Ectopic corticotroph adenoma in the cavernous sinus: case report

Clinical and radiological presentation of parasellar ectopic pituitary adenomas: case series and systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

Parasellar ectopic pituitary adenomas (pEPAs) are extremely rare tumors located out of the sella turcica. PEPAs are heterogeneous entities in terms of anatomical localization and secretion of anterior pituitary hormones.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective study. Clinical charts' consultation of patients diagnosed with parasellar lesions, to identify all subjects fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of parasellar EPAs. Systematic review of the literature focused on the medical management of prolactin-secreting pEPAs and on the prevalence of radiological bone invasion in pEPAs.

RESULTS

We identified four cases of pEPAs: (1) 54-year-old female with a prolactin-secreting suprasellar EPA successfully treated with cabergoline; (2) 74-year-old male with a non-functioning EPA of the sphenoidal sinus treated with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery; (3) 75-year-old female with a giant lesion of the skull base (maximum diameter 7.2 cm) diagnosed as a non-functioning EPA after biopsy; (4) 49-year-old male with a silent corticotroph EPA of the sphenoidal sinus and clivus. Three out of four cases had radiological evidence of invasion of the surrounding bone structures. A systematic review of the literature highlighted that medical therapy can be effective in prolactin-secreting pEPAs. Overall, we found mention of local invasiveness in 65/147 cases (44.2%), confirmed by radiological signs of bone invasion/erosion.

CONCLUSION

Our experience confirms the heterogeneity of pEPAs in terms of clinical and radiological presentation, as well as hormone secretion. PEPAs show a high frequency of radiological bone invasion, though similar to that of sellar pituitary adenomas. Although extremely rare, pEPAs need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of parasellar lesions.

Ectopic pituitary adenomas: clinical features, diagnostic challenges and management

PURPOSE

Ectopic pituitary adenomas (EPAs) are extremely rare pituitary adenomas located outside the sella turcica without any connection with intrasellar components. This study aims to review all the reported cases to date and describe the clinical characteristics of EPAs.

METHODS

In a retrospective chart review, 14 patients were identified with EPAs in our hospital. A literature review was performed, and 166 cases in the literature met the criteria. Clinical data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 180 patients with EPAs, the mean age at diagnosis was 45.4 years, and 66.5% of the patients were females. EPAs were mainly located in the sphenoid sinus (34.4%) and suprasellar region (25.6%), followed by the clivus (15.6%), cavernous sinus (13.3%) and nasopharynx (5.6%). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting (38.9%) and nonfunctioning (27.2%) adenomas were predominant. Patients with suprasellar EPAs were more likely to present menstrual disorders and visual changes, while patients with clival EPAs were more likely to suffer from headaches. EPAs in the cavernous sinus and suprasellar space were more likely to be initially misdiagnosed as a suspicious intrasellar mass on imaging examination. The complete tumor resection rates for EPAs in the sphenoid sinus, suprasellar region, clivus, cavernous sinus and nasopharynx were 72.3%, 88.6%, 45.0%, 73.3% and 88.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EPA clinical characteristics varied across different tumor locations and hormone-secreting types. In addition to comprehensive hormone evaluation and careful review of imaging data, nuclear medicine and surgical biopsy should also be considered when facing differential difficulty. EPA management should be individualized.

Long-term follow-up for ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma in a single tertiary medical center and a literature review

BACKGROUND

Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (EAPA) are a rare cause of Cushing's disease. Due to the lack of consensus and experience in terms of the diagnosis and treatment of EAPAs, preoperative identification and optimal treatment remain challenging.

PURPOSE

To investigate the characteristics of EAPAs and offer some proposals for the diagnosis and management of this uncommon disease, the EAPA patients admitted to our center and all of the EAPA cases reported in the literature were reviewed.

