Apoplexy In Patient Research Articles

SAT621 Hemorrhage After Treatment: A Case Of Pituitary Apoplexy In Metastatic Prostate Cancer After Leuprolide

Abstract Disclosure: M. Dillon: None. S. Shteyman: None. W. Rashid: None. B.P. Ramchandani: None. A.G. Samat: None. Introduction: Hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate and breast cancer, and some gynecological conditions can be treated with GnRH agonists, including leuprolide. However, pituitary apoplexy is a rare potential complication after administration. Case Description: 71-year-old gentleman with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer presented with an acute headache after receiving a dose of leuprolide. This was his first GnRH agonist dose after prior Degarelix treatment. After two hours, the patient developed a constant throbbing headache, palpitations, left eye tearing and non-bilious non-bloody vomiting. Vitals were within normal ranges, and initial lab work showed low serum cortisol of 4.6. CT scan of the head showed exophthalmos and a mildly enlarged sella. Subsequent MRI demonstrated pituitary hemorrhage and optic chiasm impingement from resulting swelling. Hormone levels remained normal. Since the patient did not develop visual field defects or other ocular complaints, the decision was to manage the patient medically rather than with surgery. The day after admission, he developed hypotension requiring high dose steroids. After discharge, outpatient repeat MRI showed interval resolution of hemorrhage into a predominantly cystic pituitary macroadenoma. Discussion: With continued stimulation, GnRH agonists desensitize the pituitary and cause a downregulation of hormonal induced cancer growth. However, there is an initial transient burst of stimulation that can induce pituitary apoplexy in patients who already have a large adenoma. The hemorrhage and subsequent swelling cause a sudden severe headache and possible visual loss or hypopituitarism. This is life-threatening due to hypotension from catecholamine insensitive blood vessels in the absence of cortisol. Treatment involves high dose steroids, frequent sodium checks and possible emergency neurosurgery for decompression. It is important with GnRH agonists to watch out for this rare complication, whether the hormonal axis is being suppressed for metastatic cancer treatment or for hormonally driven gynecological conditions. Sources: Briet C, Salenave S, Bonneville JF, Laws ER, Chanson P. Pituitary Apoplexy. Endocr Rev. 2015 Dec;36(6):622-45. doi: 10.1210/er.2015-1042. Epub 2015 Sep 28. PMID: 26414232. Tanios G, Mungo NA, Kapila A, Bajaj K. Pituitary apoplexy: a rare complication of leuprolide therapy in prostate cancer treatment. BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Jul 14; 2017:bcr2016218514. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218514. PMID: 28710301; PMCID: PMC5534692. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Pituitary Apoplexy in Patients with Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNET)

Various complications of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) are reported, and an intratumor hemorrhage or infarct underlying pituitary apoplexy (PA) represents an uncommon, yet potentially life-threatening, feature, and thus early recognition and prompt intervention are important. Our purpose is to overview PA from clinical presentation to management and outcome. This is a narrative review of the English-language, PubMed-based original articles from 2012 to 2022 concerning PA, with the exception of pregnancy- and COVID-19-associated PA, and non-spontaneous PA (prior specific therapy for PitNET). We identified 194 original papers including 1452 patients with PA (926 males, 525 females, and one transgender male; a male-to-female ratio of 1.76; mean age at PA diagnostic of 50.52 years, the youngest being 9, the oldest being 85). Clinical presentation included severe headache in the majority of cases (but some exceptions are registered, as well); neuro-ophthalmic panel with nausea and vomiting, meningism, and cerebral ischemia; respectively, decreased visual acuity to complete blindness in two cases; visual field defects: hemianopia, cranial nerve palsies manifesting as diplopia in the majority, followed by ptosis and ophthalmoplegia (most frequent cranial nerve affected was the oculomotor nerve, and, rarely, abducens and trochlear); proptosis (N = 2 cases). Risk factors are high blood pressure followed by diabetes mellitus as the main elements. Qualitative analysis also pointed out infections, trauma, hematologic conditions (thrombocytopenia, polycythemia), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and T3 thyrotoxicosis. Iatrogenic elements may be classified into three main categories: medication, diagnostic tests and techniques, and surgical procedures. The first group is dominated by anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs; additionally, at a low level of statistical evidence, we mention androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, chemotherapy, thyroxine therapy, oral contraceptives, and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. The second category includes a dexamethasone suppression test, clomiphene use, combined endocrine stimulation tests, and a regadenoson myocardial perfusion scan. The third category involves major surgery, laparoscopic surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral valvuloplasty, endonasal surgery, and lumbar fusion surgery in a prone position. PA in PitNETs still represents a challenging condition requiring a multidisciplinary team from first presentation to short- and long-term management. Controversies involve the specific panel of risk factors and adequate protocols with concern to neurosurgical decisions and their timing versus conservative approach. The present decade-based analysis, to our knowledge the largest so far on published cases, confirms a lack of unanimous approach and criteria of intervention, a large panel of circumstantial events, and potential triggers with different levels of statistical significance, in addition to a heterogeneous clinical picture (if any, as seen in subacute PA) and a spectrum of evolution that varies from spontaneous remission and control of PitNET-associated hormonal excess to exitus. Awareness is mandatory. A total of 25 cohorts have been published so far with more than 10 PA cases/studies, whereas the largest cohorts enrolled around 100 patients. Further studies are necessary.

