Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Clinical and radiological presentation of parasellar ectopic pituitary adenomas: case series and systematic review of the literature

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Parasellar ectopic pituitary adenomas (pEPAs) are extremely rare tumors located out of the sella turcica. PEPAs are heterogeneous entities in terms of anatomical localization and secretion of anterior pituitary hormones.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study. Clinical charts’ consultation of patients diagnosed with parasellar lesions, to identify all subjects fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of parasellar EPAs. Systematic review of the literature focused on the medical management of prolactin-secreting pEPAs and on the prevalence of radiological bone invasion in pEPAs.

Results

We identified four cases of pEPAs: (1) 54-year-old female with a prolactin-secreting suprasellar EPA successfully treated with cabergoline; (2) 74-year-old male with a non-functioning EPA of the sphenoidal sinus treated with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery; (3) 75-year-old female with a giant lesion of the skull base (maximum diameter 7.2 cm) diagnosed as a non-functioning EPA after biopsy; (4) 49-year-old male with a silent corticotroph EPA of the sphenoidal sinus and clivus. Three out of four cases had radiological evidence of invasion of the surrounding bone structures. A systematic review of the literature highlighted that medical therapy can be effective in prolactin-secreting pEPAs. Overall, we found mention of local invasiveness in 65/147 cases (44.2%), confirmed by radiological signs of bone invasion/erosion.

Conclusion

Our experience confirms the heterogeneity of pEPAs in terms of clinical and radiological presentation, as well as hormone secretion. PEPAs show a high frequency of radiological bone invasion, though similar to that of sellar pituitary adenomas. Although extremely rare, pEPAs need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of parasellar lesions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

(Modified from [150])

Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Vasilev V, Rostomyan L, Daly AF et al (2016) MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: pituitary “incidentaloma”: neuroradiological assessment and differential diagnosis. Eur J Endocrinol 175(4):R171–R184. https://doi.org/10.1530/EJE-15-1272

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Cuny T, Barlier A, Feelders R et al (2015) Medical therapies in pituitary adenomas: current rationale for the use and future perspectives. Ann Endocrinol (Paris) 76(1):43–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ando.2014.10.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Shuman W, Loewenstern J, Pai A et al (2019) Variability in clinical presentation and pathologic implications of ectopic pituitary tumors: critical review of literature. World Neurosurg 122:397–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2018.10.200

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Gatto F, Perez-Rivas LG, Olarescu NC et al (2020) Diagnosis and treatment of parasellar lesions. Neuroendocrinology 110(9–10):728–739. https://doi.org/10.1159/000506905

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Sasano N, Wakasa H (1963) Pituitary carcinoma presenting as nasopharyngeal tumors with reference to ectopic origin. A report of three cases. Tohoku J Exp Med 78:352–362. https://doi.org/10.1620/tjem.78.352

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Rothman LM, Sher J, Quencer RM, Tenner MS (1976) Intracranial ectopic pituitary adenoma. Case report. J Neurosurg 44(1):96–99. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1976.44.1.0096

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Rasmussen P, Lindholm J (1979) Ectopic pituitary adenomas. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 11(1):69–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2265.1979.tb03047.x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Borit A, Blanshard TP (1979) Sphenoidal pituitary adenoma. Hum Pathol 10(1):93–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0046-8177(79)80075-1

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Kammer H, George R (1981) Cushing’s disease in a patient with an ectopic pituitary adenoma. JAMA 246(23):2722–2724

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Warner BA, Santen RJ, Page RB (1982) Growth of hormone and prolactin secretion by a tumor of the pharyngeal pituitary. Ann Intern Med 96(1):65–66. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-96-1-65

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Matsushita H, Matsuya S, Endo Y et al (1984) A prolactin producing tumor originated in the sphenoid sinus. Acta Pathol Jpn 34(1):103–109. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1827.1984.tb02187.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Burch WM, Kramer RS, Kenan PD, Hammond CB (1985) Cushing’s disease caused by an ectopic pituitary adenoma within the sphenoid sinus. N Engl J Med 312(9):587–588. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm198502283120921

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Shenker Y, Rocque LL, Weatherbee L et al (1986) Ectopic prolactinoma in a patient with hyperparathyroidism and abnormal sellar radiography. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 62(5):1065–1069. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-62-5-1065

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Lloyd RV, Chandler WF, Kovacs K, Ryan N (1986) Ectopic pituitary adenomas with normal anterior pituitary glands. Am J Surg Pathol 10(8):546–552. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000478-198608000-00004