METHODS

In a retrospective electronic medical chart review, 6 patients (0.39%) with EAPAs were identified from 1536 consecutive patients who were admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome between January 2000 and August 2019. A literature review was performed on the online databases PubMed and EMBASE, and 52 cases conformed to the criteria. The data regarding biochemical tests, imaging examinations and follow-ups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients with EAPAs was 37.7 years old, and an obvious female predominance (3.5: 1) was demonstrated. The most common location of EAPAs was the cavernous sinus (34.5%), followed by the sphenoid sinus (31.0%) and the suprasellar region (20.7%). No significant differences in the biochemical test results were found among tumors in different locations. Except for sex, no risk factors related to remission were found. Although no significant differences among different locations were found, the tumors in the cavernous sinus had a relatively higher rate of invisibility in terms of imaging and a higher non-remission rate than tumors in other locations.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with negative intrasellar findings, the uncommon disease of EAPA should be considered. Due to the endocrine similarity between intrasellar pituitary corticotrophin adenoma and EAPA, the preoperative identification of EAPA depends on a careful review of the imaging examinations. Locations such as the cavernous sinus, sphenoid sinus and suprasellar region should be considered first. Tumor resection is recommended when the diagnosis is confirmed.

Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus: case report of endoscopic endonasal resection and systematic review of the literature

Ectopic pituitary adenomas are exceedingly rare entities that are often misdiagnosed. The resulting delay in diagnosis may be particularly concerning in the case of Cushing syndrome caused by an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. Although the total resection of ectopic adenomas results in rapid and durable remission, persistent Cushing syndrome is often associated with permanently damaging invasive procedures and significantly higher risk of mortality. The authors report the case of a 48-year-old man with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. On the morning before surgery, his serum cortisol measured 51 μg/dl, his ACTH level was 195.7 pg/ml, and his urinary free cortisol level was 2109 μg/day. Serum cortisol was not suppressed with the administration of high-dose dexamethasone. Imaging showed separate masses in both the sphenoid sinus and the pituitary gland, complicating the diagnostic process and requiring pathological assessment of both masses. No other abnormalities were found on thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic scans. Gross-total resection of both lesions was accomplished via an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Pathology confirmed an ectopic ACTH pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus and a Crooke hyaline change of the pituitary gland. The patient achieved stable hormonal remission without significant postoperative complications, returned to full activity within 3 months, and remained disease free nearly 1 year after tumor resection. In a systematic literature review, the authors identified 41 cases of ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, including 18 arising in the sphenoid sinus without direct involvement of the sella. Including the case described here, the total number of ectopic ACTH pituitary adenomas arising in the sphenoid sinus was 19, and the total number of ectopic ACTH pituitary adenomas without regard to location was 42. For the 19 patients with adenomas found in the sphenoid sinus, ages ranged from 16 to 76 years, and there were 15 women and 4 men. The mean and median diameters of the resected sphenoid masses were 13.9 and 8 mm, respectively, with a range of 3-55 mm. Seven were microadenomas (< 1 cm). Fifteen of the 19 cases reported serum ACTH and morning cortisol levels, the means of which were 106.7 pg/ml and 32.5 μg/dl, respectively. Gross-total tumor resection was achieved in all patients except one, and in all of them durable hormonal remission of Cushing syndrome was achieved (mean follow-up time 20 months). Ectopic pituitary adenomas are rare but important causes of Cushing syndrome and related endocrinopathies, particularly because of the rapid onset and severity of symptoms with atypical presentation. Ectopic pituitary adenomas, especially those in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, or paranasal sinuses, are easily misidentified. Any patient presenting with signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome without any obvious pituitary adenoma or other sources of hypercortisolemia should be thoroughly screened for an ectopic adenoma. However, as with the case presented here, the coincident existence of a sellar mass should not preclude the possibility of an ectopic source. There should be a high degree of clinical suspicion for any mass in the general area surrounding the sella when evaluating Cushing syndrome.

A pitfall in diagnosing Cushing's disease: ectopic ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus

PURPOSE

To show a rare case of Cushing's disease and possible cause of failed transsphenoidal surgery.

METHOD

We report on a 50-year-old woman suffering from ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinological work-up including low-dose/high-dose dexamethasone test (Liddle-test) and CRH test were clearly compatible with pituitary origin. Although an MRI showed no pituitary tumor, CRH-stimulated petrosal sinus sampling revealed a significant central-peripheral gradient in ACTH concentrations, rendering Cushing's disease very likely. The patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery with negative exploration of the pituitary gland. After intraoperative re-evaluation of the preoperative MRI, a "polyp" at the bottom of the sphenoid sinus was identified. The intraoperative microscopic aspect as well as instantaneous sections and cytology of a biopsy confirmed an adenoma, which was then removed. Histological analysis demonstrated an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma adjacent to respiratory mucous membrane consisting of ciliated epithelium with submucous connective tissue. Postoperatively, ACTH concentrations were decreased and intermittent hydrocortisone substitution treatment was initiated. At the 3-month follow up, Cushing's stigmata were found to be alleviated and the hydrocortisone dosage could be reduced.

CONCLUSION

Ectopic pituitary adenoma tissue causing Cushing's disease is extremely rare but a potential cause for surgical failure or re-evaluation.

Successful treatment of Cushing's disease caused by ectopic intracavernous microadenoma

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas are sometimes difficult to visualize, even with high-quality magnetic resonance imaging, due to their small size and variable location. Sampling the cavernous or inferior petrosal sinus is helpful for confirming the central origin of a tumor, but ectopic corticotroph adenomas in the paraseller region also typically exhibit a high central/peripheral plasma ACTH ratio. We experienced an extremely rare case of Cushing's disease caused by an ACTH-secreting microadenoma located entirely inside the left cavernous sinus attached to the medial wall (ectopic pituitary adenoma) that was not visible by preoperative MRI. In this case, the microadenoma was completely removed and an endocrinologic cure was achieved. This case reveals that in addition to meticulous sectioning of the pituitary gland, bilateral periglandular inspection with visualization of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus and of the diaphragm should always be performed to detect ectopic parasellar microadenomas when no adenoma is visible by preoperative MRI.

Management of ACTH-secreting supradiaphragmatic adenomas

Supradiaphragmatic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreting pituitary adenomas are exceptionally encountered (14 cases previously described) and raise issues concerning their nosology and management. If surgery is the treatment of choice, the nature of surgical approach (craniotomy, transsphenoidal approach) remains controversial. To illustrate this issue, we presented two cases of supradiaphragmatic ACTH secreting pituitary adenomas successfully excised via a subfrontal approach. Both patients were female (20 and 41 years) and had a typical Cushing's syndrome. MRI revealed, in both cases, a suprasellar mass in contact with the pars tuberalis of the pituitary. In the first case, the patient underwent initially a transsphenoidal approach with negative exploration and subsequent partial hypophysectomy. One year later, the patient was operated on again via a subfrontal approach, allowing excision of a supradiaphragmatic adenoma and a complete cure of Cushing's disease. In the second case, the patient underwent initially a subfrontal approach and was definitely cured. In both cases, the diaphragma sellae was found to be intact and the pituitary stalk could be preserved. Postoperative MRI demonstrated a clearly visible intact pituitary stalk in conjunction with normal aspect of the pituitary. Supradiaphragmatic pituitary adenomas are most likely adenomas of the pituitary stalk with extra-axial development. Surgery remains the treatment of choice. Should the superior approach be preferred, the transsphenoidal-transtuberculum sellae approach may represent a viable alternative when performed by a well-trained surgical team. Surgery may be difficult, and drawbacks are non negligible, particularly in elderly patients. In these cases, stereotactic radiosurgery should receive more consideration.

