Suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma--case report.

A 33-year-old female presented with suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma manifesting as visual disturbances. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated intact pituitary gland and suprasellar cystic tumor, with a preoperative diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. At surgery, the tumor was identified as a suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma with intracapsular hematoma. There was no communication between the tumor and intrasellar structures. Total removal of the tumor immediately improved the severe visual disturbance. Ectopic pituitary adenoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a suprasellar lesion with intact pituitary gland.