Pituitary Apoplexy

Endocrinology

Overview

Definition

Sudden hemorrhage or infarction of a pre-existing pituitary adenoma.

Epidemiology

Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Sudden growth of pituitary adenoma.

Clinical Symptoms

  • Sudden severe headache (thunderclap)
  • bitemporal hemianopsia
  • cardiovascular collapse.

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • MRI Brain
  • low ACTH/Cortisol.

Management

  • Immediate high-dose Corticosteroids
  • urgent neurosurgical decompression.

Complications

  • Blindness
  • death from adrenal crisis.