title: Pituicytoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pituicytomas originate from pituicytes, modified glial cells derived from ependymal lineage that are found in the stalk and posterior lobe of pituitary gland. The clinical presentation is similar to other pituitary tumors and imaging exams may suggest pituitary adenoma. The diagnostic is based on histopathological analysis. Surgical treatment can be performed by transsphenoidal approach with good results. The prognostic is good after total tumor resection.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe here the case of a 17-year-old patient with a history of persistent headache and visual disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing solid sellar mass suggestive of pituitary adenoma. The intrasellar mass was resected through a transsphenoidal approach and the diagnosis of pituicytoma was made after histopathological analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pituicytomas are rare tumors of the neurohypophysis derived from pituicytes. Their clinical presentation resembles that of non-functional pituitary adenomas, but these two types of tumors are histologically well distinct.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Santa Casa Hospital, Faculty of Medical Science of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rafael Augusto Castro Santiago
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Brandão
authors.forename: Moises Heleno Vieira
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Braga
authors.forename: Atos Alves
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: de Souza
authors.forename: Baltazar Leão
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Franklin Bernardes
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Faraj de Lima