J Korean Soc Radiol.  2011 Nov;65(5):455-459.

Granular Cell Tumor of the Neurohypophysis: A Case Report with Magnetic Resonance and CT Imaging Findings

• Choo KY
• Lee SJ
• Lee YS
• Jeun SS
• Jung SL
• Kim BS
• Ahn KJ

Abstract

A granular cell tumor (GCT) usually occurs as a small, solitary, nodular tumor and is more prevalent in adult females. The authors report the magnetic resonance (MR) and CT imaging findings in a 61-year-old woman with GCT of the neurohypophysis presenting with a history of reduced visual acuity in her right eye. MR images showed a suprasellar mass with an isointense signal on a T1-weighted image and an hypointense signal on a T2-weighted image. The histopathological examination revealed a granular cell tumor. In this article, the MR and CT imaging findings of GCT of the neurohypophysis with the literature reviews are discussed.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Eye
Female
Granular Cell Tumor
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Magnetics
Magnets
Middle Aged
Pituitary Gland, Posterior
Visual Acuity

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A 61-year-old woman with a history of reduced visual acuity in her right eye for a period of 3 months. A. Sagittal T1-weighted image showing a large, well defined, smooth marginated mass (arrow) in the pituitary gland showing an isointense signal with the loss of normal posterior lobe hyperintensity. B. Axial T2-weighted image indicatinging that this mass (arrow) shows a hypointense signal. C. Contrast-enhanced axial T1-weighted image showing mild contrast enhancement is noted in the mass (arrow).

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  Fig. 2 CT on admission. A. On the non-enhanced CT image, this mass (arrow) is homogenous and shows a slightly higher density (about 53 HU). B. On the contrast-enhanced CT image, this mass (arrow) shows homogenous contrast enhancement.

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  Fig. 3 Histological examination. A. Polygonal tumor cells are shown with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm (H&E × 40). B. The cytoplasmic granules show positive staining in periodic acid-Schiff staining (× 100). C. Immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein shows positive results (× 400). D. Ki-67 labeling index is less than 1% (× 400).

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