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Neilson K, de Chadarevian JP (1987) Ectopic anterior pituitary corticotropic tumour in a six-year-old boy. Histological, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol 411(3):267–273. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00735033

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Schteingart DE, Chandler WF, Lloyd RV, Ibarra-Perez G (1987) Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ectopic pituitary adenoma. Neurosurgery 21(2):223–227. https://doi.org/10.1227/00006123-198708000-00016

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Heitzmann A, Jan M, Lecomte P et al (1989) Ectopic prolactinoma within the sphenoid sinus. Neurosurgery 24(2):279–282. https://doi.org/10.1227/00006123-198902000-00022

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Goel A, Satoskar AR, Nagpal RD, Desai AP (1990) Intracranial ectopic pituitary tumour. Br J Neurosurg 4(4):339–342. https://doi.org/10.3109/02688699008992744

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Kleinschmidt-DeMasters BK, Winston KR, Rubinstein D, Samuels MH (1990) Ectopic pituitary adenoma of the third ventricle. Case report. J Neurosurg 72(1):139–142. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1990.72.1.0139

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Tamaki N, Shirakuni T, Kokunai T et al (1991) Ectopic pituitary adenoma in the suprasellar cistern: case report. Surg Neurol 35(5):389–394. https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-3019(91)90052-b

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. O’Connor G, Dinn J, Farrell M et al (1991) Pituitary apoplexy in an ectopic pituitary tumour. Eur J Ophthalmol 1(1):33–38

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Kamphorst W, Wolbers JG, Ponssen H, Karim AB (1992) Ectopic parasellar pituitary adenoma with subarachnoid seeding. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 55(1):73–74. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.55.1.73

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Luk KH, Lam KS, Kung AW et al (1992) Suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma presenting as cranial diabetes insipidus. Postgrad Med J 68(800):467–469. https://doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.68.800.467

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Mount SL, Taatjes DJ, Trainer TD (1993) Ultrastructural study of a pituitary adenoma (prolactinoma) within the clivus bone using immunoelectron microscopy. Ultrastruct Pathol 17(6):637–642. https://doi.org/10.3109/01913129309027799

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Slonim SM, Haykal HA, Cushing GW et al (1993) MRI appearances of an ectopic pituitary adenoma: case report and review of the literature. Neuroradiology 35(7):546–548. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00588720

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Anand VK, Osborne CM, Harkey HL 3rd (1993) Infiltrative clival pituitary adenoma of ectopic origin. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 108(2):178–183. https://doi.org/10.1177/019459989310800213

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Tal A (1993) Cushing’s disease caused by ectopic pituitary adenoma within the pituitary stalk. South Med J 86(2):249–250. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-199302000-00026

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Hattori N, Ishihara T, Saiwai S et al (1994) Ectopic prolactinoma on MRI. J Comput Assist Tomogr 18(6):936–938. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004728-199411000-00017

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Arnesen M, Scheithauer BW (1994) Aggressive small cell tumor of the skull base. Ultrastruct Pathol 18(1–2):191–197. https://doi.org/10.3109/01913129409016289

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Dyer EH, Civit T, Abecassis JP, Derome PJ (1994) Functioning ectopic supradiaphragmatic pituitary adenomas. Neurosurgery 34(3):529–532. https://doi.org/10.1227/00006123-199403000-00022 (discussion 532)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Kikuchi K, Kowada M, Sasaki J, Sageshima M (1994) Large pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus and the nasopharynx: report of a case with ultrastructural evaluations. Surg Neurol 42(4):330–334. https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-3019(94)90404-9

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Kohno M, Sasaki T, Narita Y et al (1994) Suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma—case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 34(8):538–542. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.34.538

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Morita H, Yasuda K, Nkashima K et al (1994) Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ectopic pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus: adrenal crisis after partial resections of the adenoma. Endocr Pathol 5(2):123–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02921380

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Takahata T, Katayama Y, Tsubokawa T et al (1995) Ectopic pituitary adenoma occurring in the interpeduncular cistern Case report. J Neurosurg 83(6):1092–1094. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1995.83.6.1092

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Wilson CB, Mindermann T, Tyrrell JB (1995) Extrasellar, intracavernous sinus adrenocorticotropin-releasing adenoma causing Cushing’s disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 80(6):1774–1777. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.80.6.7775621

