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Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2001;30(4): 519-521. |
A Sedimentation Level in Pituitary Adenoma on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. |
Young Rae Kim, Jun Hyeok Song, Hyang Kwon Park, Sung Hak Kim, Kyu Man Shin |
Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Women's University, Seoul, Korea. |
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ABSTRACT |
We present a rare case of a pituitary adenoma revealing a sedimentation level on MRI, which has not been previously documented. This 55-year-old woman was referred with the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. She presented with four-month history of progressive headache and visual dimness. Neurological examination revealed a bitemporal hemianopsia and decreased visual acuity. Laboratory data including endocrine examination were unremarkable. An additional three-dimensional MRI was taken for further evaluation, and demonstrated a sedimentation level within the tumor. The patient underwent transcranial removal of the tumor. About 12cc of dark-red blood was aspirated from the tumor. Histological examination revealed a pituitary adenoma with hemorrhage. Postoperatively, the patient showed gradual improvement of visual function. Considering that the pituitary adenoma is one of more common tumors that cause tumoral bleeding, a cystic sellar tumor that has a sedimentation level should be sought first for a pituitary adenoma rather than a craniopharyngioma. This may have an important impact when deciding surgical approach. |
Key Words:
Pituitary apoplexy; Sedimentation level |
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