Null Cell Adenoma of the Pituitary: Pseudo-rosettes Say It Best When Immunohistochemistry Says Nothing At All!

Head Neck Pathol. 2019 Dec;13(4):677-680. doi: 10.1007/s12105-018-0972-9. Epub 2018 Sep 24.

Abstract

Null cell adenoma is composed of adenohypophyseal cells that show no evidence of any specific cell type differentiation by immunohistochemistry or transcription factors like pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1 and steroidogenic factor 1. Though rare, pituitary ependymoma and germinoma are also known to occur at sellar region and in such instances, it is challenging to differentiate them from a pituitary null cell adenoma featuring papillary architecture and perivascular pseudo-rosettes. We describe a case of an elderly diabetic lady presenting with headache and blurring of vision for past 3 months due to a sellar tumour. The histology was diagnostically challenging with notable presence of numerous perivascular pseudo-rosettes and negative immunoreactivity for all pituitary hormones. The differential diagnosis and importance of ancillary techniques is discussed.

Keywords: Null cell adenoma; Pituitary tumor; Pseudo-rosettes; Sellar tumour.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenoma / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*