Clinical evaluations of pituitary apoplexy in incidental nonfunctional pituitary adenomas

Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon syndrome that often results in spontaneous hemorrhage or infarction of pituitary tumors or glands. We previously reported pituitary apoplexy occurred most frequently in nonfunctional pituitary adenomas among all types of pituitary incidentalomas. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of pituitary apoplexy in patients with incidental nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. 65 patients with pituitary incidentaloma were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical/endocrinological/pathological investigations. As a result, 33 patients were diagnosed with nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. Of these, 12.1% of patients had pituitary apoplexy. There was no difference in tumor diameter, age, or sex between the apoplexy and the non-apoplexy groups. However, the liver enzymes aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly higher, and plasma sodium and chloride levels were significantly lower in the apoplexy group than in the non-apoplexy group (each P < .05). In addition, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was significantly higher in the apoplexy group than in the non-apoplexy group (P < .05). Besides, thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin deficiencies were significantly more frequent in the apoplexy group than in the non-apoplexy group (each P < .05), and growth hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiencies were more frequent in the apoplexy group than in the non-apoplexy group (P = .09 and.08, respectively). Furthermore, tumor diameter was not associated with pituitary apoplexy, whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone deficiencies were significantly associated with the apoplexy group (each P < .05). Hence, the present study indicated that pituitary apoplexy could not be related to tumor diameter. Moreover, hormonal deficiencies, hepatic dysfunction, hyponatremia or hypochloremia, and dyslipidemia might be indicators of pituitary apoplexy. There could be the possibility the treatment for dyslipidemia prevents pituitary apoplexy.

SAT-246 A Case of Cabergoline Induced Pituitary Apoplexy in a Patient with Prolactinoma

ObjectiveTo report a case in which Cabergoline led to pituitary apoplexy (PA) in a young female patient with a macroprolactinoma.MethodsA 28 y/o F presented with 10 months of irregular menses followed by 6 months of amenorrhea. She reported a dull supranasal headache, and nipple crusting without obvious galactorrhea. She denied visual changes, dizziness nausea or vomiting. Her Prolactin (PRL) was elevated at 194ng/mL, and she was started on Cabergoline 0.25mg twice per week and sent for a pituitary MRI.Four weeks later, the patient presented to the emergency department with an acute worsening of headache after being found to have a pituitary hemorrhage on MRI. On PE there were no obvious neurologic deficits. Neurosurgery recommended no acute intervention and she was managed conservatively.ResultsLabs prior to Cabergoline: bHCG (-), PRL 194 ng/mL; LH 3.1 µIU/mL; FSH 4.9 µIU/mL; Estradiol <11 pg/mL; Cortisol 11.44 ug/dL; TSH 1.080 µIU/mL; Free T4 0.76 ng/dL. Labs after 1 month of Cabergoline treatment: PRL 84.3 ng/mL; FSH 2.2 µIU/mL; LH 2.8 µIU/mL; TSH 1.23 µIU/mL; FT4 0.82 ng/dL; Cortisol 15.43 ug/dL. MRI 1 month after Cabergoline was performed and showed a 1.4 x 1.4 x 1.5cm hemorrhagic mass of pituitary gland.DiscussionPA is the acute hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland, commonly presenting with sudden onset of severe headache, visual field impairment, vomiting or altered mental status. However, like our patient, 25% of patients may present with subclinical apoplexy.Bromocriptine and Cabergoline are the two main treatments for prolactinoma. Both have been linked to PA, though the number of reports on Cabergoline is much less. There are now 10 cases of apoplexy reported with Cabergoline.PA can be spontaneous or precipitated by angiography, surgery, head trauma, hypertension, thrombocytopenia, diabetes, radiotherapy, coagulopathies, and Dopamine Agonists (DA). Most cases occur in older patients (50–60’s) with comorbidities, and incidence in patients <35 is rare.Moreover, PA is more common in males. Therefore, PA presenting in a young, healthy female suggests that Cabergoline may have been the precipitating factor.ConclusionIt is important to be aware that Cabergoline can precipitate PA in patients being treated for a Prolactinoma. We recommend a thorough history, physical exam and baseline imaging before starting Cabergoline therapy. We also recommend emergent imaging if there is an acute change in symptoms.

MON-237 Primary Pituitary Lymphoma - an Unusual Guest in the Sella!

BackgroundPrimary Pituitary Lymphoma (PPL) is a rare differential diagnosis for a sellar / suprasellar lesion. Less than 40 cases have been reported.Case presentationA 75-year old Chinese lady with known subclinical hypothyroidism presented with 3-day history of dull frontal headache, giddiness and diplopia. Incomplete left cranial nerve (CN) III palsy was noted with no other neurological deficit or hemodynamic instability. MRI brain and pituitary showed a T1- and T2 isointense, 2.0 x 1.1 x 1.3 cm enhancing mass arising from the left sellar region, extending to the left sphenoid and cavernous sinuses, displacing the pituitary stalk towards the right, with no optic chiasm compression. There was no imaging evidence of apoplexy.Evaluation of anterior pituitary hormones revealed hypocortisolism (peak cortisol post 1mcg Synacthen 344 nmol/L, ACTH 3.5 ng/L [10 - 60]), subclinical hypothyroidism (free T4 9.6 pmol/L [8.8 - 14.4], TSH 7.19 mU/L [0.65 - 3.70]), normal prolactin 7.4 ug/L [5.0-27.7], mildly elevated IGF-1 193.7 mcg/L [67.0 - 189.0] with normal GH 1.0 ng/ml, and elevated FSH appropriate for menopause. Glucocorticoid replacement was started.Though the clinical presentation was not typical of a pituitary macroadenoma, in view of symptomatic improvement and neurological stability, she was conservatively managed with plans for early repeat imaging outpatient.Patient was readmitted 1 month later for headache and decreased left-sided visual acuity. A complete CN III palsy, and new CN II, IV and VI deficits were noted (orbital apex syndrome). Repeat MRI showed increase in the size of the sellar lesion to 2.6 x 2.1 x 1.3 cm, surrounding the optic nerve and with left cavernous and sphenoid sinus invasion. Again, there was no suggestion of apoplexy. Biopsy of the lesion was performed, and histology was consistent with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma and Grade 3A Follicular Lymphoma with high proliferative index (Ki67 70%). Immunohistochemistry excluded carcinoma, meningioma and pituitary tumor. PET-CT and bone marrow aspirate confirmed the diagnosis of PPL without metastasis.After 3 cycles of chemotherapy (Methotrexate, Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine and Prednisolone), significant decrease in the size of the lesion was noted on repeat MRI. Only mild asymmetric soft tissue thickening remained noticeable over the left sella and cavernous sinus. Cranial nerve deficits had since completely resolved. Glucocorticoid replacement was continued in the meantime while awaiting the completion of chemotherapy.ConclusionPPL may present in a similar manner as pituitary apoplexy. Absence of typical imaging characteristics of apoplexy in patients with rapid symptom progression and CN involvement should alert clinicians to consider alternative diagnosis including aggressive neoplastic, inflammatory and infective lesions.

Clinicopathological analysis of 250 cases of pituitary adenoma under the new WHO classification.

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are a common subtype of intracranial tumors. The aim of the present study was to analyse the clinical and pathological features of different types of pituitary adenomas (PAs) according to the 2017 World Health Organisation Endocrine Organ Tumor Classification guidelines. The clinical data of 250 patients with PAs were collected and analysed. Differences in the incidence of invasion, recurrence and apoplexy in patients between high- and low-risk PAs were compared, as were differences in the Ki-67 index between invasive and non-invasive PAs and between recurrent PAs and non-recurrent PAs. Of the 250 cases, 45 cases were diagnosed as somatotroph adenomas, 26 cases as lactotroph adenomas, 1 case as thyrotroph adenoma, 61 cases as corticotroph adenomas, 93 cases as gonadotropin adenomas, 15 cases as null cell adenomas and 9 cases as plurihormonal adenomas. There were 5 types of high-risk pituitary adenoma identified: 17 cases of sparsely granulated somatotroph adenoma, 11 cases of lactotroph adenoma in men, 3 cases of plurihormonal PIT-1 positive adenoma and 42 cases of silent corticotroph adenoma. Crooke's cell adenoma was not identified. High-risk PAs had significantly higher rates of invasion, recurrence and apoplexy compared with that in low-risk types (P<0.001). Invasive PAs had a significantly higher Ki-67 index compared with that in non-invasive PAs (3.5±1.8 vs. 2.8±1.3; P<0.01). Recurrent PAs had a significantly higher Ki-67 index compared with that in non-recurrent PAs (3.9±1.9 vs. 2.8±1.3; P<0.001). According to the 2017 classification criteria, patients most frequently had gonadotrophin cell adenomas, followed by corticotroph adenomas and the proportion of null cell adenomas was reduced. Differences were noted in the proliferation, recurrence and apoplexy characteristics of high-risk PAs and low-risk PAs. The invasion and recurrence of PAs were found to be related to the Ki-67 index.

Pituitary apoplexy in setting of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever with thrombocytopenia: case report and review of literature

Abstract Pituitary apoplexy is an acute clinical syndrome. It may occur spontaneously or as a result of several precipitating factors; one such factor being thrombocytopenia. Acute febrile illness accompanying with bleeding tendency is the main clinical feature of dengue. If the diagnosis is made in time, urgent treatment in the form of decompression of optic nerves may help to save vision. According to literature, only seven cases have been reported with pituitary apoplexy in setting of Dengue hemorrhagic fever. We report eighth case of Pituitary apoplexy in patient having Dengue hemorrhagic fever with its management and review of literature.

Clinical study of abnormal glucose metabolism screening for acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy in patients

Ischemic stroke refers to a focal neurological deficit attributable to the conditions created by the occlusion of an intracranial artery. We investigated how screening for abnormal glucose metabolism in acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy inpatients might be used to develop a more reasonable treatment plan and improve the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke. A total of 686 patients with acute ischemic stroke, hospitalized from January 2007 to December 2010 in the neurological department of the first affiliated hospital in China Shantou Medical College, was examined in this study. We recorded each patient's sex, age, smoking history, height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, random blood glucose, and fasting blood glucose, also noting if the patient had a record of having high blood sugar. In addition, we conducted a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for undiagnosed diabetes patients in order to determine the status of glucose metabolism. We find that there were 368 (66.1%) cases of hospitalized cerebral vascular disease patients with abnormal glucose metabolism of which 185 (33.2%) cases are diabetes, and 183 cases (32.9%) are with impaired glucose regulation, and 189 cases (33.9%) are with normal glucose tolerance. Totally, 130 cases had been diagnosed as diabetes before their admission, accounting for 23.3% of all patients. Totally, 427 patients are without diabetes history, however, 29 diabetes cases (accounting for 15.7% of all diabetic patients) were found after a non-OGTT. We concluded that patients with acute ischemic stroke are often associated with abnormal glucose metabolism, and so OGTT screening tests will help doctors to recognize acute ischemic stroke patients.

