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Objective The application of the da Vinci Surgical System in neurosurgery is limited due to technical difficulties requiring precise maneuvers and small instruments. This study details the advantages and disadvantages of robotics in neurosurgery and the reachable range of the transoral approach to lesions of the skull base and upper cervical spine. Methods In a cadaver study, the da Vinci Xi robot, lacking haptic feedback, was utilized for sagittal and coronal approaches on 5 heads, facilitating dura suturing in 3, with a 30°-angled drill for bone removal. Results Perfect exposure of all the nasopharyngeal sites, clivus, sellar, and choana, including the bilateral eustachian tubes, was achieved without any external incisions using this palatal split approach of transoral robotic surgery. The time required to perform a single stitch, knot, and complete single suture in robotic suturing of deep-seated were significantly less compared to manual suturing via the endonasal approach. Conclusion This is the first report to show the feasibility of suturing the dural defect in deep-seated lesions transorally and revealed that the limit of reach in the coronal plane via a transoral approach with incision of the soft palate is the foramen ovale. This preclinical investigation also showed that the transoral robotic approach is feasible for lesions extending from the sellar to the C2 in the sagittal plane. Refinement of robotic instruments for specific anatomic sites and future neurosurgical studies are needed to further demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this system in treating benign and malignant skull base lesions.

Advances in technology, instrumentation, and reconstruction have paved the way for extended endoscopic approaches to skull base tumors. In the sagittal plane, the endonasal approach may safely access pathologies from the frontal sinus to the craniocervical junction in the sagittal plane, the petrous apex in the coronal plane, and extend posteriorly to the clivus and posterior cranial fossa. This review article describes these modular extended endoscopic approaches, along with crucial anatomic considerations, illustrative cases, and practical operative pearls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial dermoid cyst (DC) is a rare benign, slow-growing lesion, most commonly arising along the midline. They can occur in the supratentorial compartment, very rarely involve the sellar region and only exceptionally are intrasellar. The aim of our study is to address the challenges in the diagnosis and management of sellar DCs. We performed a systematic review of sellar DCs, in keeping with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and described an intrasellar DC in a 32-year-old female who presented with bilateral blurring vision. The review identified 4 intrasellar, 29 suprasellar, and 28 parasellar cases. Intrasellar DCs more likely present with progressive visual impairment and pituitary hormone dysfunctions during the fifth decade of life. Suprasellar and parasellar DCs are typically diagnosed during the third decade of life because of diplopia, ptosis, trigeminal hypoaesthesia/para-esthesia or cyst's rupture. Sellar DCs are typically hypodense on computed tomography scans and contain calcifications. Magnetic resonance imaging features include T1 hyperintensity, T2 heterogeneous intensity, no restriction on diffusion-weighted images, and no contrast enhancement. Surgery is the treatment of choice. Gross total resection is achieved in 60% of intrasellar and 61.9% of suprasellar and parasellar DCs. Early postoperative complications are reported in 40.0%, 16.7%, and 23.8% of intrasellar, suprasellar, and parasellar DCs, respectively. Intrasellar DCs are rare lesions typically diagnosed later than suprasellar and parasellar DCs due to their different clinical presentations. However, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the sella, including epidermoid cysts, craniopharyngiomas, Rathke's cleft cysts, and teratomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sellar and suprasellar regions are complex areas of the brain, where different varieties of lesions can occur in this confined space. When evaluating sellar and suprasellar lesions prior to surgery, diffusion weighted MRI and MR spectroscopy are regarded as crucial diagnostic tools that supplement conventional MRI. Aim of the Study: The aim of the recent study was to evaluate the role of the DWI and Single-Voxel 1H MRS Metabolites in characterization of Sellar and Suprasellar masses. Methods: A prospective study has been conducted on 30 patients with various sellar and suprasellar masses consulted from Neurosurgery and Neurology Departments to the MRI unit over a period of 6 months between June 2023 and Nov 2023.They were examined with long-echo single voxel 1H -MRS and DWI by 1.5 Tesla clinical imaging machine. Examinations were guided by cMRI. We confirmed our diagnosis pathologically after surgical management. Results: Sellar and suprasellar tumors exhibited variable values for diffusion and the mean ADC value was for macroadenoma is (0.72±0.25)x10-3 mm2/sec, craniopharyngeoma is (1.8±0.1)x10-3 mm2/sec, glioma is (1.38±0.5)x10-3 mm2/sec, germinoma (0.80±0.2)x10-3 mm2/sec and for meningioma is (0.94±0.16)x10-3 mm2/sec. Pituitary macroadenoma were typically characterized by Cr peak, moderate elevation of Cho peak and significant reduction of NAA,. Craniopharyngiomas were classically distinguished by notable reduction of all metabolites .Rise of Cho peak and decrease of NAA and Cr peaks typically characterize Gliomas. The most distinguishing metabolite of meningioma is Alanine. Conclusions: Diffusion-weighted MRI and MR Spectroscopy can contribute to presurgical assessment and discrimination between various sellar, suprasellar masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) is emerging as an effective, minimally invasive surgery technique for brain tumors of the pituitary fossa. Using a surgical endoscope, surgeons can obtain a broader, nearer, and more apparent visual field with minimal keyhole entrance. However, ETSS may require a steep learning curve to achieve technical competence and relevant outcomes. Moreover, there is no consensus on the learning process of ETSS. We aimed to review and determine the technical proficiency points of ETSS and discuss how to accelerate the learning curve. Core databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, were systematically searched for learning curve studies that demonstrated the clinical outcomes and learning status of ETSS for pituitary adenomas using numerical data. Quality assessments of the included articles were performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The