Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea in Pre-operative Pituitary Adenoma: A Report of Two Cases

Pituitary macroadenomas are neuroendocrine tumors residing in the base of the skull. First-line therapies for prolactin-secreting adenomas (prolactinoma) include medical treatment with dopamine agonists and neurosurgical intervention. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a well-known complication following skull base tumor treatment; however, spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea as the initial presenting feature of such tumors is rare. We present two cases of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea in pre-operative invasive pituitary macroadenomas. Invasive pituitary macroadenomas have the potential to disrupt local skull base structures such as the sellar floor and cavernous sinus. Early warning signs can help aid in prompt diagnosis and successful treatment. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea as the initial presenting symptom is rare and may be pivotal in the early diagnosis of pituitary adenomas.