Parasellar xanthogranulomas

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.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma as a differential diagnosis for sellar and suprasellar lesions in child: Case report and review of literature

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Its systemic form affects 4% of patients. Lesions in the Central Nervous System (CNS) occur in 2% of systemic cases. Sellar JXG should be one of the differential diagnoses for sellar lesions in young. This is a 15-year-old patient with non-specific headache, progressive visual loss and magnetic resonance imaging showing sellar lesion with suprasellar extension. The patient underwent microsurgery by pterional craniotomy with partial resection of the tumor. Pathology evidenced JXG. It progressively evolved with impairment of neuroendocrine functions, new lesions in different CNS locations and death two years after diagnosis. Sellar JXG without cutaneous manifestations is rare. There are no specific findings of the disease. Diagnosis requires additional tests, being defined by pathological analysis. Total resection presents a greater potential control comparing to partial resection. Even so, some patients may have progressive disease with poor clinical outcome.

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.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Uncommon Pathologies of the Sellar and Parasellar Regions

Endoscopic skull base surgery has become an integral part of the present neurosurgical armamentarium. The pioneering efforts in which the purely endoscopic transsphenoidal approach was introduced have triggered a growing tide of using the endoscopic endonasal procedures for a large variety of skull base lesions. Because of their anatomical peculiarities, lesions of the sellar and parasellar regions lend themselves very well to the endoscopic endonasal approaches. Apart from the common pathological entities, many other less frequent pathologies are encountered in the sellar and parasellar area. In this chapter, we review the surgical technique of the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach and its extensions applied to a variety of rare and uncommon pathological entities involving the sella turcica and clivus. An overview of these pathological entities is also presented and exemplified.

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.

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma of the Sellar Region with a 5-Year Medical History: Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region is a rare benign lesion, and there are few cases reported in children. Its histogenesis is controversial, and it is difficult to strictly differentiate it from craniopharyngioma (CP), Rathke's cleft cyst, or pituitary adenoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 16-year-old boy presented with a rare xanthogranuloma of the sellar region after complaining of retardation of growth 5 years previously. The ophthalmologic evaluation revealed no visual field disturbance. Endocrinological examination revealed hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intrasellar mass extending into the suprasellar region and compressing the optic chiasma, which appeared mixed signals on T1-weighted images. Endonasal transsphenoidal resection of the tumor was performed. Histological analysis of the tumor sections demonstrated granulomatous tissue with cholesterol clefts, hemosiderin deposits, fibrous tissues, multinucleated giant cells, and lymphocyte. Thus, the tumor was pathologically diagnosed as xanthogranuloma of the sellar region, which is different from adamantinomatous CP. There was no epithelial tissue in any part of the tumor including tumor capsule but have focal necrosis and calcification. His endocrinological dysfunction did not recover, so a hormonal replacement was continuously required.

CONCLUSION

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region is a rare entity but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions of the sellar region, even in pediatric population. We should think about this disease when dealing with children with stunted growth accompanied by a long medical history. Our case demonstrates the natural progression of the disease, suggesting that xanthogranuloma of the sellar region without epithelial components may be an independent disease.

Xanthogranulomatous Pituitary Adenoma in a Dog with Typical Hyperadrenocorticism

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region has been reported in both humans and animals. The lesion is rare, and its aetiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood. The association of sellar xanthogranuloma with an adenoma, known as xanthogranulomatous pituitary adenoma (XPA), is an extremely rare condition in humans and is usually associated with anterior pituitary insufficiencies, headache, vomiting and visual deficits. We present the first report of XPA in an animal. A 7-year-old male neutered Labrador Retriever was presented for investigation of progressive lethargy, vomiting and hyporexia, having been previously diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and hypoparathyroidism. The dog was euthanized due to lack of response to medical treatment and post-mortem examination revealed XPA. Although rare, xanthogranulomatous lesions should be considered in patients with pituitary disease.

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.

Rathke's cleft cyst with xanthogranulomatous change: A case report and review of the literature

Background

Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign, typically asymptomatic sellar lesions found incidentally in adults, with a dramatically lower incidence in pediatric patients (<18 years). We present a case of RCC with xanthogranulomatous change (XGC) - an even less common subtype of RCC - treated by endoscopic endonasal surgical resection. This is the second reported instance of an RCC with XGC occurring in a pediatric patient.

Case Description

The patient is a 17-year-old male with delayed puberty who presented with bitemporal hemianopsia and was found to have a 2.6 cm lesion, initially thought to be a craniopharyngioma. He subsequently underwent uncomplicated transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of RCC and demonstrated marked degenerative XGCs with squamous metaplasia. The patient tolerated the procedure well with improvement in visual symptoms.