cutoff points were evaluated based on various outcome measures. Eleven full-text articles, representing 2780 cases, were selected from 317 screened studies. The outcome measures were operative time, tumor removal, endocrinological results, visual field, and surgical complications. The plateaus or cutoff points in the learning curve varied with a mean of 103 ± 139.43 (range, 9–500) cases. ETSS is an efficient and minimally invasive alternative surgical option for pituitary tumors. Plateau points may differ according to outcome measures, patient selection, training status, and surgical conditions. Therefore, great care should be taken when interpreting the learning curve. A systematic training program is essential to improve the learning process of endoscopic neurosurgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and importance: Chordomas are centrally located, expansile soft tissue neoplasms that arise from the remnants of the embryological notochord. Hemorrhagic presentation is exceedingly rare and can resemble pituitary apoplexy. Moreover, a purely intrasellar location of a chordoma is extremely uncommon. We report a case of a hemorrhagic intrasellar chordoma in an adult male, which presented similarly to pituitary apoplexy and was resolved with surgical resection. Clinical presentation: A 69-year-old male presented with a 4 week history of acute onset headache and concurrent diplopia, with significantly reduced testosterone and slightly reduced cortisol. His left eye demonstrated a sixth cranial nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a large hemorrhagic mass in the pituitary region with significant compression of the left cavernous sinus and superior displacement of the pituitary gland. The patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for the resection of the lesion. Near total resection was achieved. Final pathology revealed chordoma with evidence of intratumoral hemorrhage, further confirmed by immunopositive stain for bra-chyury. Post-operatively, the patient had improved diplopia and was discharged home on low dose hydrocortisone. At 3-month follow-up, his diplopia was resolved and new MRI showed stable small residual disease. Conclusions: Apoplectic chordomas are uncommon given chordoma's characteristic lack of intralesional vascularity and represent a diagnostic challenge in the sellar region. Our unique case demonstrates that despite our initial impression of pituitary apoplexy, this was ultimately a case of apoplectic chordoma that responded well to endoscopic endonasal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis of the hypothalamo–pituitary axis is extremely uncommon. The presentation of panhypopituitarism in a case of sellar tuberculosis is an even rarer occurrence. We present a case of a 44‐year‐old man who presented with complaints of headache and right‐sided diminution of vision for six months. A hormone profile showed abnormal anterior pituitary assay suggestive of panhypopituitarism. Magnetic Resonance imaging of the brain showed a sellar mass measuring 1.8 × 1.5 × 1.3 cm with suprasellar extension suggestive of a pituitary adenoma. Histopathological examination showed multiple epithelioid cell granulomas along with Langhans giant cells and mixed inflammatory infiltrates against a necrotic background. Zeihl Neelson stain demonstrated the presence of acid‐fast bacilli. Thus, a final diagnosis of pituitary tuberculoma was made, and the patient started on antitubercular therapy. It is extremely important to correctly diagnose sellar tuberculosis as the treatment is entirely different, and the patient usually responds well to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) of Central Nervous System (CNS) is a rare malignancy, usually confronted in childhood. Although few cases were reported in adults, it seems that there is a preference in supratentorial areas and specifically at the sellar region in middle-aged females with this subgroup presenting distinct features. Research question: We share a case report of a rare intracranial ATRT in the sellar area with lung metastasis in an adult female. Material/methods: Patient's medical records (laboratory tests, radiology examinations, histopathology report) were reviewed after retrieving an informed consent. A literature search within Pubmed and further “snowballing” was performed with the use of keywords “sellar”, “adult”, “ATRT” to address the current literature. Results: We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with headaches and left ptosis, diagnosed with a sellar mass, infiltrating the cavernous sinus. She underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal debulking of the lesion. The pathology report showed an aggressive AT/RT and the patient received radio- and chemo-therapy. On follow up imaging studies, lung metastases were shown and the patient died 7 months after the initial diagnosis. Discussion & conclusion: Only a few cases of sellar/suprasellar ATRT with lung metastases have been described so far. ATRT should be in the differential diagnosis of fibrous sellar masses in adult women.

Objective  The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been shown to be an effective means to access sellar lesions. However, there are limited studies centered on evaluating olfactory function after surgery. In this study, we assessed the pre- and postoperative olfactory function of patients who underwent EEA for sellar and suprasellar lesions. The impact of nasoseptal flap use on olfaction was further analyzed. Study Design  A retrospective study. Setting  A tertiary-care referral center in Taiwan. Participants  Patients with sellar and suprasellar lesions who underwent EEA and pre- and postoperative olfaction assessment from August 2015 to March 2018 were included in the study. Main Outcome Measures  The patients olfactory function was examined pre-and postoperatively using the Sniffin Sticks odor identification test. Data regarding demographics, olfactory scores, pathology, reconstructive technique, graft usage, and extent of resection were retrieved. Results  A total of 106 patients (36 males and 70 females) were enrolled, with a mean age of 51 years. There were 76 pituitary tumors, 12 Rathkes cleft cysts, 7 craniopharyngiomas, 7 meningiomas, and 4 other lesions. The nasoseptal flap was used in 39 patients for skull base reconstruction, and these patients had no statistically significant change between pre- and postoperative olfactory scores ( p  = 0.283). Moreover, a statistically significant improvement of olfactory scores was found in patients in whom the nasoseptal flap was not used. Conclusion  Olfactory function may be reliably preserved after EEA, with or without nasoseptal flap harvest and use.

