[Nasopharyngeal extension of a large chromophobe adenoma of the pituitary (author's transl)].

It is not common to have experienced the nasopharyngeal extension of pituitary adenomas. Recently we have experienced such a case. A man, aged 18, height 168 cm, weight 66 kg, who admitted to the hospital with the complaints of headache, left nasal obstruction, loss of visual acuity and defect of his temporal fields. On examination of both fundi there was primary optic atrophy. At this time large tumor could be seen in the nasopharyngeal cavity. Plain X-ray showed that the pituitary fossa was definitely enlarged and that there was considerable destruction of the sella and the clivus. Definite soft tissue mass could be visualised clearly by tomography. Via transoral and transsphenoidal approach, total removal of the nasopharyngeal tumor and intracapsulary subtotal resection of the tumor were performed. Microscopical examination established the diagnosis of chromophobe adenoma. On postoperative examination of hypothalamopituitary function he had no responces to insulin hypoglycemia and arginine infusion in growth hormone. 60Co irradiation, totally 6,000 rad, was given. Two years postoperatively he showed fairly good deal of improvement of his visual field defect. There was no serious complaints other than visual impairment on the left eye.