A Unilateral Nasal Mass With Generalized Seizures: Potential Diagnostic Pitfalls in Giant Pituitary Adenoma

Abstract

Giant pituitary adenomas are clinically nonfunctioning adenomas, and the clinical presentation is usually secondary to compression of the neighboring structures. Visual impairment and visual field defect are the most common preoperative symptoms, followed by headache. Generalized seizures may occur in giant pituitary adenomas when there is involvement of frontal lobes or medial temporal lobes. We present a case of a unilateral nasal mass with generalized seizures in a 55-year-old woman without prior episode of seizure and any predisposing factors. Imaging showed a sinonasal tumor with intracranial extension and histopathological examination confirmed a corticotroph adenoma. On seeing a patient with a unilateral nasal mass extending down from the roof of nasal cavity, olfactory neuroblastoma, or meningo-encephalocoele readily comes to mind. To avoid misdiagnosis and delay in treatment, imaging and, if possible, a biopsy should be considered. Giant pituitary adenoma although not common should be thought of as one of the differential diagnosis.