A patient presents with bitemporal hemianopia, headache, and growth hormone excess. MRI shows a sellar mass extending into the suprasellar region. The pathological diagnosis is most likely:
- A Craniopharyngioma derived from Rathke pouch epithelium
- B Pituitary somatotroph adenoma (growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma) ✓
- C Meningioma of the tuberculum sellae
- D Metastatic carcinoma to the pituitary
Correct answer: B. Pituitary somatotroph adenoma (growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma)
Explanation
A sellar/suprasellar mass causing bitemporal hemianopia (compression of the optic chiasm) combined with GH excess points to a pituitary somatotroph (GH-secreting) adenoma. Before epiphyseal fusion it causes gigantism; after fusion it causes acromegaly. Craniopharyngiomas arise from Rathke pouch remnants and cause hypopituitarism but not GH excess. Meningiomas are extra-axial with dural attachment.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.