Cavernous sinus haemangioma with intrasellar extension mimicking non-functioning pituitary adenoma – A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Fifty-three-year-old male suffering from a presumptive non-functioning pituitary adenoma was qualified for stereotactic radiosurgery in our institution. Two attempts of surgical treatment were taken three months before radiotherapy. Excessive bleeding did not allow to remove the tumour or to take samples for histopathological examination. Diagnosis was put on the basis of radiological assessment and lack of hypersecretion of pituitary hormones. However, radiological reevaluation in our Institute revealed the presence of a well-bounded tumour invading the cavernous sinus with high contrast enhancement in FLAIR and T2-sequence. Moreover, a constriction of the normal pituitary gland with tumour mass was seen. The imaging features of the lesion finally led to diagnosis of cavernous sinus haemangioma with intrasellar expansion. The patient received radiosurgical treatment with the use of linear accelerator (LINAC). A dose of 7Gy in one fraction was administered to achieve satisfactory local control, prevent potential further bleeding and reduce the risk of progressive neurological deficits. Stable size of the tumour and absence of any complications are confirmed in six years of follow-up.