Work

Craniopharyngioma presenting as a secondary pituitary abscess: A case report and review of literature

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pituitary abscesses are rare, accounting for <1% of sellar lesions, with secondary abscesses in craniopharyngiomas being exceptionally uncommon. We report a 42-year-old male presenting with progressive visual loss and headaches, whose imaging suggested a pituitary macroadenoma or craniopharyngioma. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery revealed purulent material within a calcified capsule, and histopathology confirmed craniopharyngioma. Post-operative recovery included visual improvement with persistent hypothyroidism. This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of pituitary abscesses within craniopharyngiomas and highlights the importance of surgical drainage, histopathological confirmation, and prolonged antibiotic therapy for optimal outcomes.

Source: Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice

DOI: 10.25259/jnrp_379_2025

Authors: Velpula Sreekanth, Bhartendu Bhartendu, Anilkumar Chaturbhai Pargi, Ashok Singh, Rajnish Kumar Arora

Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh

Language: English

Topic: Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $125