METASTATIC BREAST-CANCER PRESENTING AS DI ABETES-INSIPIDUS

We are reporting on a case of diabetes insipidus (DI) and anterior pit uitary failure revealing a breast cancer metastasis. Ten years after b eing diagnosed with a unilateral breast cancer; the patient presented with asthenia, thirst, polyuria and nocturia improved by subcutaneous DDAVP. MRI revealed a thickened pituitary stalk. DI is uncommon, late and usually asymptomatic in breast cancer. The association with anante rior pituitary failure is even more rare. In our patient the metastasi s is in the pituitary stalk and seems to be due to meningeal deposits. MRI appears to be the best procedure to perform, showing a thickening stalk. Extension to the pituitary gland is related to direct tumor in vasion from adjacent structures rather than haematogenous spread.