Background: Sodium and water imbalance is common after sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgeries. A wide variation in the diagnostic criteria of diabetes insipidus (DI) has been noted in literature. A highly variable incidence of DI and hyponatraemia has been reported. There is paucity of Indian studies. Aims and Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate serum sodium level and water imbalance after sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgeries. This was evaluated in terms of occurrence of hyponatraemia and central DI on day 1 and day 7 in the post-operative period. Materials and Methods: Patients of either sex, aged from 18 to 65 years, ASA physical status I-II, GCS score ≥13, with baseline normal electrolyte level, posted for elective neurosurgical procedures for sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar tumours, were included for this study after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A convenient sampling of 50 patients was considered for this study. The primary outcome measures were to determine the incidence of hyponatraemia and central DI. Other adverse event and any requirement of desmopressin in the post-operative period were also noted. Results: In the present study, the majority (74%) of patients were 31–50 years. Female preponderance was noted with male: female ratio as 1:1.4. Out of 50 cases 41 (82%) had transcranial surgery and 9 (18%) had transphenoidal surgery. The incidence of sodium and water disturbances (SWD) was observed in 22% (11/50) patients. Out of these 11 patients, nine developed DI and two had hyponatremia on day 1 in the post-operative period. Both the abnormalities were found to recover on day 7. Only 1 patient (2%) required desmopressin. Conclusion: The incidence of SWD after sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgeries was found to be common (22%). The hyponatraemia and DI responded to the therapy and were transient in nature.

Background: Paraganglioma in the sellar region is an extremely rare entity, with a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Due to the paucity of clinical evidence, the diagnosis and treatment of paragangliomas in the sellar region remain challenging. Herein, we reported a case of sellar paraganglioma with parasellar and suprasellar extension. Particularly, the dynamic evolution of this benign tumor within a 7-year longitudinal observation was presented. Additionally, the relevant literature regarding sellar paraganglioma was comprehensively reviewed. Case description: A 70-year-old woman presented with progressive visual deterioration and headache. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass in the sellar region with parasellar and suprasellar extension. The patient refused surgical treatment. Seven years later, brain magnetic resonance imaging showed the lesion significantly progressed. Neurological examination revealed bilateral tubular contraction of visual fields. Laboratory examinations showed endocrine hormone levels were normal. Surgical decompression was performed via a subfrontal approach, and subtotal resection was achieved. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of paraganglioma. Postoperatively, she developed hydrocephalus, and ventriculoperitoneal shunting was performed. Eight months later, cranial CT showed no recurrence of the residual tumor, and the hydrocephalus had been relieved. Conclusion: Paraganglioma occurring in the sellar region is rare, and the preoperative differential diagnosis is difficult. Owing to the infiltration to the cavernous sinus and internal carotid, complete surgical resection is usually impracticable. There has been no consensus regarding postoperative adjuvant radiochemotherapy for the tumor residue. In-situ recurrence and metastasis have been reported in the literature, and close follow-up is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This paper provides a definition of the sella, a description of common pathologies affecting the region, and an overview of the historical development of surgical approaches, as well as the advantages of techniques that are commonly used today. The sellar and parasellar region can be affected by diverse pathologies. The deep-seated location and surrounding critical neurovascular structures make treatment challenging; there is no singular, optimal approach for management. The history and development of transcranial and transsphenoidal approaches by pioneers in skull base surgery were largely aimed at treating pituitary adenomas, which are the most common lesions of the sella. This review explores the history of sellar surgery, the most commonly used approaches today, and future considerations for surgery of the sellar/parasellar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to find out the factors affecting visual outcome after surgery in patients with sellar lesions. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 36 patients diagnosed with sellar tumors who underwent surgery between July 2018 and January 2020. Clinical and demographic data including age, sex, pre- and post-operative visual acuity, visual field, and fundus examination was done in these patients. Size of the tumor was also measured radiologically. The size of the tumor was categorized as

Objectives Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) remains a challenge and is associated with high morbidity. We perform a primary repair with f at in the pituitary f ossa and further fat in the s phenoid sinus (FFS). We compare the efficacy of this FFS technique with other repair methods and perform a systematic review. Design, Patients, and Methods This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing standard TSS from 2009 to 2020, comparing the incidence of significant postoperative CSF rhinorrhea (requiring intervention) using the FFS technique compared with other intraoperative repair strategies. Systematic review of current repair methods described in the literature was performed following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results In all, there were 439 patients, with 276 patients undergoing multilayer repair, 68 patients FFS repair, and 95 patients no repair. No significant differences were observed in baseline demographics between the groups. Postoperative CSF leak requiring intervention was significantly lower in the FFS repair group (4.4%) compared with the multilayer (20.3%) and no repair groups (12.6%, p < 0.01). This translated to fewer reoperations (2.9% FFS vs. 13.4% multilayer vs. 8.4% no repair, p < 0.05), fewer lumbar drains (2.9% FFS vs. 15.6% multilayer vs. 5.3% no repair, p < 0.01), and shorter hospital stay (median days: 4 [3–7] FFS vs. 6 (5–10) multilayer vs. 5 (3–7) no repair, p < 0.01). Risk factors for postoperative leak included female gender, perioperative lumbar drain, and intraoperative leak. Conclusion Autologous fat on fat graft for standard endoscopic transsphenoidal approach effectively reduces the risk of significant postoperative CSF leak with reduced reoperation and shorter hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sodium and water imbalance is common after sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgeries. A wide variation in the diagnostic criteria of diabetes insipidus (DI) has been noted in literature. A highly variable incidence of DI and hyponatraemia has been reported. There is paucity of Indian studies. Aims and Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate serum sodium level and water imbalance after sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgeries. This was evaluated in terms of occurrence of hyponatraemia and central DI on day 1 and day 7 in the post-operative period. Materials and Methods: Patients of either sex, aged from 18 to 65 years, ASA physical status I-II, GCS score =13, with baseline normal electrolyte level, posted for elective neurosurgical procedures for sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar tumours, were included for this study after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A convenient sampling of 50 patients was considered for this study. The primary outcome measures were to determine the incidence of hyponatraemia and central DI. Other adverse event and any requirement of desmopressin in the post-operative period were also noted. Results: In the present study, the majority (74%) of patients were 31-50 years. Female preponderance was noted with male: female ratio as 1:1.4. Out of 50 cases 41 (82%) had transcranial surgery and 9 (18%) had transphenoidal surgery. The incidence of sodium and water disturbances (SWD) was observed in 22% (11/50) patients. Out of these 11 patients, nine developed DI and two had hyponatremia on day 1 in the post-operative period. Both the abnormalities were found to recover on day 7. Only 1 patient (2%) required desmopressin. Conclusion: The incidence of SWD after sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgeries was found to be common (22%). The hyponatraemia and DI responded to the therapy and were transient in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in technology, instrumentation, and reconstruction have paved the way for extended endoscopic approaches to skull base tumors. In the sagittal plane, the endonasal approach may safely access pathologies from the frontal sinus to the craniocervical junction in the sagittal plane, the petrous apex in the coronal plane, and extend posteriorly to the clivus and posterior cranial fossa. This review article describes these modular extended endoscopic approaches, along with crucial anatomic considerations, illustrative cases, and practical operative pearls.

ABSTRACT Objective: Contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely performed in children with central precocious puberty (CPP). We evaluated the value of a dedicated sellar MRI protocol without contrast enhancement in girls with CPP. Subjects and methods: This study included 261 girls diagnosed with CPP. We performed sellar MRI scanning without gadolinium enhancement of the hypothalamic-pituitary area (HPA) at the pituitary level, including additional T2-weighted imaging of whole-brain scans to check for other lesions. We evaluated the prevalence of intracranial lesions via this MR protocol. In addition,the correlation between the clinical parameters and morphology of the pituitary gland on the images was assessed. Results: Intracranial lesions were detected in 17 (6.5%) of the 261 girls. Of the 17 girls with abnormalities, 16 (94.1%) had findings in brain areas other than the HPA. The weight, height, Tanner stage of patients were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the group with greater pituitary height. Patient weight and height, Tanner stage of breast development, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in those with a higher pituitary grade as determined on sellar MRI. Conclusion: A dedicated unenhanced sellar MRI protocol provides valuable information on brain lesions and pituitary morphology. We found a significantly low prevalence of brain lesions among girls with CPP. Analysis of the height or shape of the pituitary gland on sellar MRI revealed significant correlations with the weight, height, Tanner stage, and LH levels of the patients.

• Collision tumors/lesions are extremely rare in the sellar region. • The first adult case of collision tumor with CP and AT/RT is reported in the study. • The definitive diagnosis depends mainly on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Collision tumors are extremely rare in the sellar region, and their features have not been fully characterized. Here, we report our single-center experience in the diagnosis and management of these tumors, focusing primarily on their clinicopathological features. We first performed a retrospective study of pathological reports from patients who had undergone surgery for pituitary adenoma (PA) or craniopharyngioma (CP) at our hospital. Next, to identify collision tumors, patients with a second pathological diagnosis—such as Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC), gangliocytoma (GC), meningioma, or atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT)—were considered. Finally, the clinicopathological characteristics of these tumors were reviewed and analyzed. The results demonstrated that eleven of 2359 PA or CP cases (0.47 %) were found to exhibit sellar collision tumors; the patient cohort had a median age of 52 years (23–71) and was predominantly female (63.6 %, 7/11). In details, of the 2092 cases of PA, 10 were diagnosed with concurrent lesions (seven of RCC and one each of CP, meningioma, and GC). Of the 267 CP cases, a single patient presented with associated AT/RT. To our knowledge, this is the first reported adult case of this subtype. Notably, the preoperative CT and/or MRI of each patient revealed solely PA or CP. The endoscopic endonasal approach was the preferred surgery. In conclusion, the sellar collision tumors occur with low incidence, and the primary subtype is PA and RCC. Their definitive diagnosis depends primarily on pathological findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomus tumor is a rare mesenchymal tumor with an organ-like structure. Sellar glomus tumors are extremely rare with only six reported cases in the literature. Because of the lack of special clinical manifestations and imaging features, the disorder may be easily misdiagnosed as other sellar tumors, especially pituitary adenomas. Here, the present study showed a case of a 69-year-old male with hypopituitarism who was preliminarily misdiagnosed as non-functional pituitary adenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomus tumor is a rare mesenchymal tumor with an organ-like structure. Sellar glomus tumors are extremely rare with only six reported cases in the literature. Because of the lack of special clinical manifestations and imaging features, the disorder may be easily misdiagnosed as other sellar tumors, especially pituitary adenomas. Here, the present study showed a case of a 69-year-old male with hypopituitarism who was preliminarily misdiagnosed as non-functional pituitary adenoma.

Introduction: Pineal, sellar and suprasellar tumours in children comprise a wide range of diseases with different biological behaviours and clinical management. Neuroimaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment planning and follow up of these patients, but imaging interpretation can prove challenging due to the significant overlap in radiological features. Materials and method: A review of the literature was performed by undertaking a search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for appropriate MeSH terminology. Identified abstracts were screened for inclusion and articles meeting the objectives of the review were included. Results and Conclusion: In this article, we review radiological appearances of common and uncommon pineal, sellar and suprasellar tumours occurring in the paediatric population. We discuss the importance of anatomical localization, clinical information and cerebrospinal fluid tumour markers, and propose a practical approach to differential diagnosis. Lastly, we discuss future directions and prospective new imaging strategies to support state-of-the-art patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Intrasellar brain dermoid cysts are extremely unusual cases with or without sudden symptoms. It is a congenital dysembryogenic lesion that is formed during the period of neural tube closure, by the trapping of embryonic ectoderm. This defect explains the propensity of dermoid cyst for the midline localization.The discovery of completely asymptomatic dermoid cysts in the pediatric population is exceedingly rare. Despite the advances in imaging modalities, it sometimes remains difficult to exclude the differential diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a 07-year-old boy addressed for suspicion of craniopharyngioma diagnosed by decreased visual acuity and bitemporal hemianopia. Endocrine workup showed pituitary hormones within normal levels. CT scan was done which shows a large hypodense sellar lesion with intralesional calcifications. Despite the unusual localization and size of this lesion, an MRI brain was performed which showed a large abnormal signal intensity mass in the sella. It shows heterogenous signals on T2 weighted and FLAIR images, hyperintense signals on T1 weighted images without post contrast enhancement. The diagnosis of craniopharyngioma was ruled out in favour of a dermoid cyst. CONCLUSION: The reported case reveals an unusual localization of a dermoid cyst, which caused a diagnostic challenge. In the sellar area, it is often not fruitful to differentiate craniopharyngioma and dermoid cyst as they may have very similar CT findings however multisequential MRI imaging thus helps and gives an added benefit in formulating the diagnosis of sellar dermoid by their signal changes in different sequences of MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many reviews have summarised the pathology and management of the parasellar region in adult patients, although an analysis of these aspects in the transition years, from puberty onset to the age of peak bone mass, has been lacking. A comprehensive search of English‐language original articles, published from 2000 to 2020, was conducted in the MEDLINE database (December 2019 to March 2020). We selected all studies regarding epidemiology, diagnosis and management of the following parasellar lesions: germinoma, craniopharyngioma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, optic glioma, hypothalamic hamartoma, tuber cinereum hamartoma, cranial chordoma, Rathke cleft cyst, hypophysitis and hypothalamitis during the transition age from childhood to adulthood. In the present review, we provide an overview of the principal parasellar lesions occurring in the transition age. Symptoms are usually a result of the mass effect of the lesions on nearby structures, as well as anterior pituitary deficits. Diabetes insipidus occurs frequently in these patients. In this age group, pubertal developmental disorders may be more evident compared to other stages of life. Parasellar lesions in the transition age mostly include neoplastic lesions such as germinomas, hamartomas, optic gliomas, craniopharyngiomas Langerhans cell histiocytosis and chordomas, and rarely inflammatory lesions (hypophysitis, hypothalamitis). There are limited data on the management of parasellar lesions in the transition age. Endocrine evaluation is crucial for identifying conditions that require hormonal treatment so that they can be treated early to improve the quality of life of the individual patient in this complex age range. The clinical approach to parasellar lesions involves a multidisciplinary effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trans-sphenoidal approach for various surgical interventions of sella and suprasellar pathologies is fraught with the risk of injuring vital neurovascular structures which lie nearby. Preoperative knowledge of the pattern of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation is of paramount importance to anticipate and simultaneously undertake appropriate precautions to avert any complication. Objective: To determine the prevalence of different types of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation in our population. Materials and Methods: NCCT head images of 613 patients were analysed retrospectively to determine the type of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation. Individuals in the age range of 20 to 75 years were included in the study. Individuals with age less than 20 years (pneumatisation incomplete), previous surgery involving skull base/sphenoid sinus and trauma causing hemo-sinus/fractures around skull base or having space occupying lesions around skull base/sphenoid sinus were excluded from the study. Results: The age range of evaluated patients was 20 to 75 years with mean age of 45.67 years of which 368 (60.03%) were males and 245 (39.97%) were females. There was no significant statistical difference in the prevalence of various types of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation between male and female subjects (P-value >0.05). The commonest type of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation was post-sellar type (82.71%) followed by sellar (14.68%) and pre-sellar (2.45%) type. Conchal type was extremely rare. Conclusions: Preoperative computed tomographic (CT) evaluation of sellar region is a requisite whenever trans-sphenoidal surgery is contemplated to determine the location and extent of sphenoid sinus walls to shorten operative time and to minimize morbid consequences.

Background: Extra-axial cerebral cavernous hemangiomas particularly those found in the sellar region, are extremely rare. Their clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics can mimic those of a pituitary adenoma thus making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Few cases are reported in the literature. We present a case, along with a comprehensive review of the literature regarding specific aspects of diagnosis and management of all similarly reported rare cases. Case Description: We present the clinical, radiological, and operative data of a rare case of a large intrasellar cavernous hemangioma in a 49-year-old female patient presented with headache and diminution of vision, which was diagnosed intraoperatively during an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Subtotal debulking was performed with immediate postoperative clinical improvement. The patient was then referred for radiotherapy and maintained her clinical improvement since then. Conclusion: Neurosurgeons should consider this rare pathology in the preoperative differential diagnosis of sellar tumors. Bright hyperintense T2 signal with or without signal voids associated with centripetal delayed contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging images might raise the suspicion which can be further confirmed intraoperatively with frozen sections. Due the reported high vascularity and intraoperative profuse bleeding leading to high operative morbidities, piecemeal subtotal resection followed by radiosurgery may be considered today as the safest and most effective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) commonly presents with seizures in developing countries such as Nepal. It may also present with raised intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus when cyst is located in the fourth ventricle or foramen of Monro. There are four main stages of NCC (1) Vesicular, (2) Colloidal vesicular, (3) Granular nodular, and (4) Nodular calcified. The colloidal vesicular stages can cause arachnoiditis and thus can cause hydrocephalus whereas obstructive hydrocephalus is usually caused by racemose type of NCC. This case was a suprasellar cyst mimicking craniopharyngioma, supported with clinical history of poor visual acuity, endocrine abnormality, suggested radiological findings by computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. Suprasellar NCC was confirmed only by intraoperative findings and histopathology report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) apoplexy is an uncommon lesion attributed to abnormal vascular supply to the fragile RCC epithelial wall. It is rare in children and very difficult to diagnose without pathologic confirmation. Here, we report an 8-year-old boy who presented with headache and visual deficit. MRI and CT showed a cystic mass in the sellar region. He underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery, and the cystic mass was resected completely via a trans-sphenoidal approach. The lesion was confirmed as RCC apoplexy by intraoperative observation and histopathological examination. Headache was completely relieved and the visual field deficit improved remarkably after the operation. The authors recommend surgical management for pediatric RCC apoplexy patients who present with severe neuro-ophthalmic signs or deterioration of consciousness, although there are at present no standardized management guidelines for pediatric RCC apoplexy., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The application of the da Vinci Surgical System in neurosurgery is limited due to technical difficulties requiring precise maneuvers and small instruments. This study details the advantages and disadvantages of robotics in neurosurgery and the reachable range of the transoral approach to lesions of the skull base and upper cervical spine., Methods: In a cadaver study, the da Vinci Xi robot, lacking haptic feedback, was utilized for sagittal and coronal approaches on 5 heads, facilitating dura suturing in 3, with a 30°-angled drill for bone removal., Results: Perfect exposure of all the nasopharyngeal sites, clivus, sellar, and choana, including the bilateral eustachian tubes, was achieved without any external incisions using this palatal split approach of transoral robotic surgery. The time required to perform a single stitch, knot, and complete single suture in robotic suturing of deep-seated were significantly less compared to manual suturing via the endonasal approach., Conclusion: This is the first report to show the feasibility of suturing the dural defect in deep-seated lesions transorally and revealed that the limit of reach in the coronal plane via a transoral approach with incision of the soft palate is the foramen ovale. This preclinical investigation also showed that the transoral robotic approach is feasible for lesions extending from the sellar to the C2 in the sagittal plane. Refinement of robotic instruments for specific anatomic sites and future neurosurgical studies are needed to further demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this system in treating benign and malignant skull base lesions.

