[Pituitary apoplexy - not always correctly recognized life-threatening entity]

Abstract

Pituitary apoplexy is a life-threatening circumstance developing as a result of ischemia or hemorrhage into pre-existing pituitary tumor. Frequency of this condition is hard to be precisely estimated. Clinical course is characteristic and commonly consists of severe headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, impaired consciousness, visual field impairment as well as eyeballs movement restriction. Symptoms are typically accompanied by secondary adrenal insufficiency. Severe course of pituitary apoplexy requires hospitalization and immediate medical treatment. Corticosteroids are drugs of choice regarding coexisting adrenal insufficiency. In case of a lack of expected both general and neurological improvement during conservative treatment, a surgery might be necessary. Prognosis in case of a proper treatment is good. Every patient after pituitary apople.

Keywords: hypopituitarism; pituitary apoplexy; pituitary tumor; transsphenoidal surgery.