Panhypopituitarism after traumatic head injury
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Published on: January 17, 2018
Riikka S K Takala1, Ari J Katila, Pirkko Sonninen
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. riikka.takala@tyks.fi
Introduction:
We describe a case report of panhypopituitarism after traumatic head injury. A previously healthy young man suffered a closed head injury and multiple spinal fractures after a motorcycle accident.
Methods:
His treatment in the intensive care unit was prolonged because of numerous problems with raised intracranial pressure, hemodynamics, and electrolyte balance.
Results:
Eventually, hypocortisolism and other pituitary hormone deficiencies were diagnosed. Magnetic resonance images showed incoherent pituitary stalk and re-review of the first computed tomography scans of the day of the accident confirmed hemorrhage in the infundibulum.
Conclusion:
This case and review of the literature suggests that hormone deficiencies are not uncommon after head injuries.
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