Diaphragma sellae meningioma associated only with signs of hypopituitarism--case report.

A rare diaphragma sellae meningioma presenting only with signs of hypopituitarism occurred in a 54-year-old male. Preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging clearly demonstrated a small lesion in the supradiaphragmatic area immediately beneath the optic chiasm, displacing the pituitary stalk laterally. Intraoperatively, the tumor was confirmed to be attached only to the posterior leaf of the diaphragma sellae. Histological examination revealed a transitional type meningioma. Such a small meningioma may be associated only with hypopituitarism, as compression is confined to the pituitary stalk, not affecting the optic pathways. MR imaging can demonstrate the clinicopathological features of this small but significant tumor.