[A case of a pituitary mass in association with sarcoidosis].
We report a case of a pituitary mass associated with sarcoidosis. Natural regression of the mass was demonstrated after the replacement of corticosteroid hormone. A seventy-one-year old man presented with blurred vision and general fatigability, and admitted to our hospital. He was diagnosed to have ophthalmic and pulmonary sarcoidosis. Two months later, he consulted our hospital again, with complaints of fatigability and vomiting. Laboratory data showed hyponatremia, and CT scan revealed a suprasellar mass. He had no neurological deficits. Diabetes insipidus was not observed. Magnetic resonance image showed a heterogeneously enhanced intrasellar and suprasellar dumbbell shaped mass and thickening of the pituitary stalk. Hormonal examination revealed corticosteroid insufficiency and hypothyroidism, possibly caused by the pituitary mass. Replacement of corticosteroid hormone significantly improved his fatigability. Two months later, follow-up MRI showed regression of the pituitary mass. Based on the clinical and radiological findings, pituitary mass was strongly suggested to be caused by sarcoidosis. We recommend prompt steroid treatment for such a pituitary mass and strict follow-up MRI study.
Mino
M
M
Department of Neurosurgery, Yonezawa City Hospital, Yamagata-ken, Japan.
Narita
N
N
Ikeda
H
H
D000368:Aged; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010900:Pituitary Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000150:complications*; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications