Intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysms can extend into
the sella and simulate pituitary adenomas. Correct radiological
differential diagnosis is fundamental. When treating intrasellar
masses at the slightest suspicion of a nonpituitary origin, further
workup should be considered. The possibility of a vascular lesion
simulating a pituitary adenoma should always be evaluated by
neurosurgeons and ear, nose, and throat surgeons operating in the
sellar region.
We report a case of intracavernous carotid aneurysm mimicking
a pituitary adenoma and emphasize the need for a critical
neuroradiological evaluation for correct diagnosis and to avoid a
potentially life-threatening situation.
Keywords: Carotid aneurysm; Pituitary adenoma; Differential
diagnosis; Transsphenoidal endoscopic approach
