Hypopituitarism due to Pituitary Apoplexy

Abstract

Pituitary apoplexy is a clinical condition caused by hemorrhage or ischemia of the pituitary gland (usually due to the presence of an unknown pituitary adenoma) that can lead to hypopituitarism through damage to the adenohypophysis. It is characterized by the sudden onset of severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, visual disturbances (such as oculoparesis or visual field defects), and decreased level of consciousness. It can be mistaken for other conditions such as acute meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Fluid and electrolyte replacement, as well as hormone replacement, are the initial pillars of treatment, while thorough neurological and ophthalmological evaluations, along with neuroimaging, help identify patients who require urgent or emergency surgery as opposed to conservative treatment