Pituitary pseudo-adenoma from cerebrospinal fluid leak in patient with Marfan syndrome

Abstract

Intracranial hypotension may result in pituitary gland enlargement due to compensatory hyperaemia and venous engorgement. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is frequently associated with connective tissue disorders predisposing patients to dural weakening including dural ectasia and meningeal diverticula. Symptoms of SIH typically include postural headache, dizziness and tinnitus. We present a case of a female in her 20s with Marfan syndrome and a history of pituitary adenoma, who reported intractable postural headaches. Hormonal workup revealed no abnormalities, whereas brain MRI showed sequelae of intracranial hypotension. Further MRI studies revealed thoracic and lumbar meningeal diverticula with significant dural sac ectasia at the L4–S2 level. Myelogram confirmed numerous lumbar spine diverticula with cerebrospinal fluid leak at the L5 and S1 right nerve roots. The patient underwent blood patch administrations at the level of the leak with improvement of symptoms.