Ectopic prolactinoma within the sphenoidal sinus associated with empty sella

Background: Pituitary adenomas are a common cause of endocrinal dysfunction, which comprise 10-20% of all intracranial tumors. Although almost all of them arise within the sella turcica, there are some rare cases in which a pituitary adenoma is located outside the intrasellar region, so it is defined as an ectopic pituitary adenoma (EPA).

Case description: We described a case of a 31-year-old male with a serum prolactin (PRL) value of 240 ng/ml Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying mass within the sphenoid sinus (SS) which partially enhanced by gadolinium. MRI did not reveal any sellar floor defect and an empty sella was detected. As dopamine agonist treatment had failed in lowering the serum PRL level, he underwent surgical treatment. A transsphenoidal approach without opening the sellar floor was performed using an operating microscope and the lesion within the SS was completely removed.

Conclusion: Although intrasphenoidal EPAs are rare findings, the presence of an endocrine disorder related to pituitary hormones, and a space-occupying mass within the SS associated with either a normal sellar pituitary gland or an empty sella must lead us to suspect this diagnosis.