Subacute pituitary apoplexy-analysis of 17 cases

We retrospectively study 17 cases (total cases 197), receiving surgery at Kaohsiung Medical College Hospital, which are proved to be subacute pituitary apoplexy via preoperative computerized tomograms, magnetic resonance imagings, operative findings and pathological proof. Fourteen patients had headache; 15 cases were with visual disturbance including visual defect, blindness. One case was found incidentally to have a cerebral vascular attack. None of these cases received bromocriptine. Preoperative computerized tomograms (CT) aided the initial diagnosis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred for radiological investigation in displaying the metabolic products of hemorrhage within the pituitary tumors. Operative findings revealed xanthochromic fluid with liquid-like tumor debris or chocolate-like content. All these patients received hormone supplement when pituitary apoplexy was highly suspected.