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Acta Neurochirurgica
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica 4/2012

01-04-2012 | Review Article

Pituicytomas: radiological findings, clinical behavior and surgical management

Authors: Francesca Secci, Paolo Merciadri, Diego Criminelli Rossi, Alessandro D’Andrea, Gianluigi Zona

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Background

Pituicytomas are rare low-grade glial neoplasms originating in the neurohypophysis or infundibulum that appear as solid, noninfiltrative masses occupying the sella turcica, the suprasellar space or both. Due to their high tendency to bleed and the possible firmness and adhesion to surrounding structures, preoperative diagnosis of pituicytoma is a goal for the surgeon, but it is actually a challenge because of the absence of distinctive clinical or neuroradiological findings.

Methods

We report the new cases of three patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for suspected pituitary adenomas, which were determined to be pituicytomas at histological and immunohistochemical analysis. We also review previously reported cases of pituicytoma in the literature.

Results

To date, 51 cases of pituicytoma have been reported in addition to our own cases. The natural history and clinical characteristics of this rare tumor are outlined.

Conclusions

Macroscopic aspects are variable, and final diagnosis is made from the typical histological and immunohistochemical pattern. The therapy of choice is gross total surgical resection since subtotal removal can lead to local regrowth, but the time to recurrence is unpredictable and highly variable. The role of adjuvant therapy is currently undefined.
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Metadata
Title
Pituicytomas: radiological findings, clinical behavior and surgical management
Authors
Francesca Secci
Paolo Merciadri
Diego Criminelli Rossi
Alessandro D’Andrea
Gianluigi Zona
Publication date
01-04-2012
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-011-1235-7

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