Granular Cell Tumor of the Pituitary Presenting with Major Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

Abstract

Granular cell tumors of the pituitary gland are rare, slow-growing lesions arising from the neurohypophysis or pituitary stalk. We describe an extremely rare presentation of a pituitary granular cell tumor mimicking an anterior communicating artery aneurysmal rupture with ventricular hemorrhage. The patient was admitted in a comatose state and underwent urgent bilateral external ventricular drainage. Further diagnostic investigation revealed a sellar tumoral mass with suprasellar extension. No vascular anomalies, hormonal abnormalities, or visual disturbances were observed. Macroscopic complete resection without neurologic impairment was obtained via a right pterional approach. Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus necessitated ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and hormonal substitution for panhypopituitarism was provided. The 5-year follow-up examination showed no tumor recurrence. The clinical course of these benign World Health Organization grade I lesions will normally correspond to nonsecreting pituitary adenomas with an insidious development of visual disturbances, hypopituitarism, or hydrocephalus. Sudden onset with potential catastrophic intratumoral and intraventricular hemorrhage is very uncommon.