Skull Base 2010; 20(5): 367-370
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253579
CASE REPORT

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Symptomatic Cystic Degeneration of a Clinically Silent Corticotroph Tumor of the Pituitary Gland

Michael T. Walsh1 , William T. Couldwell1
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 April 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Clinically silent corticotroph tumors of the pituitary gland are those tumors that stain for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) but do not manifest with clinical or laboratory features of Cushing disease. These tumors have been described as exhibiting more aggressive behavior than other nonfunctional pituitary tumors. We present an unusual case of a clinically silent corticotropic adenoma of the pituitary gland that underwent cystic degeneration following recurrence after transsphenoidal surgery and radiation therapy. The patient underwent left frontotemporal craniotomy with resection of the suprasellar mass and decompression of the left optic nerve. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no further optic chiasm or nerve compression. Patients with clinically silent ACTH-secreting tumors should be monitored for aggressive tumor behavior and may require closer follow-up than those patients harboring other nonfunctional tumors.

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William T CouldwellM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah

175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Email: neuropub@hsc.utah.edu