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Cooper DS, Wenig BM (1996) Hyperthyroidism caused by an ectopic TSH-secreting pituitary tumor. Thyroid 6(4):337–343. https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.1996.6.337

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Luk IS, Chan JK, Chow SM, Leung S (1996) Pituitary adenoma presenting as sinonasal tumor: pitfalls in diagnosis. Hum Pathol 27(6):605–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0046-8177(96)90170-7

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Nagatani T, Shibuya M, Suzuki Y et al (1997) Suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 139(1):94–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01850878

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Horiuchi T, Tanaka Y, Kobayashi S et al (1997) Rapidly-growing ectopic pituitary adenoma within the sphenoid sinus—case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 37(5):399–402. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.37.399

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Coire CI, Horvath E, Kovacs K et al (1997) Cushing’s syndrome from an ectopic pituitary adenoma with peliosis: a histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study and review of the literature. Endocr Pathol 8(1):65–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02739709

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. De Witte O, Massager N, Salmon I et al (1998) Ectopic prolactinoma in the clivus. Acta Chir Belg 98(1):10–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Ballaux D, Verhelst J, Pickut B et al (1999) Ectopic macroprolactinoma mimicking a chordoma: a case report. Endocr Relat Cancer 6(1):117–122. https://doi.org/10.1677/erc.0.0060117

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Bethge H, Arlt W, Zimmermann U et al (1999) Cushing’s syndrome due to an ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary tumour mimicking occult paraneoplastic ectopic ACTH production. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 51(6):809–814. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2265.1999.00897.x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Sanno N, Tahara S, Yoshida Y et al (1999) Ectopic corticotroph adenoma in the cavernous sinus: case report. Neurosurgery 45(4):914–917. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006123-199910000-00041 (discussion 917-8)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Pluta RM, Nieman L, Doppman JL et al (1999) Extrapituitary parasellar microadenoma in Cushing’s disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 84(8):2912–2923. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.84.8.5890

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Tucci JR, Pradeep R (1999) Nelson’s syndrome due to an intracavernous corticotropin-secreting adenoma. Endocr Pract 5(3):129–132. https://doi.org/10.4158/EP.5.3.129

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Jung S, Kim JH, Kim TS et al (2000) Supradiaphragmatic ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenoma. Pathol Int 50(11):901–904. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1827.2000.01145.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Matsuno A, Katayama H, Okazaki R et al (2001) Ectopic pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus causing acromegaly associated with empty sella. ANZ J Surg 71(8):495–498. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1622.2001.02173.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Madonna D, Kendler A, Soliman AM (2001) Ectopic growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 110(1):99–101. https://doi.org/10.1177/000348940111000118

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Hou L, Harshbarger T, Herrick MK, Tse V (2002) Suprasellar adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma: case report and literature Review. Neurosurgery 50(3):618–625. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006123-200203000-00035

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Hosaka N, Kitajiri S, Hiraumi H et al (2002) Ectopic pituitary adenoma with malignant transformation. Am J Surg Pathol 26(8):1078–1082. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000478-200208000-00015

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Hata N, Inoue T, Katsuta T, Iwaki T (2003) Ectopic pituitary adenoma in the cavernous sinus causing oculomotor nerve paresis—case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 43(8):399–403. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.43.399

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Kim LJ, Klopfenstein JD, Cheng M et al (2003) Ectopic intracavernous sinus adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting microadenoma: could this be a common cause of failed transsphenoidal surgery in Cushing disease? Case report. J Neurosurg 98(6):1312–1317. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.2003.98.6.1312

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Hamon M, Coffin C, Courtheoux P et al (2003) Case report: cushing disease caused by an ectopic intracavernous pituitary microadenoma: case report and review of the literature. J Comput Assist Tomogr 27(3):424–426. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004728-200305000-00021

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Al-Gahtany M, Bilbao J, Kovacs K et al (2003) Juxtaposition of an ectopic corticotroph adenoma of the sphenoid sinus with orthotopic intrasellar corticotroph hyperplasia in a patient with Cushing disease. Case report. J Neurosurg 98(4):891–896. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.2003.98.4.0891

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Pugnale N, Waridel F, Bouzourene H et al (2003) Pharyngeal pituitary non-functioning adenoma with normal intra-sellar gland: massive tumor shrinkage on octreotide therapy. Eur J Endocrinol 148(3):357–364. https://doi.org/10.1530/eje.0.1480357

