Pituitary fossa aneurysm

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Headaches.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male
ct
This study is a stack
Axial
non-contrast
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Axial bone
window
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Coronal
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Sagittal
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Axial C+
delayed
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Info

A soft tissue density mass on the left side of the sella is associated with bony remodelling and on post-contrast imaging appears to enhance similarly to the adjacent internal carotid artery. 

mri
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T1
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Sagittal
T1 C+
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Coronal
T1
This study is a stack
Coronal
T1 C+
This study is a stack
Coronal
T2
This study is a stack
Coronal
Dynamic
This study is a stack
Axial
T2
This study is a stack
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Info

There is an ovoid mass within the sella and left cavernous sinus. The mass is closely related to the left cavernous internal carotid artery but does not appear to be causing arterial stenosis. Within the mass there are prominent flow voids. No solid component. The pituitary and infundibulum are displaced towards the right. No diffusion restriction seen.

Conclusion: Left sellar/suprasellar mass almost certainly represents an ICA aneurysm arising from the left cavernous ICA.

CT angiogram

ct
This study is a stack
Axial C+
arterial phase
This study is a stack
Coronal C+
arterial phase
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Info

CTA demonstrates a large medially projecting aneurysm. 

dsa
This study is a stack
3D Internal
carotid artery
This study is a stack
Oblique Internal
carotid artery
This study is a stack
Oblique Internal
carotid artery
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Info

A very large left cavernous ICA aneurysm measuring approximately 17.5 x 15 mm with a narrow neck estimated 6 mm projecting inferomedially. Fetal PCOM anatomy. 

Case Discussion

The aneurysm went on to be coiled.

It is essential to remember to ask yourself when looking at a pituitary region mass, particularly on MRI where clot and flow-related artifacts can be confusing, "Could this be an aneurysm?", as not doing so and only finding out once a surgeon has attempted to resect the 'adenoma' can be disastrous. 

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