Primary pituitary lymphoma in an immunocompetent patient: a rare clinical entity

J Neurol. 2012 Feb;259(2):297-305. doi: 10.1007/s00415-011-6179-6. Epub 2011 Sep 20.

Abstract

Primary pituitary lymphoma in immunocompetent patients is an exceedingly rare clinical entity. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with initial polydipsia and polyuria. When laboratory evaluation revealed panhypopituitarism, a pituitary enhanced MRI was performed and was suggestive of a pituitary adenoma. Obstructive hydrocephalus provoked by enlarged sellar mass was also demonstrated during observation, and a shunt procedure following lesion resection was carried out. Histopathological examination and immunophenotyping verified diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. No systemic disease was found on staging of the patient. We will also review the clinical, radiological features and outcomes of 28 cases that have been reported since 1993.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / physiopathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / therapy
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / therapy
  • Radiotherapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents