Ectopic pituitary adenoma in persistent craniopharyngeal canal: case report and literature review

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2010 Jul;34(4):612-4. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0b013e3181dbe5d1.

Abstract

An ectopic location of pituitary adenoma is rare. Nasopharyngeal location of ectopic pituitary adenoma has been attributed to remnants of the Rathke pouch. We describe an interesting case of ectopic pituitary adenoma in the setting of partially persistent craniopharyngeal canal. Embryological basis of ectopic pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngeal canal have been discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenoma / pathology*
  • Aged
  • Craniopharyngioma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Craniopharyngioma / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Sphenoid Bone / abnormalities*
  • Sphenoid Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Sphenoid Bone / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods