微侵袭手术切除垂体腺瘤的鞍底修复

目的评价应用微侵袭手术（显微或神经内镜辅助）经单鼻孔-蝶窦入路切除垂体腺瘤（PAs）的鞍底修复技术与效果。方法对入院的458例PAs患者经单鼻孔-蝶窦入路微侵袭手术切除肿瘤,以不同的手术技术修复鞍底。其中299例（65．3％）为PAs切除后鞍隔膜完好,无脑脊液（CSF）漏,仅有鞍底骨质缺损而行“单纯鞍底修复术”;159例（34．7％）因术中鞍隔膜破裂而有CSF漏液,行“严密鞍底修复术”。结果432例（94．3％）鞍底修复术后疗效良好,未出现CSF漏和其它并发症;26例（5．7％）经蝶术后发生CSF漏,其中18例行早期修补术,8例以腰椎穿刺CSF持续引流而治愈。结论对施行经蝶入路微侵袭手术切除PAs后的鞍底修复很有必要,这是防止CSF漏和垂体脱位的重要方法。     

经蝶窦垂体腺瘤手术中发生脑脊液漏的原因和防治

目的 探讨经蝶窦入路垂体腺瘤手术中发生脑脊液漏的常见原因及其防治方法.方法 回顾性分析260例显微镜下、274例神经内镜下经蝶窦垂体腺瘤切除术中,46例术中发生脑脊液漏,其中显微镜手术24例,神经内镜手术22例.术中多用人工干燥硬脑膜或自体脂肪及纤维蛋白胶修补,蝶窦内填明胶海绵,对于肿瘤体积巨大,鞍底骨质广泛破坏甚至消失者,用骨片填放于蝶窦内固定填塞的软组织.根据术中修补情况36例术后即刻行腰大池置管持续引流.结果 术中修补46例脑脊液漏,术后13例发生脑脊液漏,经腰大池引流3-6 d愈合;6例发生细菌性脑膜炎,经腰大池引流治愈.结论 术前应充分估计容易发生脑脊液漏的患者,手术操作格外小心,并准备好修补措施;应用自体脂肪及纤维蛋白胶修补经蝶窦垂体腺瘤术中脑脊液漏是有效的方法;如果术后发生脑脊液漏或细菌性脑膜炎,则需要腰大池置管持续引流.

Abstract：

Objective To analyze the causes and prevention and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leak during transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery.Methods Retrospective study of 260 cases of microscopic transsphenoidal surgery and 274 cases of endoscopic surgery for resection of the pituitary adenomas was performed.CSF leak occurred in 24 cases with microscopic surgery and in 22 cases with endoscopic surgery during operation.The sellar floors were sealed by artificial dried dura or free autogenic fat and fibrin glue for the CSF leakage during surgery.For giant tumors which extensively destroyed sella floor,we put bony plates in sphenoid sinus to support the crammed tissue.Lumber drainage was performed immediately after operation in 36 cases.Methods In the 46 patients with CSF leakage during surgery,13 cases occurred CSF leakage postoperatively,cured in 3-6 days after lumber drainage.6 patients occurred bacterial meningitis,cured after long term lumber drainage.Conclusion Probability of CSF leak before transsphenoidal surgery should be estimated,and preparation for the fixing up the leak is necessary.Using free autogenic fat and ebonite to repaired the sellar floors in case of CSF leakage during surgery is a effective measurement.Patients with CSF leakage or bacterial meningitis after surgery require lumber drainage.     

Fístulas posquirúrgicas de líquido cefalorraquídeo tras cirugía transesfenoidal de adenomas hipofisarios: análisis de una serie de 302 intervenciones

IntroductionTranssphenoidal surgical removal is the preferred treatment of most pituitary adenomas. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is the leading cause of morbidity after this procedure, with an incidence rate that varies from 0,5-15% in the main published series.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to establish the incidence of postoperative CSF leakage in a sample of surgeries performed at the University Hospital of La Ribera by the same surgical team. The secondary objectives were to: ascertain the distinctive features between patients with and without postoperative CSF leakage, identify risk factors for their development, evaluate the relationship between the surgical technique for closing the sella turcica and the onset of postoperative CSF leakage and evaluate different treatment regimens for this complication.MethodsThe data of 302 consecutive transsphenoidal surgical procedures for pituitary adenoma removal which were performed between 1999 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Results and conclusionsThe incidence of postoperative CSF leakage in our series was 2,3% (in accordance with similar published studies). It was possible to correlate intraoperative CSF leakage with two variables: pituitary macroadenoma and tumors with suprasellar extension (P < .005). This correlation did not exist for postoperative CSF leakage. We found a statistically significant correlation between intraoperative and postoperative CSF leakage (P < .005). Due to the low incidence of postoperative CSF leakage in our series, it was not possible to identify risk factors for its development.     

Factors predicting the development of new onset post-operative Hydrocephalus following trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the factors which can predict the development of new onset post-operative Hydrocephalus following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

Methods

A total of 224 patients with the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma and without preoperative Hydrocephalus were identified from 1995 to 2012. Age, gender, tumor volumes, prior craniotomy and irradiation, outcome, hospital stay, CSF leak, infection and functional status of the tumor were included in the model for analysis.

Results

A total of 13 patients (5.8%) developed new onset post-operative Hydrocephalus. Intraoperative and post-operative CSF leaks were noted in 19 (8.5%) and 17 (7.6%) patients respectively. CSF infection was seen in only 7 (3.1%) patients. Age of the patient (p = 0.010), length of hospital stay (p = 0.012), intraoperative CSF leak (p = 0.000), post-operative CSF leak (p = 0.000) and CSF infection (p = 0.000) had shown significant correlation with the de novo onset of postoperative HC. The independent predictors of post-operative HC were post-operative CSF leak [p = 0.002, OR 27.898, 95% CI 3.350–232.311] and intra-operative CSF leak [p = 0.050, OR 7.687, 95% CI 1.003–58.924].

Conclusion

Age of the patient, intra-operative and post-operative CSF leak, CSF infection and duration of hospital stay were correlated with the development of HC. Post-operative and intra-operative CSF leaks were the independent predictors of new onset HC.     

神经内镜经鼻蝶窦垂体瘤手术鞍底重建策略

目的探讨神经内镜下经鼻蝶窦入路垂体瘤手术的鞍底重建策略。方法回顾分析神经内镜经鼻蝶窦垂体瘤手术病例165例,总结鞍底重建修补的手术技术及手术策略。术中依据鞍膈损伤程度,采用分类修补方案:(1)术中鞍膈保护完整,颅底缺损较小,无需鞍底重建,仅用明胶海绵填塞,若颅底缺损较大,伴有鞍膈塌陷,可用自体脂肪填塞,人工硬脑膜修复;(2)术中鞍膈局部小破口,需鞍底重建修补,取预留脂肪填塞,人工硬脑膜修复,带蒂粘膜瓣鞍底贴覆;(3)术中鞍膈大破口,可行Gasket seal技术封闭鞍底,人工硬脑膜修复,带蒂粘膜瓣鞍底贴覆,生物蛋白胶固定,膨胀海绵填塞鼻腔。结果 114例(69.1%)鞍膈保护完整,采用1类修补方法,49例(29.7%)术中鞍膈小破口,采用2类修补方法,2例(1.2%)术中鞍膈大破口,采用3类修补方法。术后短暂性脑脊液鼻漏5例,经保守治疗治愈4例,1例患者再次内镜下经鼻入路行颅底重建得以修复,术后随访6个月~5年,有1例患者脑脊液漏复发,经保守治疗治愈。结论术前评估鞍膈厚度,术中评估脑脊液漏程度,对于手术方案的选择具有较大的指导意义,采用鞍底重建分类修补手术,有助于提高手术疗效,降低术后脑脊液漏并发症。     

