Pituitary Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: The First Case in Thailand

Abstract

Pituitary metastasis (PM) is uncommon. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) causing PM is very rare, with only 16 case reports around the world. The authors present a case of PM from PTC who also harbored lung and bone metastases. At the same time as PTC diagnosis, a sellar mass with suprasellar extension, compressing the optic pathway, and a precentral sulcus leptomeningeal lesion were identified. Although the patient had no complaint of related symptoms other than panhypopituitarism, eye examination demonstrated a typical visual field defect. Surgical decompression by endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery encountered a highly vascularized tumor. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of the PM from PTC. The patient received subsequent radiation and radioactive iodotherapy. At six months after surgery, she was able to live independently. A short summary of previous case reports of PTC to pituitary gland is provided.