Classical pituitary tumour apoplexy: clinical features, management and outcomes in a series of 24 patients

Exploring risk factors of severe pituitary apoplexy: Insights from a multicenter study of 71 cases

PURPOSE

To identify clinical and radiological factors associated with a higher risk of developing a severe pituitary apoplexy (PA).

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective study of patients presenting with clinical PA in three Spanish tertiary hospitals of Madrid between 2008 and 2022. We classified PA as severe when presenting with an altered level of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 15) or visual involvement.

RESULTS

A total of 71 PA cases were identified, of whom 80.28% (n = 57) were classified as severe PA. The median age was 60 (18 to 85 years old) and 67.6% (n = 48) were male. Most patients had macroadenomas, except for one patient with a microadenoma of 9 mm. Headache was the most common presenting symptom (90.1%) and anticoagulation was the most frequent predisposing risk factor, but it was not associated with a higher risk for severe PA (odds ratio [OR] 1.13 [0.21-5.90]). Severe cases were associated with male gender (OR 5.53 [1.59-19.27]), tumor size >20 mm (OR 17.67 [4.07-76.64]), and Knosp grade ≥2 (OR 9.6 [2.38-38.73]). In the multivariant analysis, the only variables associated with a higher risk for severe PA were tumor size and Knosp grade. Surgery was more common in severe PA than in non-severe (91.2% vs. 64.3%, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

A tumor size >20 mm and cavernous sinus invasion are risk factors for developing a severe PA. These risk factors can stratify patients at a higher risk of a worse clinical picture, and subsequently, more need of decompressive surgery.

Successful endonasal transsphenoidal surgery to treat acute internal carotid artery occlusion caused by pituitary apoplexy: Usefulness of arterial spin labeling imaging for emergency decision

Background

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare clinical condition presenting with acute headache, visual disturbance, and disorientation. PA can cause strokes due to acute internal cervical artery occlusion (ICO), which is an extremely rare condition. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a popular technique, which is a quantitative perfusion imaging useful for the diagnosis of ischemia. We report a treatment with acute pseudo-ICO in which ASL on MRI was useful for the decision of surgery timing.

Case Description

A 50-year-old male presented with a sudden headache and nausea. MRI and magnetic resonance angiography revealed a large pituitary tumor and left ICO. However, the left middle cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries were depicted due to a cross-flow through the anterior communicating artery. ASL on MRI showed decreased perfusion of the left hemisphere, suggesting acute ICO. As he had no neurological deficit, we treated him conservatively, following the guidelines. Two days after admission, he presented with sensory aphasia and incomplete right paralysis. Emergency head computed tomography revealed a low-density area in his left temporal lobe. We decided on emergency tumor decompression surgery to prevent ischemic progression. We performed endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Postoperative MRI showed recanalization of the left internal carotid artery (ICA). His incomplete right paralysis improved immediately after surgery but remains mild sensory aphasia.

Conclusion

ICO-related PA is a very rare occasion but there are few similar reports. Some cases of successful ICO treatment due to PA have been reported, but the question of whether emergency or elective surgery is better remains unanswered. Our case may have been no neurological deficit if we had decided to have surgery on admission. Hypoperfusion of the ICA area due to PA may be an adaptation of emergency surgery. Perfusion images like ASL could be a useful technique to decide on surgery or conservative treatment.

Pituitary Apoplexy: An Updated Review

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is an acute, life-threatening clinical syndrome caused by hemorrhage and/or infarction of the pituitary gland. It is clinically characterized by the sudden onset of headache. Depending on the severity, it may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, varying degrees of adenohypophyseal hormone deficiency, and decreased level of consciousness. Corticotropic axis involvement may result in severe hypotension and contribute to impaired level of consciousness. Precipitating factors are present in up to 30% of cases. PA may occur at any age and sometimes develops during pregnancy or the immediate postpartum period. PA occurs more frequently in men aged 50-60, being rare in children and adolescents. It can develop in healthy pituitary glands or those affected by inflammation, infection, or tumor. The main cause of PA is usually spontaneous hemorrhage or infarction of a pituitary adenoma (pituitary neuroendocrine tumor, PitNET). It is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention and, in many cases, urgent surgical intervention and long-term follow-up. Although the majority of patients (70%) require surgery, about one-third can be treated conservatively, mainly by monitoring fluid and electrolyte levels and using intravenous glucocorticoids. There are scoring systems for PA with implications for management and therapeutic outcomes that can help guide therapeutic decisions. Management of PA requires proper evaluation and long-term follow-up by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in pituitary pathology. The aim of the review is to summarize and update the most relevant aspects of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and clinical forms, diagnosis, therapeutic strategies, and prognosis of PA.

Pituitary apoplexy score, toward standardized decision-making: a descriptive study

Pituitary apoplexy (PA), a rare and life-threatening complication of pituitary adenomas, prompts urgent glucocorticoid administration. The optimal surgical approach is debated, and the Pituitary Apoplexy Score (PAS) aids decision-making. Our retrospective study (2003-2022) assesses variables in PA patient groups (surgical vs. non-surgical), applying PAS to establish a significant threshold for surgical decisions. Additionally, we aim to compare the rates of ophthalmological and endocrine deficit between both groups and identify any associated variables. PAS discrepancies were observed, with averages of 1.7 ± 1.7 (p < 0.0001) for conservative and 3.9 ± 1.7 (p < 0.0001) for surgical groups, confirmed by multivariate analysis (p = 0.009). A PAS threshold of 5, showing over 80% positive predictive value, was established. Patients with low prolactin levels (< 5 ng/ml) had higher corticotropic deficiency prevalence at 3-month and 1-year follow-ups (p = 0.017 and 0.027). Our study supports PAS as a valuable PA management tool, suggesting potential variable adjustments. Multicenter studies are crucial due to PA's low incidence.

Natural history of pituitary apoplexy: a long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare neurosurgical emergency, associated with deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones. Few studies have explored the relative outcomes associated with conservative and neurosurgical intervention.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of all patients with PA reviewed at Morriston Hospital was undertaken and diagnosis was obtained from Morriston database (Leicester Clinical Workstation database) between 1998 and 2019 from clinic letters and discharge summaries.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with PA were identified with a mean age of 74.5 years and 20 (51.3%) patients were women. Patients were followed up for a mean±SD 68.1±61.7 months. Twenty-three (59.0%) patients had a known pituitary adenoma. Commoner clinical presentations of PA were ophthalmoplegia or visual field loss. Following PA, 34 (87.2%) patients were noted to have a non-functioning pituitary adenoma (either pre-existing or new), while 5 (12.8%) patients had a pre-existing functional macroadenoma. Neurosurgical intervention was taken in 15 (38.5%) patients of which 3 (20.0%) patients also received radiotherapy, 2 (13.3%) patients had radiotherapy alone and the remainder managed conservatively. External ophthalmoplegia recovered in all cases. Visual loss remained in all cases. One (2.6%) patient with chromophobe adenoma had a significant second episode of PA requiring repeat surgery.

