Intrasellar ependymoma: clinical, imaging, pathological, and surgical findings

J Clin Neurosci. 2015 Apr;22(4):638-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2014.10.026. Epub 2015 Mar 2.

Abstract

Ependymomas arising in the intrasellar compartment are extremely rare and most often are not included in the differential diagnosis of an intrasellar tumor mass. We review the literature to further advance awareness regarding unusual presentations of this type of tumor and present an illustrative case of an intrasellar cystic ependymoma that developed in an uncommon location. In our illustrative case, the patient had a 2 year history of hypopituitarism, but no headaches or visual disturbance. Preoperatively, the lesion was thought to be a pituitary macroadenoma.

Keywords: Ependymoma; Intrasellar; Pituitary fossa; Transsphenoidal surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ependymoma / diagnosis*
  • Ependymoma / pathology
  • Ependymoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Optic Chiasm / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Sella Turcica / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome