[A case of radionecrosis of the pituitary gland region mimicking brain tumor. Case report]

Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2001 Mar-Apr;35(2):335-9.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

A case is presented of delayed radiation necrosis of the pituitary gland region which appeared 2 years after tonsillar carcinoma surgery, followed by radiotherapy, in a 62-year old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested the presence of an adenoma, metastases or craniopharyngioma, of the pituitary gland region. The lesion was resected, totally, using the fronto-orbital approach. Histopathological examination showed radionecrosis of the neurohypophysis. The patient was released from the hospital in a good health condition without neurologic deficits. On the basis of our case and reports of other authors, we can conclude that complications may arise as a result of radiation damage to neighbouring structures and there is also potential to induce malignant disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Necrosis
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology*
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis*