Pituitary Tuberculoma

Abstract

Tuberculosis rarely involves the hypothalamo-pituitary region and constitutes only 1% of the lesions involving the sellar and/or suprasellar region. Coleman and Meredith first reported pituitary tuberculosis in 1940, and only a handful of cases have been reported ever since. It may manifest as a chiasmal syndrome due to compression of the optic chiasm or as hypopituitarism due to pituitary destruction. It has a characteristic radiological appearance and can mimic a pituitary adenoma. Diagnostic procedures, such as trans-sphenoidal biopsy, are crucial for accurate diagnosis. We report a case of a 32-year male, who presented with complaints of headache and decreased visual acuity for the past 6 months. Eye examination revealed bitemporal hemianopsia. Brain MRI scan showed a mass in the sella with features suggestive of pituitary adenoma. Transcranial resection of the mass was performed; histopathology of the excised mass proved it to be a pituitary tuberculoma.