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Pasquini E, Faustini-Fustini M, Sciarretta V et al (2003) Ectopic TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma of the vomerosphenoidal junction. Eur J Endocrinol 148(2):253–257. https://doi.org/10.1530/eje.0.1480253

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Ueda R, Katayama M, Yoshida K, Kawase T (2003) Suprasellar peri-infundibular ectopic prolactinoma—case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 43(1):51–54. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.43.51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Mitsuya K, Nakasu Y, Nioka H, Nakasu S (2004) Ectopic growth hormone-releasing adenoma in the cavernous sinus—case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 44(7):380–385. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.44.380

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Suzuki J, Otsuka F, Ogura T et al (2004) An aberrant ACTH-producing ectopic pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus. Endocr J 51(1):97–103. https://doi.org/10.1507/endocrj.51.97

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Gondim JA, Schops M, Ferreira E et al (2004) Acromegaly due to an ectopic pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus. Acta Radiol 45(6):689–691. https://doi.org/10.1080/02841850410008405

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Peker S, Sun I, Kurtkaya-Yapicier O et al (2005) Ectopic pituitary adenoma located at the pituitary stalk. Case report. J Neurosurg Sci 49(1):25–29

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Collie RB, Collie MJ (2005) Extracranial thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma of the nasopharynx. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 133(3):453–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2004.10.015

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Das CJ, Seith A, Gamanagatti S, Goswami R (2006) On the AJR viewbox. Ectopic pituitary adenoma with an empty sella. Am J Roentgenol 186(5):1468–1469. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.05.0329

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Guerrero CA, Krayenbuhl N, Husain M, Krisht AF (2007) Ectopic suprasellar growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma: case report. Neurosurgery 61(4):E879. https://doi.org/10.1227/01.NEU.0000298921.47495.42 (discussion E87)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Bhatoe HS, Kotwal N, Badwal S (2007) Clival pituitary adenoma with acromegaly: case report and review of literature. Skull Base 17(4):265–268. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-985195

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  67. Caranci F, Cirillo L, Bartiromo F et al (2007) Ectopic suprasellar pituitary adenoma. A case report. Neuroradiol J 19(6):731–735. https://doi.org/10.1177/197140090601900608

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Rocque BG, Herold KA, Salamat MS et al (2009) Symptomatic hyperprolactinemia from an ectopic pituitary adenoma located in the clivus. Endocr Pract 15(2):143–148. https://doi.org/10.4158/EP.15.2.143

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Yetkin DO, Kafadar A, Gazioglu N et al (2009) Kaposi sarcoma related to an ectopic hypothalamic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenoma: case report. Neurosurgery 65(6):110–111. https://doi.org/10.1227/01.NEU.0000344004.56155.B6 (discussion E111)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Mizutani A, Yamaguchi-Okada M, Yokota N, Namba H (2009) Asymptomatic non-functioning ectopic pituitary adenoma in the suprasellar region: a case report. Br J Neurosurg 23(3):321–323. https://doi.org/10.1080/02688690902842767

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Zerikly RK, Eray E, Faiman C et al (2009) Cyclic Cushing syndrome due to an ectopic pituitary adenoma. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab 5(3):174–179. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpendmet1039

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Trulea M, Patey M, Chaufour-Higel B et al (2009) An unusual case of ectopic adrenocorticotropin secretion. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 94(2):384–385. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2008-1634

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Kaushik C, Ramakrishnaiah R, Angtuaco EJ (2010) Ectopic pituitary adenoma in persistent craniopharyngeal canal: case report and literature review. J Comput Assist Tomogr 34(4):612–614. https://doi.org/10.1097/RCT.0b013e3181dbe5d1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Wang H, Yu W, Zhang Z et al (2010) Ectopic pituitary adenoma in the spheno-orbital region. J Neuroophthalmol 30(2):135–137. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNO.0b013e3181c5d1a2

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Ali R, Noma U, Jansen M, Smyth D (2010) Ectopic pituitary adenoma presenting as midline nasopharyngeal mass. Ir J Med Sci 179(4):593–595. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0236-x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Yang BT, Chong VF, Wang ZC et al (2010) Sphenoid sinus ectopic pituitary adenomas: CT and MRI findings. Br J Radiol 83(987):218–224. https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr/76663418

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  77. Koizumi M, Usui T, Yamada S et al (2011) Successful treatment of Cushing’s disease caused by ectopic intracavernous microadenoma. Pituitary 14(3):295–298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-008-0156-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Erdogan N, Sarsilmaz A, Boyraz EI, Ozturkcan S (2012) Ectopic pituitary adenoma presenting as a nasopharyngeal mass: CT and MRI findings. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 114(4):414–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2011.11.011