CONCLUSION

PA often occurs in patients with undiagnosed adenoma. Hypopituitarism commonly occurred following conservative or surgical treatment. External ophthalmoplegia resolved in all cases, however, visual loss did not recover. Pituitary tumour recurrence and further PA episodes are rare.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY

Pituitary Apoplexy Following Elective Total Hip Replacement

Pituitary apoplexy is an endocrine-related emergency most commonly caused by hemorrhage into a preexisting pituitary adenoma. Known risk factors for such hemorrhage include major surgical procedures, head trauma, pregnancy, anticoagulation, and the administration of hormone therapies for the correction of primary hypothalamic deficiencies. Elective orthopedic surgery is an uncommon precipitator of pituitary apoplexy that is rarely described. We report the case of a patient with a previously unknown pituitary macroadenoma who developed apoplexy as a complication of elective right total hip arthroplasty.

Antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy and the risk of pituitary apoplexy in pituitary adenoma patients

PURPOSE

Pituitary apoplexy can be a life threatening and vision compromising event. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation use has been reported as a contributing factor in pituitary apoplexy (PA). Utilizing one of the largest cohorts in the literature, this study aims to determine the risk of PA in patients on antiplatelet/anticoagulation (AP/AC) therapy.

METHODS

A single center, retrospective study was conducted on 342 pituitary adenoma patients, of which 77 patients presented with PA (23%). Several potential risk factors for PA were assessed, including: patient demographics, tumor characteristics, pre-operative hormone replacement, neurologic deficits, coagulation studies, platelet count, and AP/AC therapy.

RESULTS

Comparing patients with and without apoplexy, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients taking aspirin (45 no apoplexy vs. 10 apoplexy; p = 0.5), clopidogrel (10 no apoplexy vs. 4 apoplexy; p = 0.5), and anticoagulation (7 no apoplexy vs. 3 apoplexy; p = 0.7). However, male sex (p-value < 0.001) was a predictor for apoplexy while pre-operative hormone treatment was a protective factor from apoplexy (p-value < 0.001). A non-clinical difference in INR was also noted as a predictor for apoplexy (no apoplexy: 1.01 ± 0.09, apoplexy: 1.07 ± 0.15; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although pituitary tumors have a high risk for spontaneous hemorrhage, the use of aspirin is not a risk for hemorrhage. Our study did not find an increased risk of apoplexy with clopidogrel or anticoagulation, but further investigation is needed with a larger cohort. Confirming other reports, male sex is associated with an increased risk for PA.

Differences in clinical, hormonal, and radiological presentation and in surgical outcomes in patients presenting with and without pituitary apoplexy. A multicenter study of 245 cases

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical, hormonal, and radiological presentation and surgical outcomes of patients with macroadenomas presenting with pituitary apoplexy and patients not presenting pituitary apoplexy.

METHODS

Multicentre retrospective study of patients presenting with macroadenomas and pituitary apoplexy in three Spanish tertiary hospitals between 2008 and 2022. We selected as control group (non-pituitary apoplexy), patients with pituitary macroadenomas without apoplexy who underwent pituitary surgery between 2008 and 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients with apoplexy and 185 without apoplexy were enrolled. Patients with pituitary apoplexy were more frequently men (70% vs. 48.1%, p = 0.003), had higher prevalence of hypertension (43.3% vs. 26.0%, p = 0.011) and of obesity (23.3% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.007), were under treatment with anticoagulants more commonly (11.7% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.039) and had larger (27.5 ± 11.03 vs. 23.6 ± 12.55 mm, p = 0.035) and invasive pituitary macroadenomas more frequently (85.7% vs. 44.3%, P < 0.001) than those without apoplexy. Surgical remission was more frequent in patients with pituitary apoplexy than those without apoplexy (OR 4.55, P < 0.001), but they developed new pituitary deficits (OR 13.29, P < 0.001) and permanent diabetes insipidus (OR 3.40, P = 0.022) more commonly. However, visual improvement (OR 6.52, p < 0.001) and complete pituitary function recovery (OR 2.37, P < 0.001) was more common in patients without apoplexy.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection is more common in patients presenting with pituitary apoplexy than those without apoplexy; however, visual improvement and complete recovery of pituitary function is more common in patients without apoplexy. The risk of new pituitary deficits and permanent diabetes insipidus is higher in patients with apoplexy than in those without it.

Clinical Applicability of the Sellar Barrier Concept in Patients with Pituitary Apoplexy: Is It Possible?

There is evidence of association between sellar barrier thickness and intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, impacting the postoperative prognosis of the patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical applicability of the sellar barrier concept in a series of operated patients with pituitary apoplexy (PA). A retrospective study was conducted including 47 patients diagnosed with PA who underwent surgical treatment through a transsphenoidal approach. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patients were evaluated and classified utilizing the following criteria: strong barrier (greater than 1 mm), weak barrier (less than 1 mm), and mixed barrier (less than 1 mm in one area and greater than 1 mm in another). The association between sellar barrier types and CSF leakage was analyzed, both pre- and intraoperatively. The preoperative MRI classification identified 10 (21.28%) patients presenting a weak sellar barrier, 20 patients (42.55%) with a mixed sellar barrier, and 17 patients (36.17%) exhibiting a strong sellar barrier. Preoperative weak and strong sellar barrier subtypes were associated with weak (p ≤ 0.001) and strong (p = 0.009) intraoperative sellar barriers, respectively. Strong intraoperative sellar barrier subtypes reduced the odds of CSF leakage by 86% (p = 0.01). A correlation between preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings in the setting of pituitary apoplexy has been observed.

Revisiting Pituitary Apoplexy

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare clinical syndrome due to pituitary hemorrhage or infarction. It is characterized by the sudden onset of one or more of the following: severe headache, visual disturbance, nausea/vomiting, and or altered mental status. Most commonly, PA occurs in an underlying pituitary adenoma. The pathophysiology is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve elements of increased metabolic demand and/or compromise to the vasculature of the pituitary or pituitary tumor. Several risk factors have been described. Stabilization of the patient on presentation, replacement of hormonal deficiencies, and reversal of electrolyte abnormalities are the recommended initial steps in the management of patients with PA. Surgical decompression of the mass effect had been the recommended treatment for patients with PA; however, retrospective studies of patients with PA have demonstrated similar outcomes when a conservative approach is applied. This suggests that in highly selected clinical scenarios (mild visual deficit and improving symptoms), conservative management is possible. Further studies, however, are necessary to better stratify patients but are limited by the rarity of the condition and the acuity.

