Inferior temporal quadrantanopia associated with pituitary adenomas and a potential mechanism of excessive optic nerve bending.

Background: Pituitary adenomas show typical visual field defects that begin superiorly and progress inferiorly. The cause of atypical visual field defects that start inferiorly remains unclear. This study aimed to understand this phenomenon using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A total of 220 patients with pituitary adenomas underwent a visual field assessment of both eyes. Preoperative visual fields were assessed and classified into two types: superior quadrantanopia (typical) and inferior quadrantanopia (atypical). Several parameters related to tumor characteristics and optic nerve compression were evaluated using MRI. Results: Of the 440 eyes examined, 174 (39.5%) had visual field defects. Of these, 28 (16.1%) had typical and 11 (6.3%) had atypical visual field defects. Patient age, tumor size, degree of cavernous sinus invasion, tumor pathology, and intratumor bleeding were similar between the two groups. The angle formed by the optic nerve in the optic canal and in the intracranial subarachnoid space at the exit of the optic canal (degree of optic nerve bending) was significantly larger in the atypical group than in the typical group (42.6° vs. 23.9°, P = 0.046). Conclusion: In some pituitary adenomas, visual field defects begin inferiorly. This may be caused by optic nerve compression on the superior surface by the bony margin of the optic canal exit. Therefore, pituitary adenomas should be considered in patients with atypical visual field defects.

Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas induce left atrial enlargement with subclinical atrial fibrillation: an echocardiographic study.

PURPOSE: Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma (TSHoma) is rare but occasionally causes cardiovascular complications such as atrial fibrillation (AF) due to hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease (GD) is a common hyperthyroid condition often associated with subclinical AF. Some reports have shown echocardiographic changes in patients with GD. We aimed to evaluate the preoperative cardiac function in patients with TSHomas and compared the results among patients with TSHomas and GD and control subjects. METHODS: Patients with TSHomas (n = 6) and GD (n = 20) were compared with control subjects with normal cardiac function (n = 20) based on echocardiographic findings. The average age, sex, and proportions of patients with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension were equal in each group, and the AF prevalence was matched in patients with TSHomas and GD. The values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVEDs), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left atrial diameter (LAD) were used to assess cardiac function. RESULTS: In echocardiography, LAD showed a significant difference between patients with TSHomas and control subjects (p = 0.026). The mean LAD values were 36.9 ± 7.1, 38.2 ± 8.9, and 28.7 ± 3.9 mm for patients with TSHomas and GD and control subjects, respectively. There were no significant differences in other echocardiographic parameters among the groups. Before treatment, serum thyroid hormone levels (free triiodothyronine and thyroxin) were not significantly different among patients with TSHomas and GD. CONCLUSION: We found that patients with TSHomas or GD had enlarged LADs. This finding suggests that AF may be more hidden in patients with TSHomas than previously reported.

Anterior pituitary function in Rathke's cleft cysts versus nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

Although Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are common sellar/parasellar lesions, studies examining pituitary function in patients with nonsurgical RCC are limited. This study aimed to clarify the importance of RCCs, including small nonsurgical ones, as a cause of hypopituitarism by determining the prevalence of pituitary hormone secretion impairment and its relationship to cyst/tumor size in patients with RCC and in those with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFA). We retrospectively investigated the basal levels of each anterior pituitary hormone, its responses in the stimulation test(s), and cyst/tumor size in patients with RCC (n = 67) and NFA (n = 111) who were consecutively admitted to our hospital for endocrinological evaluation. RCCs were much smaller than NFAs (median height, 12 vs. 26 mm). The prevalence of gonadotropin, PRL, and GH secretion impairment in RCC was lower in comparison to NFA (19% vs. 44%, 34% vs. 61%, and 24% vs. 46%, respectively), whereas the prevalence of TSH and ACTH secretion impairment was comparable (21-27% and 17-24%, respectively). A significant positive relationship between cyst/tumor size and number of impaired hormones was observed in both groups, but smaller cysts could cause hormone secretion impairment in RCC. Stimulation tests suggested that most hormone secretion impairment was attributable to the interrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis in both groups. Therefore, RCC, even small ones, can cause pituitary dysfunction. Different mechanisms may underlie hypothalamic-pituitary interruption in RCC and NFA.

