# A Rare Case of Invasive Aspergillosis of the Pituitary Gland in a Young Immunocompetent Host: Diagnostic Pitfalls and Postoperative Complications

## TL;DR

A rare case of invasive aspergillosis in the pituitary gland of a young, healthy person is reported, highlighting unusual symptoms and diagnostic challenges.

## Contribution

This case report presents a unique instance of invasive aspergillosis in an immunocompetent young patient with atypical clinical features.

## Key findings

- The patient showed symptoms like headaches and diplopia but was initially misdiagnosed with craniopharyngioma or pituitary macroadenoma.
- The case involved sellar region aspergillosis with carotid artery impingement and minimal sinus involvement.
- This is the first reported case of such a presentation in an immunocompetent young individual.

## Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a rare occurrence, but it should be considered in cases involving pituitary or sellar masses. Here, we present a unique case report of IA affecting the sellar region with para-sellar extension and bilateral carotid artery impingement, notably with minimal involvement of paranasal sinuses. The patient, a 16-year-old immunocompetent female from a developing country, presented without any comorbidities or classic risk factors typically associated with IA. Her initial symptoms included headaches, diplopia, and nausea. Clinically and radiologically, the patient was initially diagnosed with either craniopharyngioma or pituitary macroadenoma. Hormonal studies revealed panhypopituitarism. Previous reports of IA have not described cases with these specific presentations, particularly in this age group and immune status.