经鼻蝶入路垂体手术中及手术后脑脊液漏的防治

目的研究经鼻蝶入路垂体手术中及手术后脑脊液漏的发生率、影响因素,并探讨术中及术后脑脊液漏的防治方法。方法回顾性分析武汉大学人民医院神经外科2006年5月至2011年12月行经鼻蝶入路垂体手术276例患者（其中垂体腺瘤270例,垂体脓肿3例,粘液囊肿2例,垂体转移瘤1例）的临床资料,并对术中、术后脑脊液漏的防治进行探讨。结果108例（39．1％）术中发生脑脊液漏,14例（5．1％）术后出现脑脊液漏（1例合并脑膜炎）。14例术后脑脊液漏患者中,8例平卧5～7d后脑脊液漏消失;6例经蝶窦再探查,重新封闭后3例治愈,1例行腰椎穿刺置管脑脊液引流5d后治愈,2例引流1周症状无改善,经内镜修补漏口后脑脊液漏停止。未发现患者年龄、性别、肿瘤生长方式、肿瘤类型、手术放疗史与术后脑脊液漏之间有相关性。结论术者经验是减少术中脑脊液漏的重要因素,积极重建封闭鞍底是预防术后脑脊液漏的关键,及时重新蝶窦探查,封闭鞍底,选择性腰椎置管引流,必要时经内镜等措施修补漏口,可有效治疗术后脑脊液漏。     

Extended endoscopic endonasal approach for suprasellar Rathke’s cleft cysts

Purely suprasellar Rathke’s cleft cysts (RCC) treated with a microscopic endonasal approach have increased operative morbidity and poorer outcomes compared to purely sellar RCC. We sought to determine if the extended endoscopic endonasal approach improved outcomes for suprasellar RCC. We retrospectively reviewed RCC patients at our institution over a 10 year period comparing outcomes of purely sellar RCC treated microsurgically (n = 68), purely suprasellar RCC treated microsurgically (n = 22), and purely suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically (n = 9). Suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically were similar in size to those treated microscopically (0.9 versus 1.1 cm; p = 0.4). Complete cyst drainage occurred in 78% of suprasellar RCC approached endoscopically versus 25% approached microsurgically (p = 0.02), approaching the 84% complete drainage rate seen with sellar microsurgically approached RCC. Visual normalization occurred in 67% of suprasellar RCC patients treated endoscopically versus 29% treated microsurgically (p = 0.5). Headache improved in 71% of suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically, more than the 33% of suprasellar RCC treated microsurgically and the 53% of sellar RCC treated microsurgically (p = 0.4). Diabetes insipidus (all temporary) occurred in 22% of patients with suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically, slightly greater than the 14% in suprasellar microsurgical patients and 9% in sellar RCC treated microsurgically (p > 0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak did not occur in any of the suprasellar RCC treated endoscopically, while 14% treated microsurgically experienced a CSF leak (p > 0.05). Suprasellar RCC are neurosurgically challenging due to their proximity to the optic chiasm and infundibulum. Compared to microsurgery, endoscopy improves rate of complete removal and visual outcomes.     

经鼻内窥镜颅底手术患儿发生脑脊液漏的危险因素（英文）

OBJECTIVES To determine the risk factors associated with cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leak following endoscopic endonasal surgery(EES)for pediatric skull base lesions.METHODS Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients(ages 1 month to18 years)treated for skull base lesions with EES from 1999 to 2014.Five pathologies were reviewed:craniopharyngioma,clival chordoma,pituitary adenoma,pituitary carcinoma,and Rathke's cleft cyst.Fisher's exact tests were used to evaluate the different factors to determine which had a statistically higher risk of leading to a post-operative CSF leak.RESULTS 55 pediatric patients were identified who underwent 70 EES's for tumor resection.Of the 70 surgeries,47 surgeries had intraoperative CSF leaks that were repaired at the time of surgery.11 of 47(23%)surgeries had post-operative CSF leaks that required secondary operative repair.Clival chordomas had the highest CSF leak rate at 36%.There was no statistical difference in leak rate based on the type of reconstruction,although 28%of cases that used a vascularized flap had a post-operative leak,whereas only 9%of those cases not using a vascularized flap had a leak.Postoperative hydrocephalus and perioperative use of a lumbar drain were not significant risk factors.ONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with an intra-operative CSF leak during EES of the skull base have a high rate of post-operative CSF leaks.Clival chordomas appear to be a particularly highrisk group.The use of vascularized flaps and perioperative lumbar drains did not statistically decrease the rate of post-operative CSF leak.     

Transsphenoidal removal of huge pituitary adenomas with marked suprasellar extension: Results with modified surgical technique

Objective

A modified transsphenoidal technique to remove huge pituitary adenomas with marked suprasellar extension (4.5–8 cm of maximum diameter) is presented.

Methods

The technique allowed to avoid the occurrence of a precocious descent of the suprasellar cisternal plane into the sellar plane during tumour removal and its related consequences (incomplete tumour removal, occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid leak, prolonged time of postoperative stay in hospital). Technique is performed opening at the beginning only the lateral parts of peritumoral dura mater, leaving the central part of the dura mater in support of the central part of tumour and suprasellar cisternal plane. After removal of lateral parts of the tumour, the central part of peritumoral dura mater is opened and the central intra- and supra-sellar parts of the tumour are removed.

Results

Total removal was accomplished in 64% and 45% in groups two and one respectively. Intraoperative CSF leak occurred in 2.4% and 22.5% respectively in groups two and one. Postoperative CSF fistula did not occur in group two, while it occurred in 7.4% of patients of group one. Average time of postoperative stay in hospital was 4.3 and 8.2 days in groups two and one respectively.

Conclusion

The presented modified transsphenoidal microsurgical technique for removal of huge pituitary adenomas allowed to achieve better results than patients operated by standard transsphenoidal surgery.     

Aggressive resection of craniopharyngioma achieved by drilling the tuberculum sellae/planum sphenoidale using a frontal basal interhemispheric approach: A review of 55 cases

ObjectiveThe frontal basal interhemispheric approach (FBIA) is preferable for resection of craniopharyngioma (CP), achieving desirable total resection rates in early reports of lesions located in the suprasellar region to the third ventricle. For tumours that have created a larger obstruction of the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale, aggressive resection in the intrasellar region and medial wall of the cavernous sinus is not feasible compared to improving tumour visualization by drilling the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale. In a report of drilling the sellar tuberculum and sphenoid planum, drilling allowed the direct visualization of tumours invading the intrasellar region and medial wall of the cavernous sinus. Reconstructing the opening of the sellar-sphenoid cavity is achieved by microsuturing a piece of the pericranium/dura around the dural edge of the defective dura of the open sphenoid sinus and sellar cavity to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.Patients and methodsThe FBIA with drilling of the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale was performed to remove the tumours that invaded the intrasellar region and cavernous sinus in 55 patients from January 2014 to October 2019 at our institution. The pre- and postoperative pituitary hormone levels and vision were evaluated as effective standards after surgery and compared using paired t-tests. The different rates of CSF leakage between the packing and microsuture groups were compared by χ² test, p < 0.05.ResultsIn all patients with a mean 37-month follow-up (range, 3–2 months), 43 (78.2%) patients returned to their normal life or school independently, 7 (12.7%) patients were able to perform normal activities with minor complaints or effort, and 4 (7.3%) patients could care for themselves or only required occasional assistance. One (1.8%) death occurred, attributed to CSF leak-related meningitis at 5 months after surgery. Postoperative CSF leakage occurred in eight (19.0%) of 42 patients with packed bone wax or pieces of muscle to the sphenoid sinus. Of 13 patients with a piece of the periosteum/dura microsutured around the defective dura of the sellar region and open sphenoid sinus, one (7.7%) of 13 patients experienced CSF leakage in the perioperative period. With statistical analysis, there was a potential risk for postoperative CSF leakage in the bone wax and muscle piece in the open sphenoid sinus, whereas microsuture manoeuvres were effective for avoiding the risk of postoperative CSF leakage (χ² = 8.865, p < 0.005). The microsutures closed the open sphenoid sinus such that it was water-tight. Postoperative visual acuity and the visual field were not affected by the increased intrasellar exposure or the open sphenoid sinus achieved by drilling the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale.ConclusionTuberculum sellae/planum sphenoidale drilling via FBIA is feasible to enhance the direct visualization of CP resection, which expands the intrasellar region with a direct resection of recurrent tumours in the sellar cavity and adhering to the medial wall of the cavernous sinus. The potential risk of a CSF leakage seemed to be mitigated when using water-tight microsutures on a piece of the pericranium/dura around the edge of the defective dura in the sellar region and the open sphenoid sinus cavity.     

游离中鼻甲粘膜瓣在经鼻蝶入路神经内镜手术切除垂体腺瘤后鞍底重建中的应用…

目的 探讨游离中鼻甲粘膜瓣在经鼻蝶入路神经内镜手术治疗垂体腺瘤鞍底重建中的方法及应用价值。方法 回顾性分析2017年6月至 2018年6月经鼻蝶入路神经内镜手术治疗的45例直径1~2.5 cm的垂体腺瘤的临床资料。经单鼻孔手术25例（单鼻孔组）,双鼻孔手术20例（双鼻孔组）。术中均采用游离中鼻甲粘膜瓣重建鞍底。结果 肿瘤均全切除。术后随访 6个月,两组均未出现脑脊液漏和颅内感染,均无鼻腔干燥、异味等鼻部并发症;单鼻孔组术后嗅觉障碍发生率（16.0%,4/25）明显低于双鼻孔组（90.00%,18/20;P<0.05）。结论 对于直径1~2.5 cm的垂体腺瘤,经鼻蝶入路神经内镜手术中鞍底缺损直径约2 cm,采用游离中鼻甲粘膜瓣进行鞍底重建,可有效预防脑脊液漏、颅内感染,单鼻孔组术后嗅觉障碍发生率较双鼻孔组低。     

经蝶窦入路垂体腺瘤切除术中脑脊液漏的影响因素和修补方法

目的 分析经蝶窦入路垂体腺瘤切除术中脑脊液漏的影响因素和修补措施.方法 回顾性总结2005年1月至2006年12月650例垂体腺瘤经蝶窦手术过程中出现脑脊液漏的70例病人,分析经蝶窦人路垂体腺瘤切除术中脑脊液漏的影响因素,与肿瘤大小、位置和类型的关系.结果 经蝶窦入路垂体腺瘤切除术出现的脑脊液漏经术中修补后,术后未出现脑脊液鼻漏.结论 垂体腺瘤经蝶窦入路垂体腺瘤切除术中脑脊液漏的发生率为10.8%,垂体ACTH微腺瘤术中脑脊液漏的发生率较高与切除瘤周垂体组织有关.采用自身组织填塞,术后卧床能有效地防止术后脑脊液鼻漏.对于经蝶窦入路垂体腺瘤切除术中严重脑脊液漏者应采用腰蛛网膜下腔置管引流脑脊液.     

单鼻孔直达蝶窦入路垂体瘤切除术鞍底的精确定位

目的 探讨经单鼻孔直达蝶窦入路垂体瘤切除术鞍底定位.方法 77例垂体瘤术前行蝶窦矢状位、冠状位CT扫描,并测量前颅底鞍底夹角(简称颅鞍角)、鞍底斜坡夹角(简称鞍斜角)的大小,前鼻棘到颅鞍角、鞍斜角的距离,在头颅MRI上测量颈内动脉海绵安段之间的最短距离;术中在正中矢状位先找到颅鞍角,向后下绕过鞍底找到鞍斜角,通过两个夹角,正确定位鞍底.结果 ≥90°颅鞍角61例,<90°颅鞍角16例,≥190°鞍斜角48例,<90°鞍斜角29例,前鼻棘到颅鞍角的平均距离(64.90±7.41)mm,前鼻棘到鞍斜角的平均距离(71.74±7.70)mm;所有患者都正确找到鞍底,切除肿瘤,手术顺利.结论 蝶窦欠状位、冠状位CT扫描可以正确了解蝶窦、鞍底的形态和位置;头颅正中矢状位上的前颅底鞍底夹角和鞍底斜坡夹角可直接应用于经鼻蝶安入路垂体瘤切除术鞍底的精确定位.     

内镜下经鼻蝶入路垂体腺瘤切除与鞍底重建

目的探讨内镜下经单鼻孔蝶窦入路切除垂体腺瘤及鞍底重建的方法。方法52例垂体腺瘤患者,在内镜控制下,经单鼻孔进入,直接自蝶窦开口打开蝶窦前壁,经鞍底切除垂体腺瘤,术中有脑脊液漏者,使用多层修补法修补鞍底。结果术中颈内动脉损伤1例。39例垂体瘤全部切除,13例垂体瘤次切除。术后随访3个月。术前39例有视力下降和视野缺损者,术后一个月内均改善。术后发生脑脊液漏1例,发生率为1.9%。12例术后发生暂时性尿崩症。6例术前激素水平增高的患者术后下降到正常水平。无颅内感染及死亡病例。结论内镜下经鼻蝶入路是一种能有效切除垂体瘤的微侵袭手术方法;鞍底多层修补能安全有效预防脑脊液漏的发生。     

Utility of heavily T2-weighted MR myelography as the first step in CSF leak detection and the planning of epidural blood patches

Heavily T2-weighted MR myelography (HT2W-MRM) is emerging as an alternative approach for detection and follow up of CSF leaks. We aimed to assess epidural blood patch (EBP) treatment outcome when using HT2W-MRM as the primary modality for detecting CSF leak and planning EBP placement in routine clinical practice. Since 2018, patients at our institute suspected of having CSF leak, routinely HT2W-MRM instead of CT myelography to determine presence of the leak and identify the EBP target site. Fifty-nine consecutive patients suspected of having a CSF leak underwent HT2W-MRM. After excluding patients with subdural hematoma and poor image quality, 26 (10 men, 16 women; mean age 44.92 ± 12.6 years) patients were included in this study. Patients received EBP on the basis of HT2W-MRM assessments and clinical assessment. Imaging findings and clinical outcome were evaluated. CSF leak was identified in 21 patients (80.8%, 21/26) based HT2W-MRM. Most cases were graded on a confidence scale as CSF leak definitely (n = 13) or probably (n = 3) present. Successful clinical EBP treatment was achieved in 14 of 17 patients (82.4%) after first targeted EBP, and patient symptoms significantly improved after treatment (numerical rating score 6.4 before EBP, 1.3 after EBP, P < 0.001). HT2W-MRM based EBP are the rational and effective choices for CSF leak treatment in routine clinical practice.     

Cerebrospinal fluid leaks after transsphenoidal surgery – Effect of a polyethylene glycol hydrogel dural sealant

To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates after mainly endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery with and without polyethylene glycol hydrogel dural sealant (DuraSeal®), we prospectively collected data from a single-centre consecutive case series over four years from January 2007 to December 2010 inclusive.250 patients were identified (135 male, 115 female; median age 52 years, range 14–83). 180 patients received DuraSeal® (72%). 85 (34%) had intra-operative dural breach and 13 (5.2%) developed post-operative CSF leaks (3 without intra-operative dural breach) requiring lumbar drainage or formal repair. Of this group 5/251 (2.0%) patients required a formal repair. Post-operative CSF leak was seen in 5/189 (2.7%) of patients with pituitary adenoma, of which 2/5 (40%) were in cases undergoing revision surgery. 5/13 (38.4%) patients who developed a CSF leak presented with either Rathke’s cleft cyst or craniopharyngioma. 3/71 patients not receiving DuraSeal® leaked (4.2%) and 10/180 patients receiving DuraSeal® leaked (5.6%). 11/234 patients without Tisseel (4.7%) and 2/16 receiving Tisseel (12.5%) leaked. 54 patients (22%) received intra-operative lumbar drains, one of whom developed subsequent CSF leak (1.9%), in contrast to 12/197 (6.1%) of patients without intra-operative lumbar drains who later developed CSF leak.The rate of post-operative CSF leak requiring re-exploration and nasoseptal flap repair was low (2.0%) in this mainly endoscopic case series without statistically significant benefit from either DuraSeal® or Tisseel. Intra-operative and post-operative lumbar drainage appears beneficial in patients at higher risk of post-operative CSF leak.     

