Childhood giant pituicytoma: a report and review of the literature

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2013 Oct;115(10):1943-50. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2013.07.032. Epub 2013 Aug 6.

Abstract

Objective: Pituicytoma is a rare, benign, primary tumour, almost all of which occur in adults. Here, we present one case of giant pituicytoma in a boy and a review literature to assist in understanding its natural history, behaviour, clinicopathological features and treatment options.

Methods: A PUBMED search using the keywords "pituicytoma" was performed, and the citations were reviewed.

Results: We found 65 cases of pituicytomas, including our report, in the international literature to date; among these cases, only three were diagnosed in patients under 14 years old.

Conclusion: Pituicytoma is a slow-growing, rare, low-grade glial neoplasm that originates in the neurohypophysis. Currently, the optimal treatment is gross total resection, and confirmed diagnosis relies upon pathological tests. Regular MRI follow-up is recommended.

Keywords: Clinicopathological features; Paediatric; Pituicytoma; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Disease Progression
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Glioma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery*