A case report on the co-presentation of pituitary abscess and POEMS-like syndrome.
Xiangjin Hu, Heng Wu, Li Fang
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A patient presented with headache, impaired consciousness, and fever, leading to a diagnosis of pituitary abscess and suspected POEMS-like syndrome. Endocrine evaluations revealed diabetes insipidus and panhypopituitarism. Imaging showed abnormal pituitary signals, and further tests indicated lymphadenopathy and polyneuropathy. The patient underwent transsphenoidal resection and hormone replacement therapy, but experienced recurrent symptoms after therapy cessation.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the possibility of co-existing conditions like pituitary abscess and POEMS syndrome in patients with complex neurological and endocrine symptoms, as misdiagnosis can occur.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing rare syndromes with overlapping symptoms, ensuring comprehensive patient care.