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel dural sealant and collagen dural graft matrix in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is the most common complication after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. The authors compare their previous experience using an autologous fat graft and lumbar drain placement in 107 patients with their current technique of using a dural sealant and collagen matrix in 97 patients to prevent postoperative CSF leak after pituitary tumor resection. The failure rate for CSF leak repairs between the two groups was similar. The use of a dural sealant and collagen matrix, however, has the advantages of decreased length of hospital stay, decreased length of Intensive Care Unit stay, avoidance of the morbidity of an extra abdominal incision, and avoidance of the risks of lumbar CSF drainage.     

Lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis associated with immunoglobulin G4

We present the unusual case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with a 2 year history of amenorrhoea and an expanding sellar lesion. Initial MRI revealed a lesion in the pituitary fossa, thought to be a pituitary adenoma. One year later, the lesion had enlarged by 5 mm, with associated enhancement of the dura of the planum sphenoidale and pituitary stalk. Histopathology revealed a lymphocytic and plasma cell inflammatory infiltrate suggestive of lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis associated with immunoglobulin G4.     

Multiple recurrences require long-term follow-up in patients diagnosed with spindle cell oncocytoma of the sella turcica

Spindle cell oncocytoma (SCO) of the sella turcica is characterized as a WHO grade I non-endocrine neoplasm of the sella turcica. Histologically, these tumors contain spindled and variably oncocytic cellular processes. Although SCOs lack immunoreactivity for neuroendocrine markers and pituitary hormones, they are clinically indistinguishable from non-functioning pituitary adenomas. In contrast to the initially described benign clinical course, several reports have subsequently illustrated cases with multiple recurrences with or without histological features of anaplasia in the form of nuclear pleomorphism, frequent mitoses, high Ki-67 index, and/or necrosis. With a follow-up of 14 years, we report a case of SCO with multiple recurrences along with an exhaustive clinico-pathological review of all 41 cases of SCO reported in the literature, of which recurrence has been described in 11 cases. Collectively, this report highlights the importance of long-term follow-up and the possible need for adjuvant radiotherapy in patients diagnosed with a sellar SCO and provides a comprehensive review of this rare nonadenomatous sellar tumor.     

Manifestation, management and outcome of subclinical pituitary adenoma apoplexy

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of subclinical pituitary adenoma apoplexy (SPAA) in 185 consecutive patients between January 1990 and May 2007. Of the 185 patients, 133 (71.89%) underwent transsphenoidal tumor decompression and the remaining 52 patients (28.11%) underwent transcranial surgery. Preoperative and postoperative endocrinological hormone concentrations were measured in all patients. Pituitary imaging was obtained by CT scans or MRI. Follow-up outcomes were obtained from the records of outpatient visits and by telephone interviews. Visual disturbance, headache and pituitary function impairment improved significantly in all patients. Prolactinoma was the most frequent type of pituitary adenoma in our series (51.89%). SPAA usually occurred in patients with large or giant adenomas (85.95%). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 year to 17 years with a mean of 7.4 ± 1.6 years. The tumor recurred in 23 patients, 18 of whom were treated with postoperative radiotherapy for either residual tumors (n = 8) or recurrence (n = 10). Long-term thyroid hormone replacement was necessary in eight patients and steroid hormone replacement in six patients. The incidence of SPAA is relatively high compared with that of acute pituitary apoplexy. The exact pathogenic mechanism of SPAA remains unknown. MRI is significantly better than CT scans for detection of SPAA. Transsphenoidal decompression is safe and effective. Surgical decompression should be performed as early as possible.