Pediatric meningioma with rhabdoid features developed at the site of skull fracture: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric meningiomas are rare, and only a few cases attributed to trauma and characterized by development at the site of bone fracture have been reported. Both pediatric and traumatic meningiomas have aggressive characteristics. OBSERVATIONS: An 11-year-old boy who sustained a head injury resulting from a left frontal skull fracture 8 years previously experienced a convulsive attack. Imaging revealed a meningioma in the left frontal convexity. Total removal of the tumor with a hyperostotic section was successfully achieved. Intraoperative investigation showed tumor invasion into the adjacent frontal cortex. Histologically, the surgical specimen revealed a transitional meningioma with brain invasion and a small cluster of rhabdoid cells. This led to a final pathological diagnosis of an atypical meningioma with rhabdoid features. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence of the tumor was found after 2 years without adjuvant therapy. LESSONS: This is the first report of a pediatric meningioma with rhabdoid features occurring at the site of a skull fracture. Meningiomas that contain rhabdoid cells without malignant features are not considered to be as aggressive as rhabdoid meningiomas. However, the clinical course must be carefully observed for possible long-term tumor recurrence.

A Case of Suprasellar Papillary Glioneuronal Tumor Mimicking Craniopharyngioma.

Papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT) is a low-grade biphasic neoplasm with astrocytic and neuronal differentiation. This tumor occurs most commonly in the frontal and temporal lobes, close to the ventricles, and rarely in the cerebellum, brainstem, and pineal gland. However, there has been no report of this tumor in the suprasellar region to date. In this paper, we report a case of PGNT in the suprasellar region in a 16-year-old girl. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic tumor with calcification that progressed from the anterior skull base to the suprasellar and temporal regions. Preoperatively distinguishing this tumor from craniopharyngioma was difficult because of the patient's age, localization of the tumor, and neuroimaging results. This case showed a backward shift of the chiasma, which is observed in only 4.7% of craniopharyngioma, as well as normal endocrine findings. Endocrinological examination and an MRI evaluation of the chiasmal shift may be useful for discrimination.

Usefulness of MRI Slices Parallel to the Optic Chiasma in a Case with Traumatic Optic Nerve Avulsion after a Bear Attack.

Optic nerve avulsion is an exceedingly rare condition. Here, we describe a case of optic nerve avulsion in a 74-year-old man with temporal hemianopia in the contralateral eye after a bear attack. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed separation of the optic nerve distal to the optic chiasma, whereas the high signal in diffusion-weighted imaging suggested nerve injury from the left side of the optic chiasma to the left optic tract. MRI slices parallel to the optic chiasma were obtained and used for evaluating the site of optic nerve avulsion and nerve injury, which were responsible for temporal hemianopia in the contralateral eye.

Entirely Suprasellar Rathke Cleft Cysts: Clinical Features and Surgical Efficacy of Endoscopic Endonasal Transtuberculum Sellae Approach.

BACKGROUND: Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) arise from the remnant of Rathke pouch and are usually found in the intermediate lobe. In most cases, RCCs remain intrasellar and extend into the suprasellar region. Rarely, they emerge entirely into the suprasellar cistern-entirely suprasellar Rathke cleft cyst (ESSRCC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 7 patients (5.5%) with ESSRCC among 128 patients with a diagnosis of RCC from January 1994 to September 2018. Of RCC cases, 70 were treated surgically. Patient age and sex, symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging findings, cyst diameter, presence of preoperative or postoperative hypopituitarism, operative procedures and complications, and functional outcomes at the final follow-up were investigated. RESULTS: All patients with ESSRCC were women with mean age 45.7 years (range, 29-69 years) at diagnosis. All patients experienced headache, mainly in the retro-orbital region. Mean ESSRCC diameter was 9.9 mm (range, 6-14 mm). Most cases exhibited hyperintensity on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging. The endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum sellae approach relieved headache effectively and safely in 5 patients. Postoperative endocrinologic functions were almost entirely preserved. No patient experienced recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: RCCs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of suprasellar cysts. The endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum sellae approach has an advantage in visualizing these lesions owing to the direction of light from the endoscope. Headache could be treated effectively with the endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum sellae approach without recurrence of cysts or pituitary dysfunction.

Radiological and endocrinological evaluations with grading of hypothalamic perifocal edema caused by craniopharyngiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Hypophysial and hypothalamic dysfunction caused by craniopharyngioma is a serious problem despite the progress of surgical approaches and techniques. Perifocal edema induced by craniopharyngioma could be speculated as a potential factor resulting in pre- and post-operative hypophysial and hypothalamic dysfunction, as well as, their anatomical involvement. METHODS: Medical records of 54 patients with craniopharyngioma were retrospectively reviewed. The edema was characterized by a hyperintense area in magnetic resonance imaging, being classified into no edema (group A), only adjacent to the tumor (group B), and extending to the internal capsule or the optic tract (group C). Age, sex, tumor diameter, presence of cyst, hydrocephalus, intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation, visual function impairment, hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, memory disturbance, and obesity were investigated. RESULTS: The occurrence rate of edema was found more frequently in adults (73.7%) than in children (25.0%). The peritumoral edema grading system had an excellent correlation with the degree of hypothalamic involvement graded by the Puget's system. Pre-operative ICP elevation was significantly detected in group C when compared with the other groups. In adults patients, group C was significantly associated with the occurrence of hydrocephalus both in pre- and post-operatively. Pre- and post-operative hypothalamic dysfunction, including diabetes insipidus, memory disturbance, and obesity, were highest in group C. CONCLUSION: Hypothalamic dysfunctions greatly influence the quality of daily living following craniopharyngioma surgery. The grading of perifocal edema's extension could be a new index suggesting pre- and post-operative hypothalamic dysfunction caused by craniopharyngioma in addition to their anatomical involvement.

Pituitary macroadenoma: Accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging in grading tumor aggressiveness.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging in grading tumor aggressiveness using histogram apparent diffusion coefficient values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with surgically proved pituitary macroadenomas were included in this study. Diffusion-weighted imaging with single-shot echo-planar sequence at 3-T with a 32-channel head coil was performed with b values of 0 and 1000 s/mm2. Calculated apparent diffusion coefficient maps were generated, and a 3-D volume of interest was placed on the tumor while superimposing contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images. All apparent diffusion coefficient values within the volume of interest were used to compute the average apparent diffusion coefficient of the tumor. The apparent diffusion coefficient values were binned to construct the apparent diffusion coefficient histogram. Using the histogram, the mean, percentiles, skewness, and kurtosis of the apparent diffusion coefficient of the entire tumor were computed. Apparent diffusion coefficient histogram parameters were compared with the MIB-1 index, invasiveness, and recurrence for grading tumor aggressiveness of pituitary adenomas. RESULTS: The skewness of the apparent diffusion coefficient histogram only showed significant differences among MIB-1 indices ( p = 0.030). All apparent diffusion coefficient histogram parameters showed no significant differences between negative and positive invasion. The skewness and kurtosis of the apparent diffusion coefficient histogram showed significant differences between positive and negative recurrence (skewness p = 0.011, kurtosis p = 0.011). Receiver-operating characteristics analysis between positive and negative recurrence showed that both skewness and kurtosis of the apparent diffusion coefficient achieved area under the curve at 0.967. CONCLUSION: Skewness and kurtosis of the apparent diffusion coefficient histogram were the predictive parameters for assessing tumor proliferative potential and recurrence of pituitary adenomas.

