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Apoplexy in small pituitary tumours
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Pituitary apoplexy, a serious condition, can occur even with normal-appearing pituitary glands on X-rays. Early recognition of pituitary disease is crucial to avoid diagnostic delays.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Pituitary apoplexy presents with distinct clinical symptoms.
- Standard skull radiographs may not reveal abnormalities in all cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight cases of pituitary apoplexy with normal pituitary fossa radiography.
- To emphasize the importance of considering pituitary disease despite normal imaging.
Main Methods:
- Case series review.
- Clinical feature analysis.
- Radiographic assessment of the pituitary fossa.
Main Results:
- Three cases of pituitary apoplexy presented with normal plain skull radiographs.
- Diagnostic delays occurred in two patients due to unconsidered pituitary pathology.
- Pituitary tumors, even small ones, can cause catastrophic hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- Normal pituitary fossa radiography does not exclude pituitary apoplexy.
- Clinical suspicion is vital for timely diagnosis.
- Pituitary apoplexy can occur with or without subsequent hypopituitarism.