Bilateral intracavernous carotid aneurysms mimicking a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor

Surg Neurol. 1983 Feb;19(2):163-7. doi: 10.1016/0090-3019(83)90417-2.

Abstract

The triad of hyperprolactinemia, ophthalmoplegia, and radiologic abnormalities of the sell turcica suggest a tumor in the area of the pituitary gland. A new association--bilateral intracavernous carotid aneurysms--is presented. Two elderly women had extraocular muscle palsies and elevated serum prolactin levels of 71 and 32 ng/ml (normal: less than 20 ng/ml). In the former, a high-resolution computed tomography scan made after contrast medium injection was incorrectly interpreted as demonstrating a pituitary tumor; cerebral arteriography revealed bilateral aneurysms. In the other patient, a computed tomography scan after contrast medium injection demonstrated the bilateral aneurysms, and these were confirmed by radionuclide angiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cavernous Sinus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Ophthalmoplegia / etiology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prolactin / blood*
  • Sella Turcica / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Prolactin