Diagnostic and clinical implications of pituicytoma

Abstract

Pituicytoma is a rare, indolent, benign tumor of the sellar and suprasellar region arising from pituicytes of the neurohypophysis. It is most often diagnosed pre-operatively as a pituitary adenoma. We report two patients with pituicytoma operated on at our Institute over 8 years. Imaging of one patient showed a parasellar and medial temporal extension, which has not been reported to our knowledge. The radiological features that help distinguish this low-grade tumor from other sellar and parasellar tumors are discussed along with its distinct histological findings. The authors also review the literature on its clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical management and outcome.