[Sheehan's syndrome: experience in Africa]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Health
• Global Health

Context:

• Ischemic necrosis of the antehypophysis (pituitary gland infarction) remains a concern in developing countries.
• Prevalence is unknown, but young women are disproportionately affected.
• Home delivery practices and limited obstetric facilities are identified as primary risk factors.

Purpose:

• To highlight the continued occurrence and risk factors of ischemic necrosis of the antehypophysis.
• To emphasize the typical and atypical clinical presentations, including neuropsychiatric and water metabolism disorders.
• To stress the importance of considering this diagnosis in women presenting with hypopituitarism.

Summary:

• Ischemic necrosis of the antehypophysis, a serious condition affecting the pituitary gland, continues to be observed in developing countries.
• Risk factors are linked to obstetric practices, with young women being a vulnerable demographic.
• Clinical signs can be varied, and a significant delay between insult and overt disease manifestation is possible.

Impact:

• Raises awareness of a preventable cause of hypopituitarism in at-risk populations.
• Encourages consideration of pituitary necrosis in the differential diagnosis for women with hypopituitarism, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Underscores the need for improved obstetric care to mitigate the incidence of this condition.