Background: Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease affecting the central nervous system. Isolated sellar cysticercosis cysts are rare and can mimic other sellar lesion as cystic pituitary adenoma, arachnoid cyst, Rathke cleft cyst, or craniopharyngioma. The surgical resection is mandatory because the cysticidal drugs are ineffective, however, new microsurgical approaches are emerging to reduce complications and need to test in this condition. We present a patient with a sellar cysticercosis cyst treated by transciliar supraorbital keyhole approach. Case Description: A 45-year-old female with presented with chronic severe headaches, progressive deterioration of 6 months in visual acuity and bitemporal hemianopia. The pituitary hormonal levels were normal. Magnetic resonance findings showed a sellar and suprasellar cyst and underwent a microsurgical supraorbital transciliar keyhole approach for lesion resection. Pathologically, the lesion demonstrated a parasitic wall characterized by wavy, dense cuticle, and focal globular structure, surrounding inflammatory reaction with plasma cells. Postoperatively, the patient recovery fully neurologically. Conclusion: Intrasellar cysticercosis cyst causes significant neurological deficits due to its proximity to the chiasm, optic nerves, pituitary stalk, and the pituitary gland. Surgical section is an effective treatment. The supraorbital keyhole craniotomy offers satisfactory exposure, possibility of total resection with dissection of the supra and parasellar structures, short operative time, less blood loss, short hospital stay, and good overall surgical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic lesions in the sellar region include a variety of entities, such as craniopharyngioma, Rathke cleft cyst (RCC), intrasellar arachnoid cyst, cystic pituitary adenomas, cholesterol granulomas (CGs), and xanthogranulomas (XGs). The distinction among them remains a preoperative challenge due to similarities in their clinical and radiologic findings. We describe 3 cases with cystic sellar lesions. The first patient is a woman who presented with headache and hormonal disturbances, including high levels of prolactin, with a sellar and suprasellar cystic lesion discovered on magnetic resonance imaging. She was initially treated with dopamine agonists with normalization of prolactin levels but no changes on the size of the lesion. She underwent an endoscopic endonasal resection and the histology resulted in a CG/XG. The second patient is a woman who consulted for an incidentally discovered sellar cyst. During the follow-up, the lesion demonstrated enlargement with compression of the optic chiasm. With a preoperative diagnosis of RCC, the lesion was removed through an endoscopic endonasal transsellar approach. Final pathologic diagnosis was consistent with CG/XG. The third case was that of a man who presented with refractory headaches and vision loss, with a sellar/suprasellar cystic lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent endoscopic endonasal transsellar surgery for resection of what preoperatively was thought to be a giant RCC; final pathology again was consistent with CG/XG. CG/XG is an uncommon pathology with unspecific clinical and radiologic features. However, this pathology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mixed cystic/solid lesions in the sellar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background A pituitary tumor is a tumor with a high incidence among brain tumors. Microscopic traditional STT approach with aid of endoscope has a high therapeutic effect and few complications. Methods The authors reviewed 146 patients who underwent STT resection of sellar masses between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2013. From this group, 40 patients who underwent microscopic STT surgery with aid of endoscope were included in the study. In this series, there were many nonfunctional and Growth Hormone(GH) secreting adenoma. In the study group, tumor size ranged from 60 to 79 mm in 3 cases. Pathophysiological studies, tumor sizes, clinical outcomes, extent of resection, visual function and complication were estimated. Results In our study, gross-total resection(GTR) was achieved in 33 patients (82.5%), subtotal in 3 (7.5%), and partial in 4 (10%). Visual acuity were improved in 82.1%, while 17.9% were unchanged. Visual fields were improved in 81.2%. No deaths occurred in this cohort of patients. Conclusions Pituitary adenoma surgery under microscope with aid of endoscope is an effective treatment method, which results in high (> 90%) rates of resection. It is not associated with high rates of major complications and is safe when performed by experienced surgeons.

