Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
09:14
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
Cavernous sinus invasion might be a risk factor for apoplexy
Nese Cinar1, Yasemin Tekinel, Selcuk Dagdelen
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
Pituitary
|November 27, 2012
Summary
Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is more common in subclinical forms than clinical ones, often linked to macroadenomas. Non-functioning tumors and cavernous sinus invasion increase clinical PA risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Pituitary hemorrhage, or pituitary apoplexy (PA), presents with diverse clinical features, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe, life-threatening events.
- Understanding the incidence, symptoms, outcomes, and risk factors of both clinical and subclinical PA is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency, clinical presentation, outcomes, and risk factors associated with clinical and subclinical pituitary apoplexy (PA) in pituitary adenoma patients.
- To compare the characteristics of PA patients with a control group without PA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 547 pituitary adenoma patients diagnosed between 2000 and December 2011.
- Classification of patients into clinical or subclinical PA groups and comparison with a control group.
- Evaluation of anterior pituitary hormones, tumor histology, Ki-67 labeling index, p53 positivity, and pituitary MRI findings.
Main Results:
- The study identified 32 clinical PA cases (5.8%) and 81 subclinical PA cases (14.8%).
- Macroadenomas were significantly associated with an increased risk of PA (p < 0.05), with 75.2% of PA patients having macroadenomas.
- Hormone-inactive tumors (p = 0.05) and cavernous sinus invasion (p < 0.01) were linked to clinical PA, while dopamine agonist use was higher in subclinical PA (p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Subclinical pituitary apoplexy (PA) occurs more frequently than clinical PA.
- The development of PA is associated with pituitary macroadenomas and clinically non-functioning tumors.
- Cavernous sinus invasion by the tumor is a significant risk factor for PA, indicating a heightened risk of bleeding.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:10The Arch of Aorta
The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...