Pituitary apoplexy: considerations on a single center experience and review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose: To present a single-center experience on pituitary tumor apoplexy and a review of literature focusing on predisposing and precipitating factors.

Methods: Clinical presentation of our series of cases. Contemporary published literature is also reviewed.

Results: The definition of this syndrome has not been consistent although now the majority of authors agree to definite it as an acute condition caused by hemorrhage or infarction of a pre-existing pituitary adenoma. Different predisposing and precipitating factors have been described in literature; among these antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs, seem to play relevant roles. The clinical cases observed in our clinic confirm these data and suggest a probable association between elderly patients taking anticoagulant therapy and pituitary apoplexy adenoma.

Conclusion: Pituitary tumor apoplexy remains a challenging disease in relation to difficulties in correct diagnosis and thus in appropriate treatment. Antithrombotic/anticoagulant therapy may have an important role as precipitating factor. When a pituitary disorder is known, great care should be taken in the prescription of anticoagulant therapy.

Keywords: Anticoagulant therapy; Apoplexy; Pituitary; Review.