and the absence of cavernous sinus invasion suggest xanthogranuloma in the preoperative differential diagnosis. An endoscopic endonasal gross total resection without radiotherapy is the preferred first-line treatment. Given the low rate of recurrence rate and low chance of endocrinological recovery, a mass reduction with decompression of the optic apparatus may represent an appropriate surgical goal. Identifying the xanthogranulomas’ mutational profile could complement histopathological diagnosis and give insight into their histo-pathogenesis. A better preoperative neuroimagistic diagnosis of sellar xanthogranulomas and differentiation from lesions with a poorer prognosis, such as craniopharyngioma, would result in an optimal personalized surgical approach.

Sellar xanthogranuloma: A diagnostic challenge

Background:

Sellar xanthogranulomas are rare intracranial lesions comprising <1% of all sellar lesions. They were described as a separate entity by the World Health Organization in 2000. Because of the paucity of sellar xanthogranuloma cases reported in the literature, they remain a diagnostic challenge with indefinite origin, clinical course, and outcome. The present study reports a case of sellar xanthogranuloma describing the clinical presentation, radiological/pathological characteristics, and outcome.

Case Description:

A 43-year-old female, known to have diabetes, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, presented with a 2-week history of sudden right-sided facial deviation, periorbital pain, and moderate-intensity headache. The patient also reported amenorrhea not improving with polycystic ovarian syndrome treatment. Neurologic examination showed bilateral visual field defects and impaired visual acuity. Computed tomography scan, without contrast, revealed a hypodense sellar lesion with areas of hyperdensity. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined sellar lesion, exhibiting high signals on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. The patient underwent microscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal excision of the lesion. Histological sections of the sellar lesion revealed fibrous connective tissue with chronic inflammatory cells and cholesterol clefts, suggestive of xanthogranuloma. The patient is currently followed up at neurosurgery, endocrinology, and ophthalmology clinics with periodic laboratory/radiological investigations.

Conclusion:

Sellar xanthogranulomas remain rare intracranial lesions with few cases reported in the literature. Patients mostly present with severe hypopituitarism and visual dysfunction. They show no characteristic radiological features. The diagnosis is confirmed histopathologically, and the prognosis is generally favorable.

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region: A case report

RATIONALE

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region is exceedingly rare, and described in only a handful of case reports. Herein, we present a case of xanthogranuloma of the sellar region to improve our knowledge for the diagnosis and management of this unusual disease.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 50-year-old female presented with the symptoms of intermittent vomiting, occasional head discomfort, and diabetes insipidus of 1 month duration.

DIAGNOSES

Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large well-defined, vase-like, heterogeneous mass in the sellar region. The lesion showed mixed signal with hierarchical signal presentation. Fluid-fluid level sign can be found within the lesion. The upper part of the lesion was hyperintense, and the lower part was hypointense on both T1-weighted images and T2-weighted images. The lesion showed no enhancement following the intravenous administration of gadolinium. The normal pituitary tissue was not clearly visible. Optic chiasm was compressed and displaced by the lesion. Initial diagnosis of pituitary macroadenoma with hemorrhage in the sellar region was made before surgery. Final diagnosis of sellar xanthogranuloma was confirmed by histopathological examination after surgical resection.

INTERVENTIONS

Gross total resection of the lesion was achieved using the microscope through endonasal transsphenoidal approach.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well with improved binocular vision and no symptom of diabetes insipidus, and was discharged 5 days after operation.

LESSONS

Sellar xanthogranuloma should receive diagnostic consideration for the lesion that is a heterogeneously mixed mass with a degree of T1-weighted images hyperintense in the sellar region.

Sellar Cholesterol Granuloma Mimicking Cystic Sellar Lesions: A Report of Three Cases and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Cystic lesions in the sellar region include a variety of entities, such as craniopharyngioma, Rathke cleft cyst (RCC), intrasellar arachnoid cyst, cystic pituitary adenomas, cholesterol granulomas (CGs), and xanthogranulomas (XGs). The distinction among them remains a preoperative challenge due to similarities in their clinical and radiologic findings.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe 3 cases with cystic sellar lesions. The first patient is a woman who presented with headache and hormonal disturbances, including high levels of prolactin, with a sellar and suprasellar cystic lesion discovered on magnetic resonance imaging. She was initially treated with dopamine agonists with normalization of prolactin levels but no changes on the size of the lesion. She underwent an endoscopic endonasal resection and the histology resulted in a CG/XG. The second patient is a woman who consulted for an incidentally discovered sellar cyst. During the follow-up, the lesion demonstrated enlargement with compression of the optic chiasm. With a preoperative diagnosis of RCC, the lesion was removed through an endoscopic endonasal transsellar approach. Final pathologic diagnosis was consistent with CG/XG. The third case was that of a man who presented with refractory headaches and vision loss, with a sellar/suprasellar cystic lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent endoscopic endonasal transsellar surgery for resection of what preoperatively was thought to be a giant RCC; final pathology again was consistent with CG/XG.

CONCLUSIONS

CG/XG is an uncommon pathology with unspecific clinical and radiologic features. However, this pathology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mixed cystic/solid lesions in the sellar region.

FROM DIABETES INSIPIDUS TO SELLAR XANTHOGRANULOMA - A "YELLOW BRICK ROAD" DEMANDING TEAM-WORK

Xanthogranulomas are inflammatory lesions exceptionally rarely occurring in the sellar region. Sellar xanthogranulomas (SXG) result from secondary hemorrhage, infarction, inflammation or necrosis upon existing craniopharyngioma (CP), Rathkès cleft cyst (RCC) or pituitary adenoma (PA), or represent a stage in xanthomatous hypophysitis evolution. "Pure SXG" are independent of a preexisting lesion. A 70 year old male patient, laryngeal cancer survivor, presented with central diabetes insipidus (CDI). MRI revealed an intra-suprasellar mass of uncertain origin. Transsphenoidal surgery resulted in an efficient lesion resection with maximal pituitary sparing. Pathological report has confirmed SXG without conclusive identification of preexisting sellar lesion. Age at presentation and gender were atypical for SXG. The most frequent presenting signs of SXG were absent. Most SXG are initially misdiagnosed as CP, RCC or PA. Preoperative clinical and radiological uncertainty may impact operative planning. Differentiating from CP is crucial, due to divergent operative target goals and prognosis. Intraoperative frozen section analysis could guide surgical extensiveness. Close collaboration must include endocrinologist, neuroradiologist, neurosurgeon and pathologist. Quantity and quality of provided tissue are essential for avoiding bias in pathohistological analysis of cystic or heterogenous lesions. Awareness is needed of new pathological entities in the sellar-parasellar region. SXG should be considered in differential diagnosis of CDI-causing sellar lesions.

The Significance of Extracellular Cholesterol Crystals or a Cholesterol Granuloma in Xanthelasma

Background/Aims

Xanthelasma is an unreliable indicator of systemic hyperlipidemia. A review in search of unusual histopathologic features of cellular composition that might correlate with systemic hyperlipidemia was conducted.

Methods

An observational case series of 3 cases was performed. Slides were stained and analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and periodic acid-Schiff as well as for iron. Three lesions displayed an atypical morphologic finding and were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for CD3, CD20, CD68, CD163, S100, and adipophilin.

Results

The three lesions comprised in this study had classical xanthoma cells with densely packed fine vacuoles. The xanthoma cells were CD68, CD163, and adipophilin positive and S100 negative. In case 1, extracellular, nonpolarizing cholesterol crystalloids displayed totally negative staining for all biomarkers. In cases 2 and 3, the cholesterol granulomas were surrounded and permeated by CD68- or CD163-positive epithelioid and giant cells and by CD3-positive T lymphocytes. The 3 cases each harbored squamous cysts.

Conclusion

In case 1, the uninflamed extracellular cholesterol crystalloids were associated with severely dysregulated systemic hyperlipidemia. In cases 2 and 3, the cholesterol granulomas were interpreted as a local manifestation of a cyst that might have partially ruptured and did not portend serious hyperlipidemia.

Giant Sellar Xanthogranuloma after Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Rathke's Cleft Cyst

Extremely massive sellar xanthogranuloma (XG) are rare, and the surgical outcome and prognosis are not well known. XG remain unknown whether they are derived from Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) or craniopharyngiomas (CPs) following extensive inflammation and metaplasia, to the point that no epithelium is readily identifiable. These lesions usually tend to occur in younger patients (mean 28.3 years), have a smaller diameter, and remain primarily intrasellar region with infrequent calcification. This 36-year-old man presented our hospital with visual deterioration. At the time of visit, there were no neurological problems other than visual field defect and hormonal disorder. He visited our hospital in 2007 due to headache and decreased vision, and underwent transphenoid surgery for pituitary RCC. Since then, he has received treatment at our hospital for postoperative hormonal disorders. Through preoperative imaging study, the author suspected CP and underwent surgery. During the operation, the adhesion of the tumor to the surrounding major neurovascular structures was severe in the naked eyes, but the tumor could be removed more easily than expected. The postoperative histological findings were confirmed as XG. The postoperative course was uneventful. Compared to the previous literature, this case is a case where the size of XG is very large in a sellar region and it can be proved that it originated from the RCC. And regular follow-up is necessary to confirm the prognosis after surgery.