Pituitary apoplexy in T3 thyrotoxicosis

A 58-year-old male was brought to our emergency department because of acute onset of visual disturbances and headache. His past medical history revealed no specific illness. He was a nonsmoker. On history taking, we learned that the patient had experienced weight loss with decreased sexual activity for several months. On physical examination, beard and axillary hair were decreased. The thyroid gland was mildly enlarged on palpation. Examination of vital signs revealed a blood pressure of 120/60 mmHg, heart rate of 80/min, respiration rate of 18 breaths/min, and body temperature of 36.5 C. Radiologic examinations with brain computed tomography (CT) showed a mass in the pituitary gland. Laboratory tests revealed as follows: a serum sodium of 134 (135–150) mmol/L, serum glucose of 6.6 mmol/L, FSH of 0.9 (1.4–18.1) IU/L, LH of \0.07 (1.5–9.3) IU/L, testosterone of\0.01 (0.09–0.37) nmol/L, prolactin of 456.5 (78.3–691.3) pmol/L, IGF-1 of 9.0 (9.3–38.0) nmol/L, free T4 of 19.10 (11.5–22.7) pmol/L, TSH of \0.01 (0.55–4.78) mIU/L, and ACTH of 5.87 pmol/L. The random cortisol level was not measured before hydrocortisone was administered. Sellar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 27 9 35 9 24 mm pituitary mass that was bulging into suprasellar area and contained a fluid–fluid level (Fig. 1a). Pituitary macroadenoma with hemorrhage was highly suspected. Standard ophthalmologic examination showed bilateral hemianopsia. Therefore, a high dose of hydrocortisone was administered intravenously immediately. However, neurosurgery was performed on this patient because of persistence of the visual field defect despite steroid treatment. Endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma was performed. The final pathologic diagnosis was pituitary adenoma originating from a gonadotrope. On the other hand, a diffuse goiter was detected on palpation and the free T4 level was in the high range of normal as described earlier. Therefore, we measured the free T3 level and thyroid autoantibody. Results revealed a free T3 of 9.7 (3.1–6.8) pmol/L, anti-TPO antibody of 600 (*34) IU/mL, and anti-TSH receptor antibody of 33.82 (*1.75) IU/L. Thyroid scan with pertechnetate revealed a diffuse toxic goiter that was compatible with primary hyperthyroidism (Fig. 1b). Therefore, antithyroid drug was started with physiologic replacement of hydrocortisone. Pituitary apoplexy is a life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by sudden onset of headache, and visual impairment caused by the rapid enlargement of the pituitary adenoma usually due to hemorrhage. Various predisposing factors of pituitary apoplexy, such as systemic hypertension, alteration of intracranial pressure gradients, head trauma, pituitary irradiation, pregnancy, cerebral angiography, anticoagulation, dynamic study of pituitary gland, hemodialysis, and surgeries including cardiac surgery, have been reported. Among these factors, hypertension was the most common predisposing factor. It is also well known that thyroid dysfunction results in changes in cardiac output, cardiac contractility, blood pressure, vascular resistance, and rhythm disturbances [1]. Therefore, theoretically, it is possible that primary thyroid dysfunction causes pituitary apoplexy in patients with pituitary adenoma. However, clinically, the association between pituitary apoplexy and thyroid dysfunction has been unclear, and only one case of pituitary apoplexy caused by primary K. A. Lee T. S. Park H. S. Baek H. Y. Jin (&) Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Chonbuk National University, Geonji Road #20, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju 561-712, South Korea e-mail: mdjinhy@jbnu.ac.kr

Pituitary tumor apoplexy in patients with Cushing’s disease: endocrinologic and visual outcomes after transsphenoidal surgery

Pituitary apoplexy in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) producing tumors is a rare occurrence. We report four patients with Cushing's disease harboring ACTH-secreting macroadenomas who presented with pituitary apoplexy. We report the endocrinologic and visual outcomes of these patients after emergent transsphenoidal surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed in 4 patients who presented with pituitary apoplexy from hemorrhage into an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. The patient charts were reviewed for clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, intraoperative surgical findings, pathologic findings, and postoperative endocrinologic and visual outcomes. All patients presented with acute headaches, nausea, vomiting, and visual loss from optic compression. MR imaging demonstrated a hemorrhagic macroadenoma that was confirmed at surgery. All patients underwent emergent transsphenoidal decompression (within 24 h of presentation). One of these underwent an additional craniotomy to resect residual tumor. Postoperatively, all patients showed significant improvement in visual acuity and visual fields with biochemical remission confirmed on laboratory testing. Significant weight loss as well as resolution of diabetes and hypertension was noted in all cases. All four patients remained in biochemical remission at their most recent follow-up visit (mean 40 months, range: 24-72 months). Excellent endocrine and visual outcomes can be achieved after emergent transsphenoidal surgery in patients with Cushing's disease presenting with pituitary apoplexy. Although the cure rates of non-apoplectic ACTH macroadenomas are generally poor, higher rates of remission can be achieved in cases of pituitary apoplexy. This may be partly due to the effects of tumor infarction.

Midbrain hemorrhage mimicking pituitary apoplexy in patient using anticoagulation therapy

Pituitary apoplexy represents a hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland and has its occurrence often related in the context of a pituitary adenoma1. In classical pituitary apoplexy, headache, usually of sudden and severe onset, is the most common presenting symptom and hypertension and anticoagulation have been described as relevant predisposing factors1,2. The risk of cranial nerve palsies leading to double vision and/or vision loss and the risk of acute panhypopituitarysm leading to death in the event of apoplexy have [...]

