A pituitary mass is not always an adenoma: A rare case of pituitary tuberculoma in an adolescent

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction and importance: Tuberculosis of the central nervous system is unusual and accounts for 1 % of all cases of tuberculosis in the world. The pituitary location is even scarcer. Case presentation: A 14-year-old girl presented with polyuria-polydipsia syndrome and menstrual irregularity. MRI showed an intrasellar lesion of the pituitary gland. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery for histopathological diagnosis and removal of the lesion. Histological findings were consistent with a tuberculoma. She was put on anti-tuberculosis drugs and is being followed up. Clinical discussion: In endemic areas, pituitary tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pituitary tumors. The histological examination will guide the diagnosis. Sometimes, other complementary examinations such as the tuberculin skin test can be of great help when the histology is not conclusive. Medical treatment can be curative, however, surgery can be necessary for decompression. Conclusion: In addition to being the first case of histologically proven primary pituitary tuberculosis in a child reported in Morocco, the present case is unique in the way that the extensive radiological examinations did not reveal any evidence of other systemic or pulmonary tuberculosis. Highlights