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare condition more often seen in large pituitary adenomas. It is preceded by an abrupt expansion of infarcted/hemorrhagic pituitary adenoma extending into the cavernous sinus or superiorly compressing the optic chiasm. An invasive pituitary tumor extends into the suprasellar cistern by stretching and fenestrating the diaphragma sellae and arachnoids layer. It is labeled as invasion of the cavernous sinus when the percentage of encasement of the internal carotid artery by the tumor is 67% or greater or for Grade 3 or 4 of Knosp classification. A 51-year-old male presented with headache, vomiting, and bleeding from the nose for 3-day duration and blurring of vision for 2-day duration. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed an enhancing sellar and suprasellar lesion with characteristic expansion into the cavernous sinus and extension into the sphenoid sinus and nasopharynx. The patient underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal excision of the mass followed by three-dimensional conformational radiotherapy and hormone replacement therapy with a favorable clinical outcome.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are rare, locally aggressive, mesenchymal neoplasms that pose both diagnostic and operative challenges. In this review of the literature, data were collected from all previously described sellar and suprasellar SFTs to date, with special attention paid to presenting symptoms, surgical technique performed, recurrence status, and adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy, among others. A review of prior sellar and suprasellar SFTs was performed. Eleven cases of SFTs in the sellar and suprasellar regions were identified. We considered age and sex, along with case-specific information, such as presenting symptoms, surgical approach taken, number of resections, recurrence information, and adjuvant therapy. All cases including ours presented with visual deficits, ranging from blurry vision to complete bilateral visual loss. Endocrine hormonal abnormalities occurred in nearly all patients (90%.) Craniotomy was performed more often than endonasal transsphenoidal resection of tumors, 42% versus 33%, respectively. SFTs are slow-growing fibroblastic mesenchymal neoplasms that comprise <2% of all intracranial tumors. They are even more infrequently found in the sellar/suprasellar region, with our case being the 12th reported case of such and the first only to use supraorbital craniotomy as a resection strategy. Multimodal therapy consisting of safe gross total resection, radiosurgery, and/or chemotherapy provides the best possible results for these rare and locally aggressive entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial paragangliomas are infrequent and those occurring in the sellar-suprasellar region are rare, with only 31 cases described in literature. We describe 2 cases of sellar-suprasellar paragangliomas in the light of a literature review. The first patient was a 13-year-old boy who presented with an intensely enhancing lesion in the sellar-suprasellar region with multiple flow voids within. Resection of the lesion was limited to a biopsy in view of its hypervascular nature. A second attempt at resection following partial embolization of the lesion was also unsuccessful. The tumor showed progressive reduction in size following radiotherapy. The second case was a 20-year-old man who presented with a similar tumor in the same location. He also had a probable metastatic deposit in the foramen of Magendie. An attempted surgical resection of the suprasellar lesion was abandoned after a biopsy. The patient improved symptomatically after radiotherapy. We report 2 cases of paraganglioma occurring in a rare location. Presence of flow voids within tumors in the sellar-suprasellar location should alert the surgeon to this entity. The hypervascular nature of these tumors may limit the extent of resection. In cases of inadequate tumor decompression, or if there is evidence of growth of residual tumor, radiotherapy can help to stabilize the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The advent of endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) has redefined the management of pediatric sellar and suprasellar lesions. To date, the outcomes of these procedures have not been systematically reviewed. This study performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of surgical outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing ESBS for sellar and suprasellar lesions.Data Sources: PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), Scopus (Elsevier), and Cochrane Library (Wiley).Review Methods: Articles reporting on pediatric patients undergoing ESBS for craniopharyngiomas, pituitary adenomas, and Rathke's cleft cysts were reviewed. The primary outcome was postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Secondary outcomes included endocrine, visual, and other complications.Results: Twenty-five articles reporting on 554 patients were included. Overall postoperative CSF leak rate was 8.6%, with tumor-specific rates of 10.6% in craniopharyngiomas, 6.5% in pituitary adenomas, and 7.2% in Rathke's cleft cysts (P > .05). Older studies demonstrate higher postoperative CSF leak rates as compared with more recent studies (12.5% vs 6.1%, P = .0082). Younger children (8.9-12.6 years old) experienced a higher rate of postoperative CSF leaks as compared with older children (13.0-16.6 years old; 12.9% vs 4.9%, P = .0016). Additional postoperative complications included diabetes insipidus (26.7%), hypopituitarism (46.6%), visual deficits (2.6%), meningitis (3.4%), and weight gain (3.4%).Conclusion: ESBS for pediatric sellar and suprasellar lesions is overall an effective management approach with an increasingly favorable risk-benefit profile. Younger children may be more susceptible to postoperative CSF leak as compared with older pediatric patients. Tumor type does not appear to be an independent risk factor for postoperative CSF leak in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Craniopharyngioma is one of the most frequent benign tumours of the central nervous system in the paediatric population. Although it is a benign tumour according to the WHO classification, it significantly deteriorates the patient's quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess if proliferation index Ki67 can be a useful marker of the risk of craniopharyngioma's recurrence. Methods: Expression of Ki67 was examined in 85 specimens of primary craniopharyngioma and in 11 specimens of the recurring tumour. In all the cases, adamantinomatous type of craniopharyngioma was diagnosed. Values of Ki67 expression were compared between patients with and without recurrence, between patients with progression and relapse and between primary and recurrent tumours. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between proliferation index Ki67 values in tumours with recurrence and without (median values 2.5% and 3%, respectively, p = 0.69). The median value of proliferation index Ki67 in progression group was 1% and in the relapse group 4%; no statistical significance between those groups was found (p = 0.067). The median value of proliferation index Ki67 in primary tumours was 3% (0–20%) and in recurrent tumours it was 5% (0–14%). Despite the lack of statistical significance (p = 0.61), a tendency towards higher values of Ki67 in recurring tumours in comparison with primary tumours was shown. Conclusions: Proliferation index Ki67 is not a reliable prognostic factor of craniopharyngioma's recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sellar neuroblastoma is a very rare entity. We report a rare case of arginine vasopressin (AVP)- producing sellar neuroblastoma presumed to have originated from the lower part of sellar turcica, which grew very rapidly. Case Description: A 33-year-old woman was found to have a sellar lesion with a diameter of 18 mm invading into the bilateral cavernous sinus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for dizziness. Six years later, when she visited the clinic due to bilateral visual disturbance, MRI showed a rapid growth of the tumor, with a maximal diameter of 56 mm at the current state, strongly compressing the optic nerve and chiasm. Transsphenoidal decompression of the optic chiasm revealed an intact pituitary gland on the top of the tumor. The tumor was composed of neoplastic cells that were immunohistochemically positive for neuronal markers and arginine vasopressin (AVP), but negative for all anterior pituitary hormones, glial fibrillary acidic protein, or thyroid transcription factor-1; these findings were suggestive of sellar neuroblastoma. She underwent 50-Gy radiation therapy, which has controlled the growth for the past 3 years. Conclusion: Awareness of rare sellar neuroblastomas will allow the accumulation of clinicopathologic information that may facilitate the understanding of their origin, clinical features, neuroimaging characteristics, and pertinent adjuvant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for the management of sellar, suprasellar, and anterior skull base lesions is gaining popularity. Our aim was to analyze and present the clinical outcomes of EES for the management of these lesions in a community hospital setting. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 56 patients with sellar, suprasellar, and anterior skull base lesions who underwent EES between 2010 and 2018. There was male predominance (53.6%) with a mean age of 54.9 ± 13.7 years. Lesions were 45 pituitary adenomas, 5 meningiomas, 3 metastatic, 1 craniopharyngioma, 1 Rathke cyst, and 1 mucocele. Gross total excision was achieved in 57.1%, subtotal excision occurred in 37.5%, and decompression and biopsy were achieved in 5.4% patients. Postoperative vision normalized or improved in 27 patients (86.1%) and was stable in 4 patients (13.9%). Recovery of a preexisting hormonal deficit occurred in 13 (23.2%) patients, and a new hormonal deficit occurred in 9 patients (16.1%). The mean hospital stay was 6.1 ± 4.9 days. Postoperative complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak in 8 patients (14.3%). Four patients (7.1%) had meningitis. Diabetes insipidus was present in 19 patients (33.9%), and postoperative intracranial hematoma requiring evacuation was necessary in 2 patients (3.6%). The mean follow-up duration was 47.5 ± 25.8 months. Lesion progression or recurrence requiring redo surgery occurred in 5 patients (8.9%). Regarding the learning curve, the postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, new hormonal deficits, and diabetes insipidus decreased in the second half of the patients. EES provides an effective and safe surgical option with low morbidity and mortality for the treatment of sellar, suprasellar, and anterior skull base lesions in a community hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial Rosai-Dorfman Destombes (RDD) disease is a rare entity. Lesions can lead to cranial nerve palsies and visual loss, especially in suprasellar location. Resection is considered to be definitive treatment; however, complete excision is difficult to achieve in view of the close proximity of critical structures. Radiotherapy (RT) is sometimes used for refractory or progressive disease for local tumor control and amelioration of symptoms. We report two patients with suprasellar RDD's with progressive symptoms treated with conformal RT after subtotal excision. These patients were treated with high precision conformal techniques to a dose of 45 Gy with significant and durable improvement in vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumors of the central nervous system comprise nearly a quarter of all childhood cancers and are the most frequent solid tumor in the pediatric population. The most common location is in the posterior fossa, but tumors can occur anywhere intracranially. The spectrum of lesions encountered varies, from being completely benign and requiring surveillance alone to being highly malignant and requiring aggressive treatment in the form of surgery and adjuvant therapy. The extent of resection plays a crucial role in the oncological outcome of many of these tumors. A variety of surgical approaches are available for the spectrum of lesions encountered. This review focuses on summarizing the location, types, and neurosurgical management strategies for pediatric brain intracranial brain tumors. Here, we discuss neurosurgical approaches for a variety of brain tumors and regions, including the management of tumors of the posterior fossa, brainstem, pineal region, intraventricular region, sellar and suprasellar regions, optic pathway and hypothalamus, and supratentorial hemispheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the central nervous system is a rare fibroblastic tumor of mesenchymal origin. SFTs in the saddle area are much less common. In January 2022, a 43-year-old female patient was admitted with SFT 3 months following partial resection of a microscopic transsphenoidal saddle area tumor at a different hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated that the unresected part of the tumor was significantly enhanced on T1 enhancement, which strongly indicated a recurrence. Subsequently, the patient underwent transnasal endoscopic saddle area tumor resection at our hospital and the tumor was successfully removed. By using postoperative pathology examination, immunohistochemical analysis of Bcl-2, cluster of differentiation 99, STAT6 and vimentin, and a fusion gene test performed by high-throughput sequencing technology, the SFT was definitively diagnosed. Following 3 months of follow-up, the patient was found to have tumor recurrence in the cavernous sinus and absence of tumor growth in the pituitary fossa. Therefore, the patient received proton therapy and tumor growth was controlled effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are a rare condition of mass effect injury and are usually found in the Sylvian fissure. However, rarely, they can appear in the sellar area, causing symptoms of compression. Due to the mass effect, the sellar arachnoid cyst (SAC) may cause headaches, visual disturbances, hypopituitarism, precocious puberty, and the “bobble-head doll” syndrome. We present the case of JNS, 61 years old, male. The patient presented with hypotestosteronism, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism and bitemporal hemianopsia. The magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a mass above the pituitary gland, compatible with a SAC. A surgical excision was performed with removal of the capsule and fenestration within the subarachnoid spaces for emptying the cyst. After the procedure, the patient presented great clinical improvement. The rarity of the case calls attention to the fact that SACs should be thought of as a differential diagnosis in cases of hypopituitarism.