Long-term oncological outcomes after haemorrhagic apoplexy in pituitary adenoma managed operatively and non-operatively

INTRODUCTION

Depending on severity of presentation, pituitary apoplexy can be managed with acute surgery or non-operatively. We aim to assess long-term tumour control, visual and endocrinological outcomes following pituitary apoplexy with special emphasis on patients treated non-operatively.

METHODS

Multicentre retrospective cohort study. All patients with symptomatic pituitary apoplexy were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1: surgery within 7 days; group 2: surgery 7 days-3 months; group 3: non-operative. Further intervention for oncological reasons during follow-up was the primary outcome. Secondary outcome measures included visual and endocrinological function at last follow-up.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty patients were identified with mean follow-up of 48 months (n = 61 group 1; n = 34 group 2; n = 64 group 3). Factors influencing decision for surgical treatment included visual acuity loss (OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.02-6.10), oculomotor nerve palsy (OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.08-7.25) and compression of chiasm on imaging (OR: 9.50; 95% CI: 2.06-43.73). Treatment for tumour progression/recurrence was required in 17%, 37% and 24% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.07). Urgent surgery (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04-0.59) and tumour regression on follow-up (OR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.04-0.36) were independently associated with long-term tumour control. Visual and endocrinological outcomes were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

Urgent surgery is an independent predictor of long-term tumour control following pituitary apoplexy. However, 76% of patients who successfully complete 3 months of non-operative treatment may not require any intervention in the long term.

Neurological Presentation of Giant Pituitary Tumour Apoplexy: Case Report and Literature Review of a Rare but Life-Threatening Condition

Background: Giant pituitary adenomas are benign intracranial tumours with a diameter ≥4 cm. Even if hormonally non-functional, they may still cause local extension, leading to symptoms that include mostly gland dysfunction, mass effects, and, much less frequently, apoplexy due to haemorrhage or infarction. Neurological presentation of giant pituitary tumour apoplexy is even more rare and has not been systematically reviewed. Case Presentation: An 81-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department because of acute onset headache, bilateral visual deficit, and altered consciousness. Computed tomography showed a giant mass lesion (>5.5 cm diameter) expanding upward to the suprasellar cistern, optic chiasm, and third ventricle, over-running the sphenoid sinus, and with lateral invasion of the cavernous sinus. Laboratory investigations revealed central adrenal and hypothyroidism insufficiency, while magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a voluminous suprasellar tumour (~6 cm diameter), with signs of pituitary tumour apoplexy. Neurological manifestations and gland-related deficits improved after hormonal replacement therapy with a high dose of intravenous hydrocortisone, followed by oral hydrocortisone and levo-thyroxine. The patient declined surgical treatment and follow-up visit. Conclusions: Giant pituitary tumour apoplexy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management may allow a remarkable clinical improvement, as seen in this case.

Ischemic Infarction of Pituitary Apoplexy: A Retrospective Study of 46 Cases From a Single Tertiary Center

Objective

Ischemic infarction of pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare type of pituitary apoplexy. This study aims to characterize ischemic PA via clinical presentations, imaging data, histopathological manifestations, and focus on the management and prognosis of the disease.

Methods

This study retrospectively identified 46 patients with ischemic PA confirmed using histopathology at a single institution from January 2013 to December 2020. The clinical presentations, imaging data, laboratory examination, management, and outcomes were collected. We then summarized the clinical presentations, imaging features, intraoperative findings, and histopathological manifestations, and compared the outcomes based on the timing of surgical intervention.

Results

Headache was the most common initial symptom (95.65%, 44/46), followed by visual disturbance (89.13%, 41/46), and nausea and vomiting (58.70%, 27/46). 91.3% of the patients had at least one pituitary dysfunction, with hypogonadism being the most common endocrine dysfunction (84.78%, 39/46). Cortisol dysfunction occurred in 24 (52.17%) patients and thyroid dysfunction occurred in 17 (36.96%). Typical rim enhancement and thickening of the sphenoid sinus on MRI were seen in 35 (85.37%) and 26 (56.52%) patients, respectively. Except for one patient with asymptomatic apoplexy, the remaining patients underwent early (≤ 1 week, 12 patients) and delayed (&gt; 1 week, 33 patients) transsphenoidal surgery. Total tumor resection was achieved in 27 patients and subtotal tumor resection in 19 patients. At surgery, cottage cheese–like necrosis was observed in 50% (23/46) of the patients. At the last follow-up of 5.5 ± 2.7 years, 92.68% (38/41) of the patients had gained a significant improvement in visual disturbance regardless of surgical timing, and 65% of the patients were still receiving long-term hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Patients with ischemic PA can be accurately diagnosed by typical imaging characteristics preoperatively. The timing of surgical intervention does not significantly affect the resolution of neurological and endocrinological dysfunctions. Preoperative endocrine dysfunctions are common and usually appear to be poor after surgical intervention.

Potential Association Between Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Abuse and Pituitary Apoplexy: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare, and potentially life-threatening condition, caused by hemorrhage or infarction into the pituitary gland with a rapid expansion of the contents of the sella turcica, associated with sudden intense headache, neurological and endocrinological deterioration. The identification of risk factors is crucial for prevention and optimal management. Herein we report a case of PA occurring 1 month after the initiation of anabolic androgenic steroid abuse for bodybuilding.

CASE REPORT

A 40-year-old male patient presents with abrupt onset headache associated with left partial third cranial nerve palsy. The MRI shows a sellar lesion involving left cavernous sinus with a heterogenous anterior aspect of the lesion with hemorrhagic zones in favor of PA. Endocrine work-up shows high testosterone level in patient who was using exogenous testosterone without a medical prescription for a month.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of PA of a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor occurring shortly after AAS. The association between PA and AAS should be considered as a potential risk.

Growth hormone storm following infarction of a residual growth hormone secreting pituitary macroadenoma

BACKGROUND

Thyrotroph pituitary adenomas have been reported to be a rare cause of 'thyroid storms', causing myriad metabolic and autonomic disturbances. In this case, we describe the second reported case in literature of a 'GH storm' in an infarcted somatotroph adenoma.Case description: We describe a residual invasive somatotroph macroadenoma that underwent infarction, producing a dramatic elevation in serum GH levels. While infarction of adenomas may in some cases lead to remission, the patient went on to require re-surgery and re-radiation due to growth of the residual viable tumour.Conclusions- 'GH storms' are rare but interesting events that may occur in somatotroph adenomas. Infarction or apoplexy must be considered when managing residual adenomas.

Predictive Clinical and Surgical Factors Associated with Recurrent Apoplexy in Pituitary Adenomas

Introduction Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon clinical condition that can require urgent surgical intervention, but the factors resulting in recurrent apoplexy remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine the risks of a recurrent apoplexy and better understand the goals of surgical treatment.

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for all consecutive patients diagnosed and surgically treated for pituitary apoplexy from 2004 to 2021. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with recurrent apoplexy.

Results A total of 115 patients were diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy with 11 patients showing recurrent apoplexy. This occurred at a rate of 2.2 cases per 100 patient-years of follow-up. There were no major differences in demographic factors, such as hypertension or anticoagulation use. There were no differences in tumor locations, cavernous sinus invasion, or tumor volumes (6.84 ± 4.61 vs. 9.15 ± 8.45 cm, p = 0.5). Patients with recurrent apoplexy were less likely to present with headache (27.3%) or ophthalmoplegia (9.1%). Recurrent apoplexy was associated with prior radiation (0.0 vs. 27.3%, p = 0.0001) and prior subtotal resection (10.6 vs. 90.9%, p = 0.0001) compared with first time apoplexy. The mean time to recurrent apoplexy was 48.3 ± 76.9 months and no differences in overall follow-up were seen in this group.

Conclusion Recurrent pituitary apoplexy represents a rare event with limited understanding of pathophysiology. Prior STR and radiation treatment are associated with an increased risk. The relatively long time from the first apoplectic event to a recurrence suggests long-term patient follow-up is necessary.

Headache for ophthalmologists: current advances in headache understanding and management

Patients with headache and head pain are often referred to ophthalmologists. These symptoms can either be associated with underlying ophthalmic conditions, or more often are headache disorders unrelated to the eyes. Understanding the phenotype of the headache is critical for advice, safe discharge or onward referral. This review will provide an update on the criteria for common headache disorders that are often seen by ophthalmology and embrace disorders associated with ophthalmic diseases. It will also describe the changing management of migraine and outline recent therapies that are currently available.

Apoplexy in sporadic pituitary adenomas: a single referral center experience and AIP mutation analysis

Objective

To analyze the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings and management of patients with clinical pituitary apoplexy and to screen for aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) mutations.

Methods

The clinical findings were collected from the medical records of consecutive sporadic pituitary adenoma patients with clinical apoplexy. Possible precipitating factors, laboratory data, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and treatment were also analyzed. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for DNA extraction from leukocytes, and the entire AIP coding region was sequenced.

Results

Thirty-five patients with pituitary adenoma were included, and 23 (67%) had non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Headache was observed in 31 (89%) patients. No clear precipitating factor was identified. Hypopituitarism was observed in 14 (40%) patients. MRI from 20 patients was analyzed, and 10 (50%) maintained a hyperintense signal in MRI performed more than three weeks after pituitary apoplexy (PA). Surgery was performed in ten (28%) patients, and 25 (72%) were treated conservatively with good outcomes. No AIP mutation was found in this cohort.

Conclusion

Patients with stable neuroophthalmological impairments can be treated conservatively if no significant visual loss is present. Our radiological findings suggest that hematoma absorption lasts more than that observed in other parts of the brain. Additionally, our study suggests no benefits of AIP mutation screening in sporadic patients with apoplexy.

Evaluating thunderclap headache

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Thunderclap headache (TCH) is an abrupt-onset of severe headache that needs to be thoroughly investigated because the most common secondary cause is subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). There has been no consensus guideline regarding the diagnostic workup. This review aims to provide an update on the evaluation of TCH.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most important update in the 2019 American College of Emergency Physicians guideline for evaluation of acute headache in the emergency department is that negative noncontrast brain computed tomography (CT) findings within 6 h from ictus essentially excludes SAH. Additionally, the updated guideline recommends that after a negative brain CT, CT angiogram is a reasonable alternative to lumbar puncture if clinical suspicion of an intracranial source of SAH is high. An important update of reversible vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), the second most common etiology of TCH, is the RCVS2 score development based on clinical and radiological features, providing high specificity and sensitivity for distinguishing RCVS from other intracranial arteriopathies.

SUMMARY

Although the evaluation of TCH is exhaustive, the potentially catastrophic consequence of a missed diagnosis of sentinel headache justifies the efforts. Awareness of the clinical features and application of diagnostic tools specific for different pathological conditions can facilitate the diagnostic workup.

Oculomotor nerve palsy in pituitary apoplexy associated with pituitary adenoma: a radiological analysis with fast imaging employing with steady-state acquisition

PURPOSE

Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) occasionally occurs in cases of pituitary apoplexy (PA) associated with pituitary adenoma, but its mechanism remains unclear. Intracranial nerves are clearly visualized by fast-imaging employing with steady-state acquisition (FIESTA). Here, we assessed the oculomotor nerve compression in patients with PA associated with pituitary adenoma using FIESTA.

METHODS

Twenty-eight cases of PA, with or without ONP, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had undergone preoperative FIESTA. Two neuroradiologists, unaware of the patient's clinical symptoms, evaluated the presence and location of oculomotor nerve compression due to the tumor.

RESULTS

Thirteen of the twenty-eight PA cases were associated with ONP. Tumor size and degree of cavernous sinus invasion were not significantly different between the ONP and non-ONP groups. Even in the ONP group, 8/13 (62%) tumors did not show cavernous sinus invasion. Via FIESTA, the presence of oculomotor nerve compression was confirmed in 11/13 (85%) and 5/15 (33%) cases in the ONP and non-ONP groups, respectively (p = 0.008). The radiologists' diagnoses of laterality of nerve compression (right or left) were consistent with the patient's affected eye. In the ONP group, the location of the nerve compression was located at the entry point to the cavernous sinus, the so-called oculomotor triangle, in 9/11 (82%) cases and intra cavernous sinus in 2/11 (18%) cases.

CONCLUSION

Compression at the oculomotor triangle is considered the main cause of ONP with PA in pituitary adenomas.

A key role for conservative treatment in the management of pituitary apoplexy

PURPOSE

The management of pituitary apoplexy, a rare emergency neuroendocrine condition, is controversial. The aim of the present study is to compare the outcomes of patients with pituitary apoplexy managed either by a conservative or surgical approach.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study including patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2018 in a tertiary French university hospital. Pituitary Apoplexy Score (PAS) was retrospectively applied in the perspective of therapeutic decision support.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were treated for pituitary apoplexy either with conservative management (n = 27) or surgery (n = 19). At initial evaluation, visual field defects (VFD) and visual acuity impairment were more frequent in patients from the surgery group. At 1 year there were no statistical differences in the rates of complete/near-complete resolution of VFD (100 vs. 91.7%), visual acuity impairment (100 vs. 87.5%), and cranial nerve palsies (83.3 vs. 100%), between conservative and surgical treatment groups. There were more endocrine deficits at 1 year in the surgical group (p = 0.029). PAS (n = 41) was 3.4 on average in the early surgery group and 1.3 in the conservative treatment/delayed surgery group. Among patients with a score < 4, 31.3% were operated at first line and did not present better outcomes than patients managed conservatively. In all, 88.9% of patients with a score ≥ 4 underwent surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

PAS may be a reliable parameter for defining therapeutic strategy. Patients with non-severe and nonprogressive neuro-ophthalmological deficits can be managed conservatively without negative impact on outcomes, thus surgery should be reserved only for those patients with a PAS ≥ 4.

Neuroimaging of the Pituitary Gland: Practical Anatomy and Pathology

The pituitary gland is a small endocrine organ located within the sella turcica. Various pathologic conditions affect the pituitary gland and produce endocrinologic and neurologic abnormalities. The most common lesion of the pituitary gland is the adenoma, a benign neoplasm. Dedicated MR imaging of the pituitary is radiologic study of choice for evaluating pituitary gland and central skull region. Computed tomography is complimentary and allows for identification of calcification and adjacent abnormalities of the osseous skull base. This review emphasizes basic anatomy, current imaging techniques, and highlights the spectrum of pathologic conditions that affect the pituitary gland and sellar region.

Risk factors for the incidence of apoplexy in pituitary adenoma: a single-center study from southwestern China

Background

Although the incidence and clinical manifestations of pituitary apoplexy were reported by a few researches, the results are not consistent. This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with an incidence of apoplexy in pituitary adenomas.

Methods

The clinical information of 843 patients with pituitary adenoma from the Department of Neurological Surgery, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, was reviewed. The incidence, clinical manifestation, and potential risk factors for pituitary apoplexy were analyzed by a case-control study.

Results

In total, 121 patients (14.4%) with macroadenoma were suffered from pituitary apoplexy. Headache, vomiting, and visual impairment are the top 3 symptoms for the pituitary apoplexy.Logistic regression results showed that the hypertension(hypertension vs non-hypertension OR = 2.765, 95%CI:1.41~5.416), tumor type (negative staining vs. positive staining, OR = 1.501, 95%CI:1.248~5.235), and tumor size (diameter > 2 cm vs. diameter ≤ 2 cm, OR = 3.952, 95%CI:2.211~7.053) are independent factors associated with pituitary apoplexy.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the risk factors for the incidence of pituitary apoplexy depend mainly on properties of the tumor itself (tumor size and pathologic type) and the blood pressure of patients.

Pituitary Apoplexy Leading to Cerebral Infarction: A Systematic Review

Background: Cerebral infarction caused by pituitary apoplexy (PA) is rare. To characterize the clinical features of cerebral infarction caused by PA, we performed a systematic review. Summary: The clinical symptoms are mainly sudden headache, hemiplegia, visual impairment, disturbance of consciousness, and ophthalmalgia in patients with cerebral infarction caused by PA. Treatment for this type of infarction is different from treatment for general acute cerebral infarction. Compared to patients who underwent emergency surgery and conservative treatment, patients treated with delayed surgery showed a better prognosis and a lower mortality rate. Compared to patients who underwent craniotomy or conservative treatment, patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) not only improved well but also showed a lower mortality rate. Key Messages: PA rarely causes cerebral infarction, which is a critical condition with a poor prognosis and is more common in men. Delayed surgery and TSS appear to confer a better prognosis in patients with this condition.

Pituitary Apoplexy Case Series: Outcomes After Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery at a Single Tertiary Center

BACKGROUND

The management of pituitary apoplexy, caused by acute hemorrhage and/or infarction of a pituitary adenoma, is debated.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical characteristics of patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) for pituitary apoplexy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients at our institution from 2012 to 2018 undergoing EEA for pituitary apoplexy diagnosed clinically and with imaging/pathologic findings. Analysis included demographics, symptoms, neuroendocrine deficits, neuroimaging, complications, symptom resolution, and follow-up details.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (mean age, 53 years) were included. Preoperative symptoms included headache (86%), vision loss (62%), and cranial nerve paresis (40%). Mean tumor diameter was 2.7 cm and extrasellar extension was observed in 96% of tumors. Twenty-eight tumors were hemorrhagic (76%), 24 were necrotic (65%), and 13 (35%) had both features. Magnetic resonance imaging showed gross total resection in 58% of patients. Headache and vision loss improved in 87% and 86% of presenting patients. Cranial nerve paresis resolved in 72% of patients, partially improved in 11%, and remained unchanged in 17%. There were no deaths or carotid artery injuries. Surgical complications included postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 4, 8%), epistaxis (n = 2, 4%), postoperative abscess (n = 1, 2%), and transient postoperative vision loss requiring reoperation (n = 1, 4%). Endocrinopathies improved in 21% of patients and panhypopituitarism persisted in 48% and developed in 6% of patients. Mean follow-up time was 26 months; 2 patients experienced recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

EEA for pituitary apoplexy is effective in rapidly improving headache and visual symptoms. Although neuro-ophthalmic deficits often improve over time, panhypopituitarism persists in most patients after surgical resection.

Pituitary apoplexy in nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is an endocrinologic emergency characterized by headache, visual abnormalities, and hemodynamic instability in the context of hemorragic infarction of a pituitary adenoma. Our goal was to estimate the incidence, precipitating factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome of PA in a cohort of patients with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMAs).

METHODS

A retrospective, case-control study of 46 patients with PA and 47 controls matched for age, gender, and tumor invasiveness. Clinical, hormonal, and tumoral charactersitics, as well as the presence of potential precipitating factors and long-term outcome were evaluated using both bivariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PA was 8%. Cases and controls were similar in regards to the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, use of antiplatelet agents, and the presence of headaches and visual field defects. Oculomotor paralysis was present in 18% of cases and in none of the controls (P = .001). Prior use of dopamine agonists was significantly more frequent among cases than in controls on both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Pituitary hormone deficiencies were more common among cases than in controls on bivariate but not on multivariate analysis. Early and late surgical treatment was carried out in 11 and 25 patients, respectively; 11 patients were managed conservatively. Visual and endocrine outcomes were similar among the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

PA represents a life-threatening medical emergency. Prior use of dopamine agonists and the presence of oculomotor abnormalities clearly distinguished patients with NFPMA who developed PA from those who did not.

Uncontrolled diabetes as a rare presenting cause of pituitary apoplexy

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare endocrine emergency. The extent to which hyperglycaemia is a contributory risk factor in the precipitation of pituitary apoplexy is not known. A 38-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of nausea and headache with drooping of his right eyelid for about 4 days. On physical examination, he had orthostatic hypotension, ptosis of the right eye, lateral and downward positioning of the eye and absent pupillary reflex. Visual field testing of the left eye revealed superolateral quadrantanopia. MRI of the brain showed pituitary macroadenoma with necrosis. Investigations showed hyperglycaemia, decreased T3, T4 with normal Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), low serum Leutinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and low normal serum prolactin levels. About 21% of non-functioning pituitary adenomas present with apoplexy as was seen in our patient. It is likely that his uncontrolled diabetes precipitated this episode of apoplexy as hyperosmolarity and dehydration, caused by hyperglycaemia can lead to changed pituitary microvascular environment increasing the risk of pituitary infarction.

T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging characterization of prolactinomas and association with their response to dopamine agonists

PURPOSE

Recent work supports the use of T2-weighted MRI intensity as a tool for treatment stratification in acromegaly. Our study aimed to establish if the pattern of T2 intensity could be a predictor of hormonal and/or tumoral response to dopamine agonists (DAs) in prolactinomas.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study performed in two academic centers. We characterized the magnetic resonance T2-weighted aspect of prolactinomas (signal intensity and homogeneity in the whole tumors) before DA therapy and correlated this pattern to the prolactin (PRL) concentration at diagnosis and to hormonal and tumoral responses after 1 year of medical treatment. We separately analyzed a subgroup of prolactinomas visually very bright in more than 50% of the surface ("cystic" tumors).

RESULTS

Out of 70 prolactinomas, 80% were T2 hyperintense and 40% were heterogeneous. At diagnosis, heterogeneous prolactinomas were more frequent in men (68% vs. 28.9%, p ≤ 0.011), larger (median area 304.5 mm² vs. 56.5 mm², p ≤ 0.021), taller (mean height 18.6 mm vs. 9.9 mm, p < 0.001), more secreting (median PRL ULN_area 23 µg/L/cm² vs. 12.6 µg/L/cm², p ≤ 0.032) and had poorer hormonal response to DA as compared with homogeneous prolactinomas. "Cystic" tumors were diagnosed almost exclusively in women and secreted less prolactin, but showed similar hormonal and tumoral response as "non-cystic" tumors. In homogeneous prolactinomas, the T2-weighted intensity ratio was correlated to prolactin secretion, although not significantly, and did not predict hormonal and tumoral response to DA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that hypo/isointense prolactinoma is a rare finding and suggests for the first time that the heterogeneity of prolactinoma T2 signal at diagnosis might be correlated with a different clinical behavior and could be used as a negative predictor factor of hormonal response to DA.

Coagulative necrotic pituitary adenoma apoplexy: A retrospective study of 21 cases from a large pituitary center in China

PURPOSE

Coagulative necrotic pituitary apoplexy (CNPA) is a clinical entity with unique intraoperative and histopathological manifestations. We aimed to improve the knowledge of this rare disease through the largest case series published to date.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 21 CNPA patients was performed from among 5095 patients who underwent surgery for pituitary adenomas at a single institution between January 2009 and June 2017. The demographic, clinical, endocrine, neuroimaging, intraoperative, and histopathological findings, management and prognosis were summarized.

RESULTS

Headache was the most common symptom that was observed in 21 patients, followed by visual disturbances (17/21, 81.0%), nausea and vomiting (16/21, 76.2%), electrolyte disturbance (13/21, 61.9%), and oculomotor palsies (10/21, 47.6%). Hypopituitarism with at least one anterior pituitary deficiency, especially panhypopituitarism (10/21, 47.6%), was present in 81.0% of patients. Most patients (81.0%) showed typical MRI appearances. All 21 patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS), and 16 patients had total tumor resection demonstrated by postoperative MRI. Cottage cheese-like necrosis was observed in 16 patients (76.2%) intraoperatively. Histopathology showed large areas of pink, acellular, coagulative necrotic areas in the central zone, and a pseudocapsule in the border zone. After follow-up for 4.3 ± 2.3 years, only 28.6% of patients still suffered from corticotropic deficiency, and 9.5% of patients had gonadotropic deficiency. These patients were administered the appropriate corresponding hormones for life.

CONCLUSIONS

CNPA can be correctly diagnosed preoperatively by typical clinical and MRI characteristics. Early surgery combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy early postoperatively usually yields satisfactory endocrine and neuro-ophthalmic outcomes.

Spontaneous preoperative pituitary adenoma resolution following apoplexy: a case presentation and literature review

Purpose: We aim to more fully understand the incidence and natural history of spontaneously resolving non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).Methods: We report a case of spontaneous complete resolution of a NFPA revealed by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, we searched all major databases and neurosurgery journals to perform a comprehensive literature review of all previously reported cases of spontaneously resolving NFPAs. We discuss how these cases may contribute to our understanding of the natural course for non-functional pituitary adenomas.Results: To date, only twelve cases of spontaneously resolving nonfunctional pituitary adenomas have previously been reported. The presented case is the first reported spontaneously resolved nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma to recur. In all cases, apoplexy resulted in resolution of mass effect, obviating the need for surgical decompression.Conclusions: In all NFPA cases, the preoperative MRI should always be studied closely before surgery is initiated. Additionally, because we have demonstrated that the adenoma may regrow after spontaneous regression following apoplexy, these patients should be followed with regular serial MRIs to monitor for recurrence.

Clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients presenting with pituitary apoplexy

PURPOSE

To review the clinical and biochemical characteristics and clinical outcome of patients presenting with pituitary apoplexy to a tertiary centre.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features, predisposing factors, biochemistry and clinical outcome of patients presenting with pituitary apoplexy to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust between 1991 to 2015.

RESULTS

We identified 64 patients with pituitary apoplexy (more complete clinical records were available in 52 patients). The median age at presentation was 46.7 years (IQR 31.5-57.0 years). Pituitary apoplexy was the first presentation of pituitary disease in 38/52 of patients and predisposing factors were identified in 28/52. Pituitary apoplexy predominantly occurred in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (47/52). Headache was most commonly described as sudden-onset, severe, lateralising to the frontal or temporal regions. Symptoms of meningeal irritation were reported in 7/18 and visual abnormalities in 22/35. A pre-treatment serum cortisol <100nmol/l was recorded in 12/31 of patients. All patients with visual disturbance had some resolution of their visual symptoms whether managed surgically (14/14) or conservatively (5/5), although pituitary endocrine function did not fully recover in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, these data describe the clinical features of pituitary apoplexy to aid the clinician in diagnosing this rare emergency presentation of pituitary disease. Prospective multicentre studies of the presentation of pituitary apoplexy are required to further characterise presentation and outcomes.

