Pituicytoma: A Rare Tumor of Neurohypophysis Causing Hypogonadism

Abstract

Pituicytoma is a rare benign tumor that arises from pituicytes in the infundibulum and posterior pituitary gland. Pituicytomas are rarely encountered in clinical practice and have no characteristic radiological features and, thus, can be misdiagnosed as more commonly encountered lesions such as pituitary adenoma, meningioma, and craniopharyngioma. Clinically, patients can present with hormonal disturbances and headaches. However, visual field defects are the most commonly reported clinical complaint. Here, we report a 42-year-old male who presented with symptoms suggestive of hypogonadism for the past 2 years. Upon clinical assessment, the patient’s ophthalmic examination was unremarkable, and hormonal evaluation revealed low testosterone levels. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a suprasellar homogeneous enhancing mass causing chiasmatic displacement. Elective transnasal transsphenoidal resection was performed. Postoperatively, the patient developed diabetes insipidus, and was managed accordingly. Histopathology showed patterns consistent with pituicytoma, one of the uncommon intracranial tumors. Total resection remains the goal of treatment; however, this is not easily achievable because of the high vascularity of the tumor and its adhesive nature to adjacent structures. The diagnosis of pituicytoma is established by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Clinical and radiological follow-up is advisable, especially with subtotal resection, due to the likelihood of recurrence.