Transnasal Transsphenoidal Elevation of Optic Chiasm in Secondary Empty Sella Syndrome Following Prolactinoma Treatment.

BACKGROUND

Prolactinomas are typically treated nonsurgically with a dopamine agonist. Once the tumor shrinks, adjacent eloquent structures, such as the optic apparatus, can become skeletonized and herniate into the dilated parasellar space.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 48-year-old man with a prolactin-secreting macroadenoma treated with cabergoline presented with progressive bitemporal hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no recurrence of disease and a stretched optic chiasm herniating into an empty sella. Elevation of the optic chiasm via a transnasal transsphenoidal approach with ALLODERM graft and septal cartilage strut was performed. The patient was discharged home the next day with significant improvement in vision; magnetic resonance imaging showed interval elevation of the optic chiasm.

CONCLUSIONS

We review secondary empty sella syndrome and discuss surgical strategies for optic chiasmapexy.