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Kinoshita Y, Tominaga A, Arita K et al (2012) Supra-diaphragmatic pituitary adenoma removed through the trans-tuberculum sellae approach. Case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 52(2):91–95. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.52.91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  80. Appel JG, Bergsneider M, Vinters H et al (2012) Acromegaly due to an ectopic pituitary adenoma in the clivus: case report and review of literature. Pituitary 15(Suppl 1):S53–S56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-011-0345-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Ferraz-Filho JR, Torres US, Teixeira AC et al (2012) Ectopic growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma involving the clivus treated with octreotide: role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and clinical follow-up. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 70(9):744–745. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0004-282x2012000900019

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Naswa N, Das CJ, Sharma P et al (2012) Ectopic pituitary adenoma with empty sella in the setting of MEN-1 syndrome: detection with 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT. Jpn J Radiol 30(9):783–786. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-012-0117-0

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Hong JF, Ding XH, Wang SS (2012) Coexistence of ectopic pituitary adenoma and empty sella in a patient with acromegaly: a case report and review of literature. Neurol India 60(3):304–306. https://doi.org/10.4103/0028-3886.98517

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Mudd PA, Hohensee S, Lillehei KO et al (2012) Ectopic pituitary adenoma of the clivus presenting with apoplexy: case report and review of the literature. Clin Neuropathol 31(1):24–30. https://doi.org/10.5414/np300421

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Ajler P, Bendersky D, Hem S, Campero A (2012) Ectopic prolactinoma within the sphenoidal sinus associated with empty sella. Surg Neurol Int 3:47. https://doi.org/10.4103/2152-7806.96066

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  86. Willhauck MJ, Popperl G, Rachinger W et al (2012) An unusual case of ectopic ACTH syndrome. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 120(2):63–67. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1297967

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Kusano Y, Horiuchi T, Oya F et al (2013) Ectopic pituitary adenoma associated with an empty sella: a case report and review of the literature. J Neuroimaging 23(1):135–136. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6569.2011.00620.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Liu B, Zhuang Z, Luo J, Wang Y (2013) A case report of an ectopic clival growth hormone adenoma associated with an empty sella and a review of the literature. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 115(12):2533–2536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2013.09.007

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Ramirez C, Hernandez-Ramirez LC, Espinosa-de-los-Monteros AL et al (2013) Ectopic acromegaly due to a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus: a case report and review of the literature. BMC Res Notes 6:411. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-6-411

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  90. Oldfield EH, Vance ML (2013) A cryptic cause of Cushing’s disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 98(12):4593–4594. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2013-2309

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Tong A, Xia W, Qi F et al (2013) Hyperthyroidism caused by an ectopic thyrotropin-secreting tumor of the nasopharynx: a case report and review of the literature. Thyroid 23(9):1172–1177. https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2012.0574

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Veit JA, Boehm B, Luster M et al (2013) Detection of paranasal ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma by Ga-68-DOTANOC positron-emission tomography-computed tomography. Laryngoscope 123(5):1132–1135. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.23867

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Johnston PC, Kennedy L, Weil RJ, Hamrahian AH (2014) Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas within the sphenoid sinus. Endocrine 47(3):717–724. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-014-0313-z

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Gurazada K, Ihuoma A, Galloway M et al (2014) Nasally located ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (EAPA) causing Nelson’s syndrome: diagnostic challenges. Pituitary 17(5):423–429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-013-0520-2

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Liang J, Libien J, Kunam V et al (2014) Ectopic pituitary adenoma associated with an empty sella presenting with hearing loss: case report with literature review. Clin Neuropathol 33(3):197–202. https://doi.org/10.5414/NP300702

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Nishiike S, Tatsumi KI, Shikina T et al (2014) Thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma of the nasopharynx. Auris Nasus Larynx 41(6):586–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2014.07.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Song M, Wang H, Song L et al (2014) Ectopic TSH-secreting pituitary tumor: a case report and review of prior cases. BMC Cancer 14:544. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-14-544

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  98. Seltzer J, Lucas J, Commins D et al (2015) Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma of the sphenoid sinus: case report of endoscopic endonasal resection and systematic review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus 38(2):E10. https://doi.org/10.3171/2014.10.FOCUS14685

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Wu X, Wen M (2015) CT finding of ectopic pituitary adenoma: Case report and review of literature. Head Neck 37(10):E120–E124. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.23908

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Fuminari K, Hideki A, Manabu O, Mitsunori M (2015) Extended endoscopic endonasal surgery using three-dimensional endoscopy in the intra-operative MRI suite for supra-diaphragmatic ectopic pituitary adenoma. Turk Neurosurg 25(3):503–507. https://doi.org/10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.11212-14.1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Flitsch J, Schmid SM, Bernreuther C et al (2015) A pitfall in diagnosing Cushing’s disease: ectopic ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus. Pituitary 18(2):279–282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-014-0591-8

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Karras CL, Abecassis IJ, Abecassis ZA et al (2016) Clival ectopic pituitary adenoma mimicking a chordoma: case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Neurol Med 2016:8371697. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8371697

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  103. Wang Q, Lu XJ, Sun J et al (2016) Ectopic suprasellar thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma: case report and literature review. World Neurosurg 95:617.e13-617.e18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2016.08.062

    Article  Google Scholar 

  104. Arzamendi AE, Shahlaie K, Latchaw RE et al (2016) Ectopic acromegaly arising from a pituitary adenoma within the bony intersphenoid septum of a patient with empty sella syndrome. J Neurol Surg Rep 77(3):e113–e117. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1585091

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  105. Koutourousiou M, Winstead WI (2017) Endoscopic endonasal surgery for remission of cushing disease caused by ectopic intracavernous macroadenoma: case report and literature review. World Neurosurg 98:870.e5-870.e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2016.12.021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  106. Knappe UJ, Jaspers C, Buschsieweke D et al (2017) Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas: an underestimated entity. Neurosurgery 80(4):525–533. https://doi.org/10.1227/NEU.0000000000001319

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Bobeff EJ, Wisniewski K, Papierz W et al (2017) Three cases of ectopic sphenoid sinus pituitary adenoma. Folia Neuropathol 55(1):60–66. https://doi.org/10.5114/fn.2017.66714

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Yang J, Liu S, Yang Z, Shi YB (2017) Ectopic thyrotropin secreting pituitary adenoma concomitant with papillary thyroid carcinoma: case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 96(50):e8912. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000008912

    Article  Google Scholar 

  109. Pojskic M, Zbytek B, Beckford NS et al (2017) First report of coexistence of two ectopic pituitary tumors: Rathke Cleft Cyst and silent adrenocorticotropic hormone adenoma. World Neurosurg 104:1048.e1-1048.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2017.05.070

    Article  Google Scholar 

  110. Zhou HJ, Pan DS, Ba XQ et al (2017) “Ectopic” suprasellar type IIa PRL-secreting pituitary adenoma. Pituitary 20(4):477–484. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-017-0807-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Balasa AF, Chinezu R, Teleanu DM et al (2017) Ectopic intracavernous corticotroph microadenoma: case report of an extremely rare pathology. Rom J Morphol Embryol 58(4):1447–1451

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Tajudeen BA, Kuan EC, Adappa ND et al (2017) Ectopic pituitary adenomas presenting as sphenoid or clival lesions: case series and management recommendations. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 78(2):120–124. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1592081

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Akinduro OO, Akinduro OT, Gupta V et al (2018) Ectopic prolactinoma presenting as bacterial meningitis: a diagnostic conundrum. World Neurosurg 112:227–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.112

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Hanaoka Y, Ogiwara T, Kakizawa Y et al (2018) Calcified ectopic TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma mimicking craniopharyngioma: a rare case report and literature review. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 160(10):2001–2005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-018-3638-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  115. Endo T, Ogawa Y, Watanabe M, Tominaga T (2018) A case of pituitary carcinoma initially diagnosed as an ectopic growth hormone producing pituitary adenoma with a high ki-67 Labeling Index. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 79(1):90–95. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1600515

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Sindoni A, Bodanza V, Tatta R et al (2018) Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma localized by 18F-choline PET/CT. Clin Nucl Med 43(1):e25–e26. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLU.0000000000001889

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Agely A, Okromelidze L, Vilanilam GK et al (2019) Ectopic pituitary adenomas: common presentations of a rare entity. Pituitary 22(4):339–343. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-019-00954-y

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Kim S, Dillon WP, Hope TA et al (2019) Ectopic thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma of the nasopharynx diagnosed by Gallium 68 DOTATATE Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography. World Neurosurg 125:400–404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2019.02.022

