A Case Series of 11 Pituicytomas Outcomes by Subtype

Introduction: Pituicytomas are rare, low-grade neoplasms that arise from glial cells of the neurohypophysis, known as pituicytes. The 2021 WHO classification divided pituicytomas into four subtypes based on ultrastructural characteristics: pituicytoma, granular cell, oncocytic and ependymal. There is a dearth of data regarding the outcomes of pituicytoma and their subtypes. We present a single-center case series of 11 pituicytomas. Methods: A single-center retrospective chart review of surgeries from 2001-2025 was performed. All patients were screened for pathologically confirmed pituicytoma. Demographics, presenting symptoms, surgical approach, postoperative complications, outcomes, and progression free survival were reviewed. Pituicytoma analysis was separated by subtype. Results: A cohort of 11 symptomatic pituicytomas underwent surgical resection, 8 via transsphenoidal surgery and 3 via craniotomy. Five patients achieved gross total resection (GTR) and 6 patients subtotal resection. Six patients required at least one hormone replacement postoperatively. Six patients were able to be followed for long-term outcomes with an average 26.1 (±27.3) months and no patients experienced recurrence defined as radiologic progression. The case series data is summarized in Table 1 . Discussion: In our cohort, there was no recurrence after GTR or subtotal resection suggesting surgery is effective at mitigating long-term recurrence. Half of the patients required hormone replacement postoperatively. There were no other complications. Table 1 Preliminary Results for Patients with Pituicytoma Variable N Male 5 (45%) Average Age at presentation (SD) 58.3 (±11.8) Visual Distrubance at presentation 7 (64%) Hormal Dysfunction at presentation 10 (91%) Surgical ApproachETSSCraniotomy 8 (73%)3 (27%) Resection StatusGTRSTR 56 Tumor TypePituicytomaSpindle Cell OncocytomaGranular Cell TumorEpendymal Pituicytoma 4241 Post Operative ComplicationsVisual DisturbanceHypopituitary 06 PFS in Months 26.2 (±27.3) Recurrence 0 Publication History Article published online: 27 February 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany