Aged ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; complications ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Pituitary Apoplexy ; complications ; etiology ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; etiology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment in patients with subclinical pituitary adenoma apoplexy (SPAA).

METHODSA retrospective analysis of all operated patients with SPAA was performed. There were 50 male and 80 female patients, ranging from 16 to 65 years (average 39 years). Endocrinological hormones were measured in all patients pre- and post-operatively, and pituitary imaging was obtained by CT scan, MRI or both.

RESULTSTranssphenoidal surgery was achieved in 89 patients, and transcranial surgery was achieved in 41 patients. There was no operative mortality. PRL adenomas were the most common tumor type (56.2%). SPAA usually occurred in patients with big or giant adenomas (97%). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the possible predisposing factors. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 0.5 to 6 years (mean 3.2 years). Tumor recurrence happened in 8 patients. Only 12 patients required radiotherapy with tumor residual (4 cases) and recurrence (8 cases) after surgery. Long-term thyroid or steroid hormone replacement was necessary in 25% and 20% of patients, respectively, and long-term desmopressin therapy was necessary in 1% of patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of SPAA was higher than acute pituitary apoplexy. PRL adenomas are the most common tumor type. MRI is the best investigative modality of choice. Transsphenoidal surgery is a safe and effective method. The rate of long-term endocrinological hormones replacement therapy of SPAA is lower than acute pituitary apoplexy, and the prognosis of SPAA is better than acute pituitary apoplexy. Radiotherapy is indicated if the tumor residual or recurrence are confirmed by CT or MRI after surgery.

Adenoma ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Hormone Replacement Therapy ; Humans ; Hypophysectomy ; methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Apoplexy ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Sudden ascent to high altitudes beyond 2,438 m can cause life-threatening complications such as acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral and pulmonary oedema. We present a case of pituitary apoplexy in a young man who ascended to high altitude gradually, after proper acclimatisation. He developed headache, nausea, vomiting and persistent hypotension. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enlarged pituitary gland with haemorrhage. His hormonal estimation showed acute adrenal insufficiency due to corticotropin deficiency. The patient responded well to conservative medical management with hormonal replacement therapy. This is most likely the first reported case of high altitude-induced pituitary apoplexy in the literature.
Acclimatization ; Adrenal Insufficiency ; complications ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; deficiency ; Adult ; Altitude ; Altitude Sickness ; complications ; Brain ; pathology ; Hormone Replacement Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Hypotension ; physiopathology ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; physiopathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Pituitary Apoplexy ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Pituitary Gland ; physiopathology

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.
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