Clinical and imaging features of granular cell tumor of the neurohypophysis: A retrospective analysis

The aim of this study was to explore x-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics specific to granular cell tumors (GCTs) of the neurohypophysis. The clinical and imaging data of 6 patients with operation-proven GCTs of the neurohypophysis were analyzed retrospectively. There were 6 patients with GCTs of the neurohypophysis confirmed pathologically. Five of the tumors were purely suprasellar lesions distinct from the intrasellar pituitary gland. One tumor was both intra- and suprasellar. Solid tumors were hyperattenuated and enhanced homogeneously on CT, while showing isointensity on T1WI and heterogeneous hypointensity on T2WI, with homogeneous (4/5) or inhomogeneous (1/5) enhancement. The cystic tumor showed hypointensity on T1WI and hyperintensity on T2WI, with ring enhancement. “Star-like crack sign” was seen in 2 larger solid cases. Calcification was absent in all cases. Well-circumscribed intra and/or suprasellar masses, hyperattenuated and homogeneously enhancing on CT, hypointensity on T2WI, rarely seen calcification, should arouse suspicion of GCTs of the neurohypophysis.