The Outcomes of Pituitary Apoplexy with Conservative Treatment: Experiences at a Single Institution

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary apoplexy is an unpredictable complication caused by hemorrhage or infarction in a pituitary adenoma. We retrospectively analyzed the radiologic and clinical outcomes of patients with conservatively managed pituitary apoplexy.

METHODS

A total of 32 patients who had undergone conservative treatment with high-dose corticosteroid replacement were enrolled in this study. This cohort study consisted of 20 male and 12 female patients. The median patient age was 60 years. Five patients had a previously diagnosed pituitary tumor, and one third of the patients had a history of hypertension.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 50 months. The median tumor volumes at the initial and final assessments were 2.75 cm³ (range, 0.32-10.7 cm³) and 0.64 cm³ (range, 0-8.74 cm³), respectively. Complete radiographic regression occurred in 9 of the 32 patients, partial regression occurred in 14 patients, and no change in size or progression occurred in 9 patients. Eighteen of the 32 patients had visual disturbances at the initial presentation; in this subgroup, 17 patients showed improvement over the course of the study. One patient had newly developed diplopia related to tumor progression. Nineteen of the 32 patients had ≥1 hormonal deficiency at the initial assessment, 8 of whom recovered to normal endocrine status. Three patients developed a new hormonal deficiency during the follow-up, and 3 patients experienced tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the regression of tumors related to pituitary apoplexy, with favorable ophthalmologic and endocrinologic recovery. Conservative management should be considered in patients without severe or progressive neuro-ophthalmic deficits.

Apoplexy in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas

Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon event, occurring due to the infarction and/or haemorrhage usually of a previously unknown pituitary adenoma. It can occur in all adenoma subtypes but is more common in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. The physiopathology is not completely clear, and precipitating factors, such as major surgeries, anticoagulant use or pituitary dynamic tests, can be found in up to 40% of patients. The clinical presentation is characterized by a rapid onset with a headache as the main symptom, but visual disturbances can also be present as well as meningism and intracranial hypertension. The diagnosis is based on imaging evaluations, mainly using magnetic resonance imaging, which can show various patterns depending on the timeframe following the occurrence of the apoplectic event. Pituitary hormonal deficits are also common, and the evaluation of hormonal levels is mandatory. Pituitary apoplexy can be managed by surgery or conservative treatment, and a multidisciplinary team is essential for the decision-making process. The outcome is usually positive with both surgical and conservative approaches, but surveillance is needed due to the risk of re-bleeding or tumour recurrence.

Clinical and imaging features of pituitary apoplexy and role of imaging in differentiation of clinical mimics

To discuss the clinical syndrome, review common imaging findings of pituitary apoplexy (PA) and role of imaging in therapy and follow-up. Also, to review other acute clinical scenarios with similar clinical and/or imaging findings as PA. PA is a severe and potentially life-threatening medical emergency, characterized by constellation of symptoms/signs that occur as a result of acute hemorrhage and/or infarction in pituitary gland. Patients present with acute and sudden onset of symptoms/signs, most commonly with severe headache, vision deficits/ophthalmoplegia, altered mental status, and possible pan hypopituitarism. Pre-existing macro adenoma (65-90%), especially non-functioning and prolactinomas, are most susceptible to apoplexy, which undergoes hemorrhage or infarct, but PA can occur with normal pituitary or microadenoma. Because of the probable grave prognosis of PA, imaging characteristics of PA and other acute clinical scenarios with similar clinical and/or imaging findings should be familiar to radiologists. PA is potentially a life-threatening clinical syndrome, however, imaging and clinical findings can lead the radiologist towards appropriate diagnosis, and rule out other clinical mimics. When hemorrhage is secondary to an underlying lesion, regrowth of the pituitary tumor years after a PA episode is possible and patients require long-term clinical and imaging surveillance.

Pituitary Apoplexy Producing Internal Carotid and Basilar Artery Compression: A Rare Case Report

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare disease followed by ischemic or hemorrhagic process within the pituitary adenoma. Here, we report two cases of pituitary apoplexy with a history of sudden onset of headache, vomiting, and diminished vision. Our aim is to share our experience and discuss these cases as follows: the first one to know the compression of basilar artery along with the compression of basilar part of pons and in both the cases with compression of an internal carotid artery leading to cerebral infarcts.

Pituitary Apoplexy: Should Endoscopic Surgery Be the Gold Standard?

BACKGROUND

Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon, potentially fatal condition due to spontaneous ischemia or hemorrhage in a pituitary adenoma. The treatment of this disorder has long been a matter of debate.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study including all patients admitted with pituitary apoplexy in our department between 2005 and 2015 was undertaken. Clinical symptoms and signs on admission, treatment (conservative vs. surgical), neurologic deficit on discharge and at 6 months' follow-up, and endocrinologic evaluation at 6 months' follow-up were analyzed. The statistical analysis was performed with STATA 13.0. Endocrinologic and visual outcomes at 6 months in the different groups according to treatment were compared by applying an independent multinomial probit regression test. Outcomes between the conservative and the surgical (endoscopic and microscopic considered together) groups also were compared and the differences between surgical treated groups were analyzed with logistic regression analysis. P values <0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were included in this study; 60.9% (n = 14) were treated surgically (5 microsurgically; 9 endoscopically) and 39.1% (n = 9) conservatively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the visual function between the 3 treatment groups in both univariate and multivariate analysis (P > 0.05). The endocrinologic outcome was better in the surgical group (P = 0.017; adjusted P = 0.027), with a significant difference between the conservative group and the endoscopic group (P = 0.004; adjusted P = 0.005). When we compared both surgical groups, the endoscopic group has a better endocrinologic outcome (P = 0.020; adjusted P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support endoscopic intranasal transsphenoidal surgery as a treatment of pituitary apoplexy patients, as it probably decreases the need for long-term hormonal replacement.

Pituitary apoplexy presenting as a peripheral rim enhancing parasellar mass lesion with dural enhancement along the tentorium

Pituitary apoplexy is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition caused by rapid enlargement of a pituitary adenoma because of haemorrhage or infarction. The clinical features are typically acute in onset. We report an interesting case of 25-year-old man with complaints of sudden onset of headache and ophthalmoplegia in the right eye one month previously. He had ptosis and complete ophthalmoplegia in the right eye with visual acuity 6/24 and 6/12. Imaging showed a peripheral rim-enhancing mass lesion in the right parasellar and cavernous sinus with a dural tail. He underwent craniotomy and subtotal excision of the lesion. Histopathology was reported as pituitary apoplexy. Hormonal analysis was within normal limits. At two years of follow-up he had complete resolution of ophthalmoplegia and improvement in his vision. It is very uncommon to see pituitary apoplexy evolved in right parasellar region presenting as peripheral rim-enhancing mass lesion.

