Abstract
Cerebral vasospasm is an uncommon complication following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) of a pituitary adenoma. Therefore, neither its physiopathology nor its management are clear. We present a case of vasospasm after TSS and we discuss about its etiology and treatment. A 52-year-old woman presented with hirsutism, without neurologic symptoms. A MRI showed a pituitary macroadenoma. The patient underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Post-operative CT scan revealed an extensive subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). On postoperative 7th day, she developed an abrupt mixed aphasia. An urgent arteriography showed left middle cerebral artery vasospasm, so intra-arterial nimodipine was administered. After that, vasospasm disappeared and the patient recovered completely. The key to successful management of this rare complication is a high index of suspicion. The presence of postoperative SAH seems to definitely contribute to its apparition. Therefore, treatment in concordance with protocols for vasospasm due to aneurysmal SAH is recommended.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
