[Pituitary melanocytoma mimicking an adenoma]

Ann Pathol. 2011 Feb;31(1):50-2. doi: 10.1016/j.annpat.2010.09.007. Epub 2011 Jan 26.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A 62-year-old woman was referred for a pituitary tumour diagnosed because of a chronic asthenia and visual disorders. Cerebral MRI showed a pituitary tumour compressing the optic chiasm and enhanced after gadolinium injection. Biological findings showed panhypopituitarism and hyperprolactinemia. The diagnostic of pituitary macro-adenoma was performed and the patient was treated with hormone replacement therapy and dopaminergic agonist. Six months later, she presented visual disorders worsening leading to surgical excision. The diagnosis of pituitary melanocytoma was performed after anatomo-clinical confrontation. Post-operative radiation was done.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / etiology
  • Hypophysectomy
  • Hypopituitarism / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology
  • Nevus, Pigmented / complications
  • Nevus, Pigmented / diagnosis
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / radiotherapy
  • Nevus, Pigmented / surgery
  • Optic Chiasm / pathology
  • Pituitary Hormones, Anterior / therapeutic use
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Reoperation
  • Vision Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Pituitary Hormones, Anterior