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Altafulla JJ, Prickett JT, Dupont G et al (2019) Ectopic pituitary adenoma presenting as a clival mass. Cureus 11(2):e4158. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4158

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  120. Ishizaki U, Abe K, Takako K et al (2020) FDG PET/CT findings of ectopic pituitary adenoma. Clin Nucl Med 45(2):151–153. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLU.0000000000002887

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Trummer C, Reiher H, Theiler-Schwetz V et al (2020) Secondary hyperthyroidism due to an ectopic thyrotropin-secreting neuroendocrine pituitary tumor: a case report. Eur Thyroid J 9(2):106–112. https://doi.org/10.1159/000505020

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  122. Sun X, Lu L, Feng M et al (2020) Cushing syndrome caused by ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas: case report and literature review. World Neurosurg 142:75–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.06.138

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  123. Ortiz E, Peldoza M, Monnier E et al (2020) Ectopic pituitary adenoma of the TSH-secreting sphenoidal sinus with excellent response to somatostatin analogs. Theory of the embryogenesis and literature review from a clinical case. Steroids 154:108535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108535

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Riccio L, Donofrio CA, Tomacelli G et al (2020) Ectopic GH-secreting pituitary adenoma of the clivus: systematic literature review of a challenging tumour. Pituitary 23(4):457–466. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-020-01057-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  125. Micko A, Wolfsberger S, Knosp E et al (2020) Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome in a patient with inferior petrosal sinus sampling indicating pituitary-dependent ACTH secretion. Clin Case Rep 8(1):104–107. https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.2586

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  126. Chai A, Soon AYQ, Manish B, Tan JL (2021) Ectopic sphenoid sinus pituitary adenoma masquerading as metastatic head and neck cancer. BMJ Case Rep 14(3):20411. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2020-240411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  127. Li X, Zhao B, Hou B et al (2021) Case report and literature review: ectopic thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma in the suprasellar region. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 12:619161. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.619161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  128. Truong Q, Ryder SJ, Gillespie J et al (2021) Clival prolactinoma masquerading as a chordoma: a case report. Radiol Case Rep 16(6):1320–1324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2021.02.071

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  129. Novak V, Hrabalek L, Hoza J et al (2021) Transnasal endoscopic surgery of sphenoid meningocele associated with pituitary adenoma. A case report. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. https://doi.org/10.5507/bp.2021.052

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Thompson LD, Seethala RR, Muller S (2012) Ectopic sphenoid sinus pituitary adenoma (ESSPA) with normal anterior pituitary gland: a clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic study of 32 cases with a comprehensive review of the english literature. Head Neck Pathol 6(1):75–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-012-0336-9

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  131. Noguchi S, Suzuki K, Nakano Y et al (2020) Diagnosis and surgical management of exophytic suprasellar pituitary adenoma extending over the diaphragma sellae and mimicking craniopharyngioma: a case report. Cureus 12(8):e10028. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10028

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  132. Zhu J, Wang Z, Zhang Y et al (2020) Ectopic pituitary adenomas: clinical features, diagnostic challenges and management. Pituitary 23(6):648–664. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-020-01071-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Zhu J, Wang Z, Zhang Y et al (2020) Suprasellar pituitary adenomas: a 10-year experience in a single tertiary medical center and a literature review. Pituitary 23(4):367–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-020-01043-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  134. Zhu J, Lu L, Yao Y et al (2020) Long-term follow-up for ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma in a single tertiary medical center and a literature review. Pituitary 23(2):149–159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-019-01017-y

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  135. Wallace A, Liu P, Cipriani NA et al (2020) Pituitary adenoma deposit in the nasolabial region following sublabial transsphenoidal surgery in the setting of Nelson syndrome. J Craniofac Surg 31(1):e68–e69. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000005913

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Hori E, Akai T, Kurimoto M et al (2002) Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma confined to the sphenoid sinus associated with a normal-sized empty sella. J Clin Neurosci 9(2):196–199. https://doi.org/10.1054/jocn.2001.0988

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Kitajiri S, Hosaka N, Tabuchi K et al (2000) A case report of FSH-producing nasal ectopic pituitary adenoma extending to the frontal cranial fossa. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 126(6):782–784. https://doi.org/10.1001/archotol.126.6.782

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  138. Melmed S, Casanueva FF, Hoffman AR et al (2011) Diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96(2):273–288. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-1692

