Foster Kennedy syndrome caused by an extensive pituitary adenoma

Abstract

A 51-year-old woman presented with signs of Foster Kennedy syndrome including right papilledema, left simple optic atrophy, and left anosmia. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a giant pituitary tumor growing superiorly and anteriorly to the left and compressing the chiasm and the left optic nerve. Endocrinological work-up and histology confirmed the diagnosis of a non-secreting pituitary adenoma. The possible mechanisms causing ipsilateral optic atrophy and contralateral papilledema in this case are discussed. The authors’ case seems unique since it represents, to their knowledge, the first report of a pituitary adenoma presenting with the full picture of Foster Kennedy syndrome. Pituitary adenoma should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis of lesions presenting as Foster Kennedy syndrome.

Key Words:

• Foster Kennedy syndrome
• pituitary adenoma
• papilledema
• optic atrophy