Pituitary xanthogranulomas: clinical features, radiological appearances and post-operative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Xanthogranulomas are inflammatory masses most commonly found at peripheral sites such as the skin. Sellar and parasellar xanthogranulomas are rare and present a diagnostic challenge as they are difficult to differentiate from other sellar lesions such as craniopharyngiomas and Rathke's cleft cysts pre-operatively. Their radiological imaging features are yet to be clearly defined, and clinical outcomes after surgery are also uncertain. This study reviews clinical presentation, radiological appearances, and clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients with pituitary xanthogranulomas.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained pituitary surgery database was screened for histologically confirmed pituitary xanthogranulomas between May 2011-December 2016. Retrospective case note assessments were then performed by three independent reviewers. Patient demographics, clinical presentations, imaging, and clinical outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

During the study period 295 endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgeries were performed. Six patients had confirmed pituitary xanthogranulomas (2%). Patients most commonly presented with visual field deficits and/or endocrine dysfunction. Common imaging features included: a cystic consistency, hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR images, and contrast enhancement either peripherally (n = 3) or homogenously (n = 3). The most common pre-operative endocrine deficits were hyperprolactinaemia and hypoadrenalism (at least one of which was identified in 4/6 patients; 66%). Thirty-three percent (2/6) of patients presented with diabetes insipidus. The most common post-operative endocrinological deficits were adrenocortical dysfunction (66%) and gonadotropin deficiency (66%). Visual assessments normalised in all six patients post-operatively. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients, and at median follow up of 33.5 months there were no cases of tumour recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of pituitary xanthogranulomas in our series is higher than that suggested in the literature. Surgery restored normal vision to all cases, however four patients (67%) required long-term hormonal replacement post-operatively. Imaging features such peripheral rim enhancement, a suprasellar tumour epicentre, and the absence of both calcification or cavernous sinus invasion were identified as potential indicators that together should alert clinicians to the possibility of pituitary xanthogranuloma when assessing patients with cystic sellar and parasellar tumours.

Cholesterol granuloma of the maxilla

Intra-osseous cholesterol granuloma (CG) is a rare and benign lesion. Very few cases of CG of the jaws have been described in the literature. CG of the jaws seems to be due to the accumulation of cholesterol of hematogenous origin in odontogenic cysts. We report on one case of CG of the maxilla treated by surgical enucleation in a 46-year-old man who presented an asymptomatic swelling of the maxilla.

Review of xanthomatous lesions of the sella

Xanthomatous lesions of the sellar region have traditionally been divided into two separate categories, xanthomatous hypophysitis (XH) and xanthogranuloma (XG) of the sellar region. The seminal article on XH, a condition typified by foamy histiocytes and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the pituitary gland/sellar region, but usually little or no hemosiderin pigment, detailed three patients. However, most reports since that time have been single cases, making understanding of the entity difficult. In contrast, the seminal report on XG, characterized by sellar region cholesterol clefts, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, marked hemosiderin deposits, fibrosis, multinucleated giant cells around cholesterol clefts, eosinophilic granular necrotic debris, and accumulation of macrophages, included 37 patients, allowing more insights into etiology. Few examples could be linked to adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma, and although ciliated epithelium similar to that of Rathke cleft cyst (RCC) was identified up to 35% of the 37 cases, it could not be proven that XG was related to hemorrhage into RCC. Case reports since that time, however, occasionally linked XG to RCC when an etiology could be identified at all, and a few recognized that a spectrum exists in xanthomatous lesions of the sella. They review literature, adding 23 cases from our own experience, to confirm that overlap occurs between XH and XG, and that the majority-but not all-can be linked to RCC leakage/rupture/hemorrhage. It was suggested that progressive accumulation of hemosiderin pigment in the lesion, possibly caused by the multiple episodes of bleeding, could account for the transition of at least some cases of XH to XG.