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  139. Berwaerts J, Verhelst J, Abs R et al (2000) A giant prolactinoma presenting with unilateral exophthalmos: effect of cabergoline and review of the literature. J Endocrinol Invest 23(6):393–398. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03343743

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  140. Andereggen L, Frey J, Andres RH et al (2021) First-line surgery in prolactinomas: lessons from a long-term follow-up study in a tertiary referral center. J Endocrinol Invest 44(12):2621–2633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-021-01569-6

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  141. Trouillas J, Roy P, Sturm N et al (2013) A new prognostic clinicopathological classification of pituitary adenomas: a multicentric case-control study of 410 patients with 8 years post-operative follow-up. Acta Neuropathol 126(1):123–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-013-1084-y

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  142. Villa C, Vasiljevic A, Jaffrain-Rea ML et al (2019) A standardised diagnostic approach to pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs): a European Pituitary Pathology Group (EPPG) proposal. Virchows Arch 475(6):687–692. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-019-02655-0

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Guadagno E, D’Avella E, Cappabianca P et al (2020) Ki67 in endocrine neoplasms: to count or not to count, this is the question! A systematic review from the English language literature. J Endocrinol Invest 43(10):1429–1445. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-020-01275-9

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  144. Miermeister CP, Petersenn S, Buchfelder M et al (2015) Histological criteria for atypical pituitary adenomas—data from the German pituitary adenoma registry suggests modifications. Acta Neuropathol Commun 3:50. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-015-0229-8

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  145. Bernat AL, Troude P, Priola SM et al (2021) Endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: long-term outcomes and management of recurrent tumors. World Neurosurg 146:e341–e350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.10.083

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Guaraldi F, Zoli M, Righi A et al (2020) A practical algorithm to predict postsurgical recurrence and progression of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNET)s. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 93(1):36–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/cen.14197

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  147. Buchfelder M, Nistor R, Fahlbusch R, Huk WJ (1993) The accuracy of CT and MR evaluation of the sella turcica for detection of adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas in Cushing disease. Am J Neuroradiol 14(5):1183–1190

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  148. Casanueva FF, Barkan AL, Buchfelder M et al (2017) Criteria for the definition of Pituitary Tumor Centers of Excellence (PTCOE): a pituitary society statement. Pituitary 20(5):489–498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-017-0838-2

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  149. Torregrosa-Quesada ME, Garcia-Martinez A, Sanchez-Barbie A et al (2021) The silent variants of pituitary tumors: demographic, radiological and molecular characteristics. J Endocrinol Invest 44(8):1637–1648. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-020-01468-2

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  150. Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD et al (2021) The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 372:n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

No founds, grants, or other support were received for the preparation of this manuscript.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Claudia Campana and Federica Nista equally contributed to the manuscript

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

    C. Campana, F. Nista & D. Ferone

  2. Department of Radiology, Ospedale di Lavagna, Lavagna, Italy

    L. Castelletti

  3. Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy

    M. Caputo, P. Marzullo & A. Ferrero

  4. Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy

    M. Caputo

  5. Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital and Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy

    E. Lavezzi & A. Lania

  6. Laboratorio di Ricerche Metaboliche, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy

    P. Marzullo

  7. Department of Clinical Pathology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy

    G. Gaggero

  8. Unit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

    F. R. Canevari

  9. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy

    D. C. Rossi & G. Zona

  10. Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    D. Ferone & F. Gatto

Authors
  1. C. Campana
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. F. Nista
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. L. Castelletti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Caputo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. E. Lavezzi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. P. Marzullo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. A. Ferrero
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. G. Gaggero
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. F. R. Canevari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. D. C. Rossi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. G. Zona
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. A. Lania
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. D. Ferone
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  14. F. Gatto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Study conception: FG, DCR. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by CC, FN, LC, MC and EL. The first draft of the manuscript was written by CC, FN and supervised by FG. All authors revised and contributed to the following versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to F. Gatto.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of interest

DF has been a speaker for and participated on advisory boards and received research grants from Novartis, Ipsen and Pfizer. FG has been a speaker for Novartis and has participated on advisory boards of Novartis, AMCo Ltd, and IONIS Pharmaceuticals. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical approval

Clinical data were collected in accordance with local ethics requirements for case reports. The study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from the patients included in the case reports.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Campana, C., Nista, F., Castelletti, L. et al. Clinical and radiological presentation of parasellar ectopic pituitary adenomas: case series and systematic review of the literature. J Endocrinol Invest 45, 1465–1481 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-022-01758-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-022-01758-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation