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Intra-sellar schwannoma co-existing with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma

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Abstract

Background

We present a unique example of an intra-sellar schwannoma co-existing with a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma.

Method and Findings

The patient presented with acromegaly and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intra-sellar mass. The tumour was totally resected via a sub-labial trans-sphenoidal approach. Histopathology demonstrated the presence of a GH-secreting adenoma as well as a schwannoma at the periphery of the adenoma. After surgical excision, remission of the acromegaly occurred. Follow-up monitoring showed no evidence of recurrence of the adenoma two years after surgery.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of an intra-sellar schwannoma co-existing with a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to the National Hormone and Pituitary Program (NHPP) Torrance, California, USA for providing the pituitary hormone antisera (to G. Kontogeorgos), and to the technologist Mrs. Magda Pateraki for her contribution to the morphological studies.

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Correspondence to Maria Koutourousiou.

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Koutourousiou, M., Seretis, A. & Kontogeorgos, G. Intra-sellar schwannoma co-existing with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Acta Neurochir 151, 1693–1697 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0304-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0304-7

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