Intrasellar Abscess after Transsphenoidal Pituitary Adenomectomy

Abstract

Intrasellar abscess is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Few neurosurgeons who operate by the transsphenoidal route are concerned with intrasellar abscess despite its high mortality rate. We describe a case of intrasellar abscess which, to our knowledge, is only the second diagnosed or suspected preoperatively. Most cases have been diagnosed unexpectedly at operation or autopsy. This case also is the first reported intrasellar abscess arising within an intrasellar graft used to seal the sella turcica after transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy. The clinical suspicion of infection proved more reliable than roentgenograms and laboratory studies in leading to the proper diagnosis and successful therapy.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1983
Source ID
10.1227/00006123-198306000-00017

Entities

People

  • Bernard Robinson

Organizations

  • Tripler Army Medical Center

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Trauma or Military Medicine