Cerebral vasospasm after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a rare complication of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

Case report: The authors describe a symptomatic cerebral ischemia due to an internal carotid, left middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery vasospasm in a patient undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary macro adenoma. The patient was successfully treated by an endovascular balloon angioplasty.

Conclusion: This issue should be taken into account, even when rare, in every patient who has surgery for a pituitary tumor, particularly when it concerns a large macro adenoma with suprasellar extension. Special precautions must be taken to avoid this rare complication.

Keywords: Adenoma; Angioplasty; Balloon; Hypophysectomy; Intracranial; Vasospasm.