Delayed pituitary apoplexy in patient with advanced prostate cancer treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHAs) are used in many clinical conditions, particularly prostate cancer. There have been a few case reports of apoplexy from a previously undiagnosed pituitary tumour, occurring within hours to days of initiation of GnRHA therapy. We report a case of delayed onset pituitary apoplexy following GnRHA therapy. A 71-year-old man presented three weeks after onset of headache and vision loss. On examination, he was blind in the right eye with an intact nasal field of vision in the left eye. Two months before presentation, he had a subcutaneous GnRHA (Goserelin) implant for treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer (Gleeson 4+3). An MRI scan revealed a large sellar/suprasellar mass. His follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were grossly elevated. A trans-sphenoidal endoscopic decompression of the pituitary tumour was performed. His vision improved post-operatively and his FSH, LH, testosterone, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels returned to normal levels. Histopathologic studies revealed a pituitary adenoma, which stained positive for FSH and LH. The prostate cancer management was changed to an anti-androgen agent and a GnRH antagonist. This case demonstrates that pituitary apoplexy can develop up to eight weeks after the initiation of treatment for prostate cancer with GnRHAs.

Pituitary apoplexy after leuprolide

Clinically unsuspected pituitary adenomas are common among adults on autopsy and MRI survey. Acute pituitary hemorrhage is far more rare. We report a case of a 61-year-old male patient with locally advanced prostate cancer who presented with an acute picture of pituitary apoplexy after his first dose of leuprolide. He developed headache and neck pain within a few hours of treatment followed by nausea, vomiting, ptosis and diplopia. Pituitary apoplexy is a potentially life threatening medical emergency. Although the pathophysiology is poorly defined, various conditions and treatments have been reported to trigger apoplexy. Apoplexy has been reported in response to pituitary stimulation by GnRH or GnRH-agonists. Initial stimulatory effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue may induce apoplexy in patients with asymptomatic gonadotroph adenomas.

Frequent occurrence of pituitary apoplexy in patients with non‐functioning pituitary adenoma

There is agreement in the literature that pituitary apoplexy is a rare disorder. As our experience differs from this view, we analysed the incidence in patients operated on for a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. One hundred ninety-two consecutive patients with a suprasellar, clinically inactive adenoma operated on during the period 1985-1996 were retrospectively reviewed. A diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy was made from relevant neurological symptoms together with pertinent findings at operation. Pituitary apoplexy occurred in 41 patients (21%), in 23 patients within 12 days prior to the operation. The male/female ratio was 1.9. Median follow-up time was 13.7 years (range 8.9-19.9). During this period, 12 patients had died, yielding a standard mortality ratio of 1.09 (95% CI 0.62-1.92), similar to that in the patients who had not sustained pituitary apoplexy. Postoperatively, 24% of the patients had normal pituitary function, 38% were panhypopituitary and partial pituitary insufficiency was present in 38%. Subnormal GH secretion was present in virtually all patients tested. Two patients died within 60 days of surgery and in two no or incomplete data were available, although they most likely were panhypopituitary. Most of our findings add little to what is known about pituitary apoplexy. On one point, however, they are contrary to previously presented data. We found a much higher incidence of pituitary apoplexy despite rather rigorous criteria for the diagnosis. The outcome as regards survival and endocrine function was not different from that in patients with a nonfunctioning adenoma who did not suffer pituitary apoplexy.

Apoplexy of a pituitary macroadenoma with reversible third, fourth and sixth cranial nerve palsies following administration of hypothalamic releasing hormones: MR features

Pituitary apoplexy in patients with pituitary macroadenomas can occur either spontaneously or following various interventions. We present a case of a 71-year-old woman who developed third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies following administration of the four hypothalamic releasing hormones for routine preoperative testing of pituitary function. The MR examination showed interval tumor growth with impression of the floor of the third ventricle. There were also changes in signal intensity characteristics of the mass, suggestive of intratumoral bleeding. A transsphenoidal surgery with subtotal resection of the pituitary adenoma was performed. Microscopical examination revealed large areas of necrosis and blood surrounded by adenomatous tissue. Third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies completely resolved within 4 months. We conclude that MR imaging is useful in the demonstration of pituitary apoplexy following preoperative stimulation tests, but we suggest that these tests should be abandoned in patients with pituitary macroadenomas.

Subacute Pituitary Apoplexy

We report three cases of subacute hemorrhage into a pituitary adenoma. Two patients each had visual disturbance and hypopituitarism treated with corticosteroids. No patient received bromocriptine. Because it is more exact than CT in displaying the metabolic products of hemorrhage, magnetic resonance is the preferred modality for radiographic investigation of subacute or chronic pituitary apoplexy in patients with prolonged headache and visual disturbance.