Conclusion

RCC with XGC is a very rare pathology, particularly in the pediatric population. These lesions, while benign, can manifest clinically with significant symptoms. While treatment paradigms are not fully established with a small cohort of cases, endoscopic endonasal approaches have made surgical resection of these lesions a safe and effective treatment strategy, even in the pediatric population.

Symptomatic xanthogranuloma of the lateral ventricle in a pregnant patient treated with delayed resection: A case report and systematic review

Intracranial xanthogranulomas (XG) are a rare benign histiocytic neoplasm and most often within the choroid. The majority are asymptomatic and are found incidentally on imaging or post-mortem examination or autopsy. We present a case of symptomatic XG in a pregnant patient who underwent a delayed transcortical, transventricular approach for lateral ventricle XG resection following the completion of her pregnancy. Four years post-operatively, the patient is neurologically intact and without recurrence. Our review of the literature showed differences among XG depending on location. The clinical and radiological features of XG are often indistinguishable from tumors arising from the choroid plexus and should be considered as a rare etiology in the differential of newly diagnosed intraventricular lesions.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

Collision sellar lesions: coexistence of pituitary adenoma and Rathke cleft cyst-a single-center experience

PURPOSE

Collision sellar lesions represent the coexistence of distinct histopathological lesions found in the sella turcica. They are uncommon entities and have mainly been reported as pituitary adenoma (PA) associated to Rathke cleft cyst (RCC). Pre- and perioperative diagnosis is difficult, since most of the cases appear clinically, radiologically, and macroscopically as solitary cystic sellar lesion.

METHODS

A retrospective study of histological reports from patients operated for PA from 2013 to 2018 in a single neurosurgery reference center was performed. Patients who also exhibited RCC in the histological sections were included. Clinical and biochemical data were collected from medical files. MRI scans and histopathological slides were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 554 PA, five patients (0.9%) presented the association of PA and RCC. At diagnosis, patients had median age of 60 years (33-78) with, at least, one pituitary dysfunction, and visual field loss and/or headache. There was a female predominance (n = 3). All patients had nonfunctioning PA. MRI studies showed a predominantly cystic lesion and were unable to distinguish both lesions. The definitive diagnosis was made by histopathology.

CONCLUSION

The association of PA and RCC is extremely rare. On MRI, they appear as a solid-cystic or cystic sellar tumors. RCC can rupture causing granulomatous reaction with cholesterol crystal formation, which can be mistaken for craniopharyngiomas during surgery. Therefore, collision sellar lesion must be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic sellar lesions. The definitive diagnosis is made by histological study.

Functioning Pituitary Adenoma with Xanthogranulomatous Features: Review of Literature and Case Report

Objectives  We present a patient with a prolactin-secreting adenoma with extensive secondary, noninfectious, xanthogranulomatous changes due to remote intratumoral bleeding and provide a literature review of xanthogranulomas (XGs) of the sellar region with emphasis on prolactinomas with xanthogranulomatous features. Design  Case report, with PubMed search of cases of sellar XG, focusing on neuroimaging and surgical approach. Results  A 35-year-old male was found to have a large sellar/suprasellar calcified/cystic mass. Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for extradural resection was performed and diagnosis made. Review generated 31 patients with the diagnosis of sellar XG. In a minority (6 patients), the underlying lesion for the XG was a pituitary adenoma. Headache was the most common presenting symptom and panhypopituitarism the most common endocrinological abnormality. Examples of hyperprolactinemia associated with sellar XG are also uncommon and due to stalk effect. Neuroimaging of XG on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) showed 18 cases (56.3%) were hyperintense, 1 case (3.13%) was isointense, 4 (12.5%) had mixed-signal intensity, and 2 (6.25%) were hypointense. On T2-weighted MRIs, five lesions (15.6%) were hyperintense, three (9.38%) were isointense, nine (28.1%) were heterogeneous, and nine (28.1%) were hypointense. Only one case (3.1%) had calcifications on computed tomography scan similar to ours. In 14 cases (43.7%), the lesions enhanced with contrast administration on MRI. Conclusion  Prolactinomas with secondary xanthogranulomatous change represent a rare cause of XG of the sella. With no radiological or clinical signs specific for XG of the sellar region, preoperative diagnosis can be challenging, if not impossible.

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.

Endoscopic Resection of Pediatric Skull Base Tumors: An Evidence-Based Review

Objectives  To perform a systematic review examining experiences with endoscopic resection of skull base lesions in the pediatric population, with a focus on outcomes, recurrence, and surgical morbidities. Methods  PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were evaluated. Studies were assessed for level of evidence. Bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias tool, Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Patient characteristics, pathology, site of primary disease, presenting symptoms, stage, procedure specific details, and complications were evaluated. Results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Results  Ninety-three studies met criteria for inclusion, encompassing 574 patients with skull base tumors. The GRADE and MINORS criteria determined the overall evidence to be moderate quality. The most common benign and malignant pathologies included juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas ( n  = 239) and chondrosarcomas ( n  = 11) at 41.6 and 1.9%, respectively. Of all juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma tumors, most presented at stage IIIa and IIIb (25.8 and 27.3%, respectively). Nasal obstruction (16.5%) and headache (16.0%) were common symptoms at initial presentation. Surgical approaches included endoscopic endonasal ( n  = 193, 41.2%) and endoscopic extended transsphenoidal ( n  = 155, 33.1%). Early (< 6 weeks) and late (>6 weeks) complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak ( n  = 36, 17.3%) and endocrinopathy ( n  = 43, 20.7%). Mean follow-up time was 37 months (0.5-180 months), with 86.5% showing no evidence of disease and 2.1% having died from disease at last follow-up. Conclusion  Endoscopic skull base surgery has been shown to be a safe and effective method of treating a variety of pediatric skull base tumors. If appropriately employed, the minimally invasive approach can provide optimal results in the pediatric population.

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.

Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region accompanied by growth hormone deficiency: case report and literature review

Background Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region is a rare entity. Its pathology is controversial and it is difficult to strictly differentiate it from craniopharyngioma or Rathke's cyst. Case presentation We report a case of xanthogranuloma accompanied by growth hormone deficiency in an 11-year-old girl. She did not show any other pituitary hormone deficiency or neurological symptoms before operation. The preoperative diagnosis was craniopharyngioma, but histological findings showed small areas of epithelium. Thus, the final diagnosis was xanthogranuloma. Xanthogranuloma is an important cause of growth delay. We reviewed 16 cases reported after 2000, and included our case, of xanthogranuloma in children. Conclusions Endocrinological symptoms are often regarded as one of the few apparent symptoms in xanthogranuloma compared with craniopharyngioma. Therefore, we should follow up carefully and accumulate cases.

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.

Xanthogranulomatous pituitary adenoma: A case report and literature review

Xanthogranuloma, also referred to as cholesterol granuloma or xanthogranulomatous reaction, is a granulomatous lesion that is infrequently found in the sellar and parasellar regions. Xanthogranulomatous pituitary adenoma is relatively rare and, thus, the etiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis of this condition remain incompletely understood. We herein report the case of a 56-year-old female patient who presented to our institution with intermittent headache, vomiting and distending pain in the bilateral orbital regions. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a sellar mass with a heterogeneous signal. The mass was subtotally resected, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pituitary adenoma. Although the patient's symptoms were relieved following surgical treatment, intractable hyponatremia and diabetes insipidus developed and she received hormone replacement therapy. At the last follow-up (November 2016), the patient remained recurrence-free. A total of 14 cases of pituitary adenoma with concomitant xanthogranuloma were identified in the literature, and the clinical and radiological manifestations are discussed. Sellar xanthogranuloma is usually associated with craniopharyngioma or Rathke's cleft cyst; however, it may also occur in isolation. Xanthogranulomatous pituitary adenomas are infrequent, making their diagnosis challenging. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment, and attention should be paid to postoperative hypopituitarism and development of diabetes insipidus.

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

PURPOSE

Cholesterol granulomas in the sella are rare and can mimic the appearance of craniopharyngioma or Rathke's cleft cysts. Information regarding the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, and clinical course of sellar cholesterol granulomas can help clinicians to differentiate these lesions from other sellar cystic lesions.

METHODS

We present three cases of sellar cholesterol granulomas. A literature review was performed for all cases of sellar cholesterol granulomas with individual patient data reported.

RESULTS

We identified 24 previously reported cases in addition to our three cases. Mean age was 36.6 years (range 5-68). There were 16 (59%) females. The most common (74%) presenting symptom was endocrinological deficits, typically either isolated diabetes insipidus (DI) or panhypopituitarism. Location was intrasellar in 3 (11%), suprasellar in 6 (22%), and intrasellar/suprasellar in 18 (67%) patients. Lesions were most commonly (83%) T1 hyperintense. Gross total resection was achieved in 16 (64%) and subtotal resection in 9 (36%) patients. Of the seventeen (63%) patients presenting with varying degrees of bitemporal hemianopsia, all had improvement in vision postoperatively. It is worth noting that no cases of preoperative hypopituitarism or DI improved postoperatively. Even though gross total resection was only achieved in 64%, there was only one recurrence reported.

