Bibliogr. s. 76-77

Background: Aspergillus infection of the sinuses is a common condition in those predisposed due to immunosuppression. However, its intracranial extension is rare, with sellar extension being even rarer and therefore is difficult to diagnose on imaging. Case Report: A case of sellar and sinusal aspergillosis mimicking a pituitary macroadenoma with bleed is presented. The initial CT examination of head of a diabetic patient revealed a hyperdense lesion in the hypophyseal fossa and in the sphenoid sinus with extension into the right cavernous sinus, showing foci of calcification. The differential diagnosis included fungal disease or meningioma and MRI was advised. Unfortunately, the imaging was done after a five months delay when CT and MRI revealed interval growth of the lesion. Although, the MRI presentation was highly suggestive of pituitary macroadenoma with bleeding, the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis was made when clinical data became available. The diagnosis of aspergillosis was proven by histology. Conclusions: The diagnosis of hypophyseal extension of aspergillosis is difficult, because of its rarity. It is important to consider possibility of fungal infection in those predisposed to it. The judgment based only on MRI findings and incomplete clinical data could easily lead into false diagnosis of an invasive pituitary macroadenoma with bleed.