RARE CASE WITH METASTATIC INVOLVEMENT OF HYPOTHALAMOPITUITARY AND PINEAL-BODY PRESENTING AS HYPOPITUITARISM AND DIABETES-INSIPIDUS

An unusual case with metastatic spread of a small oat cell lung carcin oma to the hgpothalamopituitary region and pineal body presenting as p ituitary insufficiency is reported. Computed tomographic scan revealed an isodense mass in the hypothalamo-pituitary region and pineal body that was strongly enhanced by contrast medium. Magnetic resonance imag ing demonstrated a downward displacement of the posterior robe of the pituitary by the hypothalamo-pituitary mass. Dynamic assessment of hyp othalamo-pituitary function showed hypopituitarism and diabetes insipi dus; partial recovery was observed with the improvement in the carcino ma by chemotherapy. The brain was subsequently irradiated. The patient survived 10 months.