An aberrant ACTH-producing ectopic pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus

A 32-year-old woman with an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma (EAPA) is presented. She had rapidly gained weight and suffered recurrent facial acne for a few years but lacked the typical Cushingoid features. Endocrine examinations revealed that her plasma ACTH was markedly high (196 to 280 pg/ml) without showing normal circadian rhythm and failed to respond to corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation. Her cortisol levels ranged from 22 to 30 microg/dl throughout observation but low doses (1 and 2 mg) of dexamethasone failed to suppress either ACTH or cortisol level. Magnetic resonance imaging study revealed a 3-cm mass occupying the sphenoidal sinus with partial enhancement by gadolinium, which was separated from the normal pituitary in the sella region. The tumor resected by transsphenoidal surgery was histologically diagnosed as an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. After surgery her weight gain and acne remitted in accordance with decreases in plasma ACTH. Analysis of patient plasma by gel filtration method revealed the existence of big ACTH molecules eluted with a peak of authentic 1-39 ACTH, suggesting that this biologically less-active ACTH might be the reason why overt features of Cushing's syndrome failed to develop in this case. Although EAPA is clinically rare in parasellar disorders, the presence of ectopic pituitary adenoma should be considered in such cases showing ACTH hypersecretion without typical Cushingoid features.

Ectopic Growth Hormone-Releasing Adenoma in the Cavernous Sinus-Case Report-

A 55-year-old woman presented a rare ectopic pituitary adenoma in the right cavernous sinus manifesting as acromegaly. The tumor was removed via transsphenoidal approach. Intraoperative observation showed the adenoma was located entirely within the right cavernous sinus, and separated from the normal pituitary gland by the medial wall of the cavernous sinus. There was no communication between the tumor and the pituitary. Histological examination showed a growth hormone-releasing adenoma. Including our case, only eight of 86 reported ectopic adenomas have occurred in the cavernous sinus. Such ectopic presentation may be responsible for failed transsphenoidal surgery for endocrinologically active tumors.

Ectopic pituitary adenoma in the cavernous sinus causing oculomotor nerve paresis--case report

A 24-year-old woman presented with a rare adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-positive pituitary adenoma in the cavernous sinus, manifesting as sudden onset of oculomotor nerve paresis. Neuroimaging revealed a tumor in the cavernous sinus bulging into the subdural space. There was no continuity between the tumor and the pituitary gland in the sella turcica. Gross total removal of the tumor was performed through the orbitozygomatic approach followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. The oculomotor nerve paresis was resolved. Histological examination revealed an adenoma positive for ACTH. Ectopic pituitary adenoma occurs mostly in the sphenoid sinus or the suprasellar region. This extremely rare case of ectopic macroadenoma in the cavernous sinus manifested as oculomotor nerve paresis without signs of Cushing's syndrome.

Ectopic intracavernous sinus adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting microadenoma: could this be a common cause of failed transsphenoidal surgery in Cushing disease? Case report

Despite diagnostic advances, it remains difficult to identify intrasellar and ectopic parasellar adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting microadenomas. The authors present the case of a 61-year-old woman with Cushing disease in whom a significant central-to-peripheral and lateralized right-sided ACTH gradient was demonstrated on inferior petrosal sinus sampling; no discernible abnormality was seen on magnetic resonance imaging. She underwent transnasal transsphenoidal surgery. No tumor was found on sellar exploration and a total hypophysectomy was performed, yet her hypercortisolemia persisted. The patient died of cardiac events 17 days postsurgery. Autopsy revealed an isolated, right-sided, intracavernous ACTH-secreting adenoma with no intrasellar communication. This case represents the first failed transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing disease in which there is postmortem confirmation of a suspected intracavernous sinus lesion. It supports the hypothesis that Cushing disease associated with nondiagnostic imaging studies, a strong ACTH gradient on venography, and negative findings on sellar exploration may be caused by an ectopic intracavernous ACTH-secreting adenoma. There are no premortem means of confirming the presence of such lesions, but these tumors could underlie similar cases of failed surgery. Radiation therapy targeting the sella turcica and both cavernous sinuses, possibly supplemented with medical treatment, is suggested for similar patients in whom transsphenoidal hypophysectomy has failed. Adrenalectomy may also be appropriate if a rapid reduction in ACTH is necessary.

Case report: cushing disease caused by an ectopic intracavernous pituitary microadenoma: case report and review of the literature

Despite increasing performance of pituitary imaging, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas are often difficult to identify because of their small size and variable location. We present a case of ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome in which the demonstration of the cavernous sinus localization of a microadenoma was made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ectopic pituitary microadenomas have been described only in a few reports, and the current case-report is the first to our knowledge to illustrate clearly the intracavernous localization of the microadenoma.

Juxtaposition of an ectopic corticotroph adenoma of the sphenoid sinus with orthotopic intrasellar corticotroph hyperplasia in a patient with Cushing disease. Case report

Ectopic pituitary adenomas (EPAs) are rare and their association with orthotopic corticotroph hyperplasia has not been published. The case of a 30-year-old woman with clinical and biochemical evidence of Cushing disease (CD) is reported. A magnetic resonance image obtained preoperatively revealed asymmetrical inhomogeneity of the pituitary gland, which was suggestive of localized adenoma. It also showed what was thought to be a small sphenoid polyp. Postoperatively the latter lesion was found to be an ectopic corticotroph adenoma. The pituitary gland, which was free from any tumor, exhibited diffuse unilateral corticotroph hyperplasia. Clinical, radiological, laboratory, and histopathological findings are presented. A review of the literature and a discussion of possible causes of this unique association between the ectopic corticotroph adenoma and the pituitary hyperplasia are provided.

Suprasellar adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma: case report and literature Review

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Functional ectopic pituitary adenomas are rare and can be misdiagnosed as extensions of pituitary adenomas when they are located in the vicinity of the normal gland. In this report, we present a case of an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting suprasellar pituitary adenoma that caused Cushing's disease. A literature review of previously reported ectopic pituitary adenomas is included to illustrate the diverse clinical manifestations of this disease entity.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

An 11-year-old boy was noted to have hirsutism, a buffalo hump, and unexplained weight gain consistent with Cushing's syndrome. Laboratory investigations revealed that the boy had elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum cortisol levels unsuppressed by dexamethasone. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were suggestive of a pituitary adenoma with suprasellar extension.

INTERVENTION

The initial transsphenoidal approach failed to achieve complete surgical resection. A repeat operation in which the pterional approach was used revealed a suprasellar pituitary adenoma without association with intrasellar contents. The patient's cushingoid symptoms improved significantly 3 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Ectopic pituitary adenomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis for all patients with Cushing's syndrome. Furthermore, surgical approaches should be chosen carefully once the diagnosis of ectopic pituitary adenoma is made.

Cushing's disease: a surgical view

The management of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's disease implies difficulties in the differential diagnosis, in the detection of minute pituitary adenomas, as well as in the radical removal of invasive adenomas. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unspecific and often negative in minute adenomas of three or less millimeters diameter. The trias of detectable ACTH, suppression of cortisol in the high-dose dexamethasone test, and stimulation in the corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH)-test has a high accuracy to prove pituitary dependency. In unclear cases, the use of inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) or cavernous sinus sampling (CSS) for the exclusion of ectopic ACTH-syndrome is currently advised especially in cases where cranial MRI is negative. The reliability of these methods to localize the mostly lateralized microadenomas is still discussed. Transsphenoidal microsurgical adenomectomy, the accepted primary therapy of Cushing's disease, has been published from experienced pituitary centers with remission rates ranging from 70% to 98% in the last decade. False diagnosis (pseudo-Cushing, ectopic ACTH-syndrome), incorrect adenoma localization by IPSS or CSS, and the rate of minute or non-resectable invasive tumors influence the results. The handling of minute specimen implies problems for surgeon and pathologist. Intraoperative tumor localization was improved by ACTH measurement from the cavernous sinus and the adenoma itself, by cytology, and frozen sections. The histology of the anterior lobe (rate of Crooke's cells) bears information of clinical relevance. Invasive macroadenomas may deserve repeat microsurgery, medical treatment, and radiosurgery.