Pituitary Apoplexy Producing Internal Carotid Artery Compression: A Case Report.
10.3346/jkms.2008.23.6.1113
- Author:
Seung Ho YANG
1
;
Kwan Sung LEE
;
Kyo Young LEE
;
Sang Won LEE
;
Yong Kil HONG
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Suwon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Pituitary Apoplexy;
Cerebral Infarction;
Cerebrovascular Disorders;
Paresis
- MeSH:
Adult;
Carotid Artery Diseases/*diagnosis/etiology/therapy;
*Carotid Artery, Internal/pathology/surgery;
Diagnosis, Differential;
Embolization, Therapeutic;
Humans;
Magnetic Resonance Angiography;
Male;
Pituitary Apoplexy/complications/*diagnosis;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2008;23(6):1113-1117
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We report a case of pituitary apoplexy resulting in right internal carotid artery occlusion accompanied by hemiplegia and lethargy. A 43-yr-old man presented with a sudden onset of severe headache, visual disturbance and left hemiplegia. Investigations revealed a nodular mass, located in the sella and suprasellar portion and accompanied by compression of the optic chiasm. The mass compressed the bilateral cavernous sinuses, resulting in the obliteration of the cavernous portion of the right internal carotid artery. A border zone infarct in the right fronto-parietal region was found. Transsphenoidal tumor decompression following conservative therapy with fluid replacement and steroids was performed. Pathological examination revealed an almost completely infarcted pituitary adenoma. The patient's vision improved immediately after the decompression, and the motor weakness improved to grade IV+ within six months after the operation. Pituitary apoplexy resulting in internal carotid artery occlusion is rare. However, clinicians should be aware of the possibility and the appropriate management of such an occurrence.