Contribution of Intrasellar Pressure Elevation to Headache Manifestation in Pituitary Adenoma Evaluated With Intraoperative Pressure Measurement.

BACKGROUND: Headache frequently occurs in patients with pituitary adenoma and is reported in large as well as small adenomas. However, the exact mechanism of headache derived from pituitary adenoma remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of intrasellar pressure (ISP) to headache manifestation by using intraoperative ISP measurement. METHODS: The records of 108 patients who had first-time transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma were reviewed retrospectively. Measurement of intraoperative ISP was undergone using intracranial pressure monitoring sensors and compared with radiological assessment. RESULTS: Among 30 patients with headache, 29 (96.7%) presented with significant headache (Headache Impact Score-6, 50 or greater). Intraoperative ISP measurement was conducted successfully in all cases, and revealed higher ISP in patients with headache (35.6 ± 9.2 mm Hg) than in those without headache (15.8 ± 5.2 mm Hg). The ISP reduction after sella floor decompression was greater in patients with headache than that in patients without headache. In patients with headache, the frequency of invasion into the cavernous sinus or sphenoid sinus was significantly lower, and the diameter of the foramen at the diaphragm sellae was narrower. In addition, intratumoral cyst or hematoma was more common in patients with headache. Postoperatively, headache was either diminished or improved in 28 patients (93.3%). CONCLUSION: Headache in patients with pituitary adenomas associated with ISP elevation, results from compromised dural integrity at the sella and intratumoral hemorrhage. The increased stretch force of the sella dura may be a notable etiology of headache in patients with pituitary adenoma.

Directional Regulation of Extrasellar Extension by Sellar Dura Integrity and Intrasphenoidal Septation In Pituitary Adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary macroadenomas extend into the extrasellar space, such as the sphenoid sinus, cavernous sinuses, and suprasellar region. However, factors that regulate the direction of their extensions into the surrounding anatomical structures remain unknown. METHODS: This retrospective study included 162 patients who were treated for pituitary adenomas that had maximum diameters greater than 20 mm. According to the direction of adenoma extension, patients were divided into 4 groups: group A, inferior into the sphenoid sinus; group B, lateral into the cavernous sinus; group C, suprasellar region with enlarged sella turcica; and group D, supraellar region without enlarged sella turcica. Several anatomical structures surrounding the sella turcica were evaluated statistically, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed if the structures met the determining factors of adenomas extensions. RESULTS: The maximum diameter of adenomas was significantly larger in groups A and D. The maximum diameter of the diaphragmatic foramen was largest in group C (19.3 mm) and was significantly narrower in groups B (12.7 mm) and D (12.5 mm). Intrasphenoid septation, attached on the midline of the sella turcica, was observed most frequently in group D (78.6%) and was not detectable in group A (0%). Extension into the cavernous sinus, classified as dural discontinuity, was highly prevalent in group B (80.0%) and was uncommon in group C (12.3%). Erosion of the posterior clinoid process was most apparent in group B (92.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The integrity of the sella dura and the intrasphenoid septation can regulate adenoma extension by encouraging their growth towards paths of least resistance.

The clinicopathological analysis of receptor tyrosine kinases in meningiomas: the expression of VEGFR-2 in meningioma was associated with a higher WHO grade and shorter progression-free survival.

WHO grade II/III meningiomas recur frequently and there is currently no established molecular target therapy for meningioma. No previous studies have revealed the association between receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and the recurrence of meningiomas. This study aims to elucidate the association between RTKs and the clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence of meningioma. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of RTKs (VEGFR-1/2/3, PDGFR-alpha/beta and c-Kit) in 81 meningiomas (WHO grade I, n = 64, WHO grade II/III, n = 17) in 74 patients. Immunohistochemistry revealed that 29 WHO grade I (45%), 10 WHO grade II (77%), and 4 WHO grade III (100%) tumors were VEGFR-2-positive, and that the VEGFR-2 expression was significantly correlated with the WHO grade. In univariate analyses to investigate the clinicopathological factors associated with recurrence, Simpson grade IV/V resection, a larger tumor size, a high VEGFR-2 expression level, WHO grade II/III, a high Ki-67 expression level, and the non-expression of PgR were identified as significant factors. Furthermore, patients with VEGFR-2-positive meningiomas showed significantly shorter progression-free survival. In the multivariate analysis, WHO grade II/III and the location were significantly associated with recurrence. In conclusion, our study suggests that VEGFR-2 inhibitors might be one of the best candidates for molecular therapy against recurrent meningiomas.

Transsphenoidal Surgery for Elderly Patients with Acromegaly and Its Outcomes: Comparison with Younger Patients.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with acromegaly who have comorbidities may increasingly encounter perioperative complications; however, little data are available on the risks and outcomes of surgical treatment in these patients. We aimed to analyze and compare the results of transnasal transsphenoidal surgery (TTS) in elderly and younger patients. METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with acromegaly who underwent TTS were included. We divided the patients into elderly (≥65 years) and younger (<65 years) groups and compared clinical characteristics, anesthesia risk, and surgical outcomes in these 2 groups. RESULTS: The 87 patients included 24 (27.6%) in the elderly group and 63 (73.4%) in the younger group. Preoperative endocrinologic and radiologic assessments showed no significant differences between the 2 groups. Although a grade 3 American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification was more common in the elderly group (75% vs. 3%; P = 0.00001) owing to the severity of associated diseases, no significant between-group difference in perioperative complications was seen (17% vs. 6%; P = 0.142). Sixteen elderly patients and 45 younger patients achieved endocrinologic remission following surgery (67% vs. 71%; P = 0.426). The incidence rate of postoperative new pituitary deficit was similar in the elderly and younger groups (4% vs. 3%; P = 0.625). Approximately one-third of the elderly patients with diagnosed hypertension or diabetes mellitus tapered their medication after successful tumor removal. CONCLUSIONS: TTS can be considered a safe treatment for both younger and elderly patients with acromegaly. Successful tumor removal provided a significant improvement in comorbidities even in elderly patients with acromegaly.

Outcome of diabetes insipidus in patients with Rathke's cleft cysts.

OBJECTIVES: It is well-known that Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) infrequently cause headache, endocrinological dysfunction, and visual disturbance, and in rare cases, cause diabetes insipidus (DI). Although surgical evacuation of the cyst content can result in high rates of symptomatic improvement, not only the treatment efficacy but also the pathophysiology of DI with RCC are undetermined. The aim of this study is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and outcomes of DI associated with RCCs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 109 patients with RCCs treated at Kanazawa University Hospital between 2000 and 2016. Their age, sex, symptoms, endocrinological status, DI, visual disturbance, neuroradiological findings, pathological appearances, and pre-/post-operative hormone levels and status of anti-diuretic hormone replacements were assessed. RESULTS: Among 109 cases of RCCs, five cases (4.6%, 2 males and 3 females) manifested with DI as initial presentation were included. These five cases could be divided into two types: the acute type and the chronic type, based on the onset and duration of symptoms. Three acute onset cases presented with not only strong thirst but also sudden headaches without pituitary dysfunction, whereas the two chronic onset cases presented with chronic headaches and hypopituitarism. Pathological examination in the acute type revealed inflammatory cell infiltration into only the posterior lobe of the pituitary and disruption of the cyst wall adjacent to the posterior lobe, which might suggest RCC rupture. In contrast, the chronic type showed inflammatory cell infiltration into both the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary and thickened fibrosis beneath the cyst wall. Postoperatively, two cases of the acute type could be controlled with a smaller amount of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) than that required preoperatively, whereas no change was observed in the cases of the chronic type. CONCLUSION: The cases of DI onset caused by RCCs could be divided into the acute type and the chronic type. In the chronic type, surgical treatment could not affect the status of DI. However, in acute type, urgent surgical intervention partially relieved DI.

Delayed Occurrence of Diabetes Insipidus After Transsphenoidal Surgery with Radiologic Evaluation of the Pituitary Stalk on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a major complication of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). DI usually occurs within a couple of days after TSS. Delayed occurrence of postoperative DI is rarely observed and its developing mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS: Six patients were identified as having postoperative delayed DI, which was defined as DI that first occurred 2 or more weeks after TSS. They consisted of 1 male and 5 females, and their mean age was 38.3 years (range, 10-76 years). Five patients were histologically diagnosed with Rathke cleft cyst (RCC), and one had RCC coexisting with prolactin-secreting adenoma. Sequential T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for hyperintensity (HI) in the pituitary stalk and the posterior lobe, indicating the location of antidiuretic hormone. RESULTS: No patients had any DI before TSS. Delayed DI occurred 2 weeks to 3 months after TSS and persisted for 2 weeks to 5 months. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed that the HI in the posterior lobe became faint but did not disappear after DI occurrence, and their intensities increased with recovery from DI. In contrast, the HI in the pituitary stalk was found faintly preoperatively and turned clear postoperatively and decreased with recovery from DI. The morphologic patterns were dependent on DI duration. CONCLUSIONS: In the delayed occurrence of DI, it was suggested that preoperative antidiuretic hormone transport was mildly congested yet not completely blocked when DI manifested postoperatively. Gradual spreading of inflammation to the infundibulum after RCC removal was considered as 1 possible mechanism of this delayed DI development.

Contribution of sellar dura integrity to symptom manifestation in pituitary adenomas with intratumoral hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: Although hemorrhage within pituitary adenomas frequently exacerbates the symptoms, there are many grades of severity. Moreover, the contributing factors for symptom severity are still controversial. METHODS: This retrospective study included 82 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas with intratumoral hemorrhage. The grades of preoperative symptoms were classified into group A, asymptomatic or minor symptoms; group B, moderate symptoms sufficient for complain; and group C, severe symptoms disturbing daily life. RESULTS: The hemorrhage volume within an adenoma was significantly higher in group C (92.6%) than in groups A (48.6%) and B (58.7%). Both headache and diplopia were dominant in group C, occurring in 72.2% and 27.8% of the patients, respectively. In group C, there was no significant difference in frequency between adenoma extensions into the sphenoid sinus (0%) and involvement of the cavernous sinus of Knosp grade 4 (0%), and extensions into the suprasellar region were not common (38.9%). The most distinctive feature was that "no extrasellar extension" was found only in group C (41.2%), and "multidirectional extension" was not detected in this group (0%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the most powerful determining factors were the high frequencies of intratumoral hemorrhage and lack of extrasellar and multidirectional extensions. CONCLUSION: Rapid volume expansion of a hematoma and lack of extension or unidirectional extension might lead to significant compression of the sellar and surrounding structures. Of note, the integrity of the sellar dura might contribute to the acute onset of symptom manifestations caused by hemorrhage in pituitary adenomas.

