Intrasellar meningiomas

Abstract

Two cases of intrasellar meningiomas with preoperative diagnosis of pituitary macroadenomas are presented. The preoperative hormonal studies revealed decreased serum hormonal levels with a slightly elevated prolactin level in both cases, which may have been due to the compression of the hypophyseal stalk. It is difficult to differentiate intrasellar meningiomas from pituitary tumors. Correct preoperative diagnosis depends on clinical picture, neuroimaging and endocrine studies. Surgically, the transsphenoidal approach provides a relatively safe route to the intrasellar meningiomas and satisfactory results.