CONCLUSION

Sellar cholesterol granulomas are characterized by T1 hyperintensity, younger age, and more frequent and severe endocrinological deficits on presentation. Our review demonstrates high rates of improvement of visual deficits, but poor rates of endocrine function recovery. Recurrence is uncommon even in cases of subtotal resection.

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.

Remarkable Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Sellar Xanthogranuloma: Report of Three First Cases in Latin America

The sellar xanthogranuloma is a rare lesion of the sellar–parasellar region difficult to differentiate from other tumors such as craniopharyngiomas or Rathke's cleft cyst in the preoperative evaluation. As they are recently recognized as a separate entity and the few number of reports in the literature, its etiology is unknown and its impact remains uncertain. This article will describe the first three cases reported in Latin America, identified in one of them an imaging feature that may be helpful to elucidate an imaging growth pattern. Current evidence will be described regarding to the clinicopathological features, imaging diagnosis, and etiology origin theories.

Xanthomatous Hypophysitis Is Associated with Ruptured Rathke's Cleft Cyst

Xanthomatous hypophysitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland that can mimic a neoplastic lesion clinically and radiologically. Its pathogenesis remains largely unknown, although recent evidence suggests that pituitary inflammation may occur as a secondary reaction to mucous content released from a ruptured cyst. In a series of 1221 pituitary specimens, we identified seven cases of xanthomatous hypophysitis. Six patients had complete radiological and biochemical workup preoperatively: a cystic-appearing pituitary mass was identified in all six patients (100%) with a mean size of 2.0 cm (range 1.4-2.5 cm) on imaging, and pituitary endocrine dysfunction was noted in five patients (83.3%). In all cases, the pituitary mass was resected through an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Pathological examination revealed the presence of foamy macrophages admixed with variable amounts of giant cells and chronic inflammatory cells, confirming the diagnosis of xanthomatous hypophysitis. Additionally, all cases presented with concurrent findings of ruptured Rathke's cleft cyst, with the exception of one patient who had previous surgery for a Rathke's cleft cyst, followed by recurrence and diagnosis of xanthomatous hypophysitis. While accurate distinction of hypophysitis from a pituitary neoplasm can be problematic in the preoperative setting, the identification of a cystic lesion in the sella turcica should raise the possibility of such an entity in the clinical and radiological differential diagnosis. The current series provides further evidence that xanthomatous hypophysitis predominantly occurs as a secondary reaction to a ruptured Rathke's cleft cyst; thus, it is best classified as a secondary (reactive) hypophysitis.

Targeted BRAF and CTNNB1 next-generation sequencing allows proper classification of nonadenomatous lesions of the sellar region in samples with limiting amounts of lesional cells

PURPOSE

To assess the role of high sensitivity next-generation sequencing (NGS) of CTNNB1 for the diagnosis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (aCPs) and of BRAF for that of papillary CPs (pCPs) in routinely processed surgical samples of non-adenomatous sellar lesions.

METHODS

Forty-five cases of patients operated for non-adenomatous masses of the sellar region between 2004 and 2014 were retrieved from the files of the Anatomic Pathology unit of the Bellaria Hospital in Bologna, Italy. BRAF and CTNNB1 mutation status was analyzed by NGS in samples smaller than 1 cm(3) and histological re-evaluation was performed on all cases.

RESULTS

CTNNB1 mutation analysis showed a sensitivity of 86.7 % and a specificity of 96.2 % for the diagnosis of aCPs. The specificity increased to 100 % considering that in one case, initially classified as a non-CP lesion (xanthogranuloma), the identification of a CTNNB1 S47R lead to histological re-evaluation and reclassification of the lesion as aCP. BRAF mutation analysis had a sensitivity of 76.9 % and a specificity of 96.4 % for the diagnosis of pCPs. The specificity increased to 100 % considering that in one case, initially classified as a Rathke cyst, the identification of BRAF V600E lead to histological re-evaluation and reclassification of the lesion as pCP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the diagnostic relevance of the molecular alterations recently identified in aCPs and pCPs and shows how the identification of BRAF and CTNNB1 mutations can be instrumental for the proper classification of samples that contain limiting amounts of diagnostic lesional tissue.