Preoperative Evaluation of the Interface Between Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma and the Optic Nerves on Fast Imaging with Steady-State Acquisition for Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) is increasingly applied to treat tuberculum sellae meningiomas. However, if the tumor adheres firmly to the optic nerve, dissection of the interface between both structures should be prudent to preserve visual function. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether tumor adhesion to the optic nerve can be predicted preoperatively by fast imaging with steady-state acquisition (FIESTA). METHODS: Twenty-two patients with tuberculum sellae meningioma treated with EETS were retrospectively identified. Clinical characteristics, radiologic studies, intraoperative findings, and outcomes were reviewed from their clinical charts. RESULTS: Patients' symptoms included visual function impairment in 18 patients and headaches in 4 patients. Symptoms were resolved in 19 patients after operation. Preoperative radiologic evaluation was performed in 44 sides (22 patients) of the interface between tumors and the optic nerves and showed absence of peritumoral hyperintensity on FIESTA in 7 sides in 7 patients. In 5 of the 7 sides, tumor dissection was complicated by firm adhesion to the optic nerves. Among these cases, visual functions were unchanged in 1 patient after complete removal of the adhesion but substantially improved in 3 patients after partial resection. In the remaining 37 sides with preoperative peritumoral hyperintensity, no adhesion was found between both structures intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of peritumoral hyperintensity between tuberculum sellae meningioma and the optic nerve on FIESTA may indicate firm adhesion at the interface, severely complicating complete removal. Preoperative recognition of this adhesion is important for safe tumor removal and preservation of visual functions.

Clinical characteristics of acromegalic patients with empty sella and their outcomes following transsphenoidal surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of acromegalic patients with empty sella (ES, herniation of the subarachnoid space within the sella turcica) and the impact of ES on transsphenoidal surgery in such patients. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients, newly diagnosed with acromegaly who underwent transsphenoidal surgery were included. ES was defined as the pituitary gland and adenoma occupying less than 50% of the sella turcica on midsagittal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. RESULTS: Twelve patients (15.4%), predominantly female (10 women, p = .047), had ES in preoperative MR imaging. ES patients had smaller mean tumor diameter (6.3 mm) than non-ES patients (11.2 mm, p = .001). In preoperative MR imaging, occult adenoma was found in three (25%) ES and three (4.5%) non-ES patients (p = .044). Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was more frequent in the ES patients than in the non-ES patients (58.3 vs. 25.8%, p = .024). This led to an increased rate of sellar floor reconstruction using abdominal fat and/or postoperative lumber drainage in the ES patients (ES: 41.7 vs. non-ES: 16.7%, p = .063). Endocrinological remission after surgery was more frequent in the non-ES patients (72.7%) than in the ES patients (58.3%) (p = .248). CONCLUSIONS: Co-existence of acromegaly with ES is not rare, and is associated with occult adenoma, intra/postoperative CSF leakage, and a worse endocrinological outcome after transsphenoidal surgery; although, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Significant Improvement in Chronic Persistent Headaches Caused by Small Rathke Cleft Cysts After Transsphenoidal Surgery.

PURPOSE: Rathke cleft cysts (RCC) usually are asymptomatic and can be observed via the use of conservative methods. Some patients with RCCs, however, have severe headaches even if they are small enough to be confined to the sella, and these small RCCs seldom have been discussed. This study presents an investigation into clinical characteristics of small RCCs associated with severe headaches, demonstrating efficacy and safety of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) to relieve headaches. METHODS: In this study, 13 patients with small RCCs (maximum diameter <10 mm) who presented with headaches and were treated by ETSS at our institute from 2009 to 2014 were recruited. These RCCs were treated Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) score was calculated both pre- and postoperatively to evaluate headache severity. RESULTS: All patients complained of severe headaches, which disturbed their daily life. Most headaches were nonpulsating and localized in the frontal area. Characteristically, 6 patients (46%) experienced severe headaches with sudden onset that continued chronically. HIT-6 score was 64 on average, meaning headaches affected daily life severely. After surgical decompression of the cyst, headache in all of the patients improved dramatically and HIT-6 score decreased significantly to 37, suggesting that headaches were diminished. No newly developed deficiencies of the anterior pituitary lobe function were detected. Postoperative occurrence of diabetes insipidus was found in 2 patients, both of which were transient. No recurring cysts were found. CONCLUSIONS: Severe headaches can develop from small RCCs. In the present study, ETSS was performed on such patients effectively and safely to relieve their headaches.