Abscess formation within pituitary tumors

Three consecutive cases where abscesses were found within pituitary tumors are presented. In all cases, the diagnosis was made preoperatively and the patients were begun on stress doses of hydrocortisone and antibiotics before surgical drainage of the abscess. All patients recovered with minimal neurological deficits. Review of the literature reveals that the diagnosis is seldom made preoperatively or before autopsy and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Early suspicion of a pituitary abscess leading to early treatment with antibiotics and operative drainage seem to be important factors in decreasing this high mortality and morbidity.