Brain and Optic Chiasm Herniation into Sella after Pituitary Tumor Apoplexy

Brain and optic chiasm herniation has been rarely reported following dopamine agonist treatment for large prolactinomas. We report a case of brain and optical chiasm herniation, secondary to an empty sella due to apoplexy of a prolactinoma, and we focus on the specific presentation of this case. A 32-year-old female presented to a neurologist complaining of headaches. Her past medical history was significant for acute vision loss in both eyes accompanied by right third nerve palsy when she was 16 years old. She does not recall any endocrine or imaging evaluation at that time and she had spontaneous partial recovery of left eye vision within 3 months, with permanent blindness of right eye. She did not return to any follow-up until her neurologist consultation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed herniation of frontal lobe and optic chiasm into the pituitary sella, as well as a pituitary hypointense lesion measuring 5 mm × 5 mm after gadolinium injection. Prolactin levels were 206 ng/ml (4.79-23.3 ng/ml). Repeated prolactin was 258 ng/ml (4.79-23.3 ng/ml). She was started on bromocriptine 2.5 mg/day. Prolactin levels and menstrual cycles normalized. A repeat brain MRI performed 5 months later showed disappearance of pituitary mass, with no changes in brain and chiasmal herniation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of brain associated with chiasm herniation secondary to pituitary apoplexy of a prolactinoma. In conclusion, this case highlights that frontal lobe herniation in combination with optic chiasm herniation can be a complication of pituitary tumor apoplexy. Long-term surveillance of patients with pituitary apoplexy is warranted to detect delayed complications.

Exam 1 Questions

Which of the following is the most common form of incomplete spinal cord injury?A.

Central cord syndrome

B.

Cauda equina syndrome

C.

Anterior spinal cord syndrome

D.

Posterior spinal cord syndrome

E.

Brown-Sequard lesion

A 64-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol abuse and congestive heart failure is currently recovering from excision of a large right shoulder lesion suspicious for melanoma. Postoperatively, he is experiencing bleeding and oozing from his surgical site that has persisted despite suture repair and direct pressure for an extended period of time. His labs are drawn, and are as follows: platelets 141 × 10³/mL, INR 1.2, fibrinogen 90 mg/dL. Which of the following blood products should be administered next?A.

Fresh frozen plasma

B.

Cryoprecipitate

C.

Prothrombin complex concentrate

D.

Recombinant activated factor VII

E.

Aminocaproic acid

A 75-year-old, 90 kg male with a history of peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, and epilepsy following a recent cerebral infarction presents to the emergency department after having three witnessed seizures at home. He was intubated at the scene by the paramedics, and received 8 mg of intravenous lorazepam and 1 g of phenytoin. While you are evaluating him, he has another generalized tonic-clonic seizure, and the nurse asks if you would like to initiate a continuous propofol infusion. His blood pressure is 94/42 mmHg, and he is having numerous premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on the electrocardiographic monitor. He has no history of platelet or liver dysfunction. Which of the following should be performed next?A.

Complete the phenytoin load to attain 20 mg/kg, then start propofol infusion

B.

Complete the phenytoin load to attain 20 mg/kg only

C.

Administer valproate, 30 mg/kg over 10 min, as well as midazolam 0.2 mg/kg

D.

Start immediate midazolam infusion at 2 mg/kg/h

E.

Give a 1 L normal saline bolus, and start a norepinephrine infusion to normalize blood pressure

A 38-year-old male is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. He is found to have significant ecchymoses on his chest and face, with multiple apparent rib fractures. He is in mild respiratory distress, with an oxygen saturation of 89% on room air, and hypotensive, with a systolic blood pressure of 88 mmHg. He has absent breath sounds on the right side. There is currently a delay in obtain a bedside portable chest x-ray. Which of the following should be performed next?A.

28-French chest tube placement

B.

16-French chest tube placement

C.

Obtain computed tomography (CT) of the chest

D.

Administer 30 cc/kg crystalloid

E.

Obtain urgent cardiothoracic surgery consult

Stress ulcer prophylaxis is often undertaken to prevent clinically important upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Which of the following factors puts patients at highest risk for such bleeding episodes?A.

Respiratory failure

B.

History of alcohol abuse

C.

NPO status

D.

Diverticulitis

E.

All of the above

In an intact heart, the Frank-Starling mechanism describes contractility increases in responses to:A.

Decreased preload

B.

Increased afterload

C.

Decreased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure

D.

Increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume

E.

Increased pulmonary vascular resistance

A 68-year-old female with a history of hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, and gastric cancer on total parenteral nutrition is currently in the ICU following a small traumatic subdural hemorrhage. On hospital day 5, the patient begins to spike fevers that persist despite broad spectrum antibiotic coverage with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam. She is otherwise hemodynamically stable. The lab calls you to notify you that multiple sets of blood cultures display budding yeast forms and pseudohyphae. Which of the following should be administered next?A.

Fluconazole

B.

Posaconazole

C.

Anidulafungin

D.

Caspofungin

E.

Amphotericin B

A 56-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and morbid obesity is currently intubated in the ICU following a left middle cerebral artery infarct. The respiratory therapist alerts you the fact that the patient has become markedly dysynchronous with the ventilator, including breath holding episodes, breath stacking, and resisting ventilator-delivered breaths. A variety of pressure- and volume-regulated ventilator modes have been attempted without improvement, as well as boluses of both fentanyl and midazolam. The most recent arterial blood gas is as follows: pH 7.19, PaCO₂ 78 mmHg, PaO₂ 61 mmHg. The patient is now hypotensive to 91/66 mmHg with sinus tachycardia at 117 beats/min. A recent bedside chest x-ray shows no consolidation or pneumothorax. Which of the following should be performed next?A.

Prone the patient

B.

Administer nitric oxide at 10 parts per million

C.

Administer 10 mg of cisatracurium

D.

Administer a mixture of 60% helium/40% oxygen

E.

Administer a continuous infusion of phenobarbital

Compared to lactulose for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to:A.

Decrease in-hospital mortality

B.

More rapidly improve symptoms

C.

Increase the rate of gastrointestinal complications

D.

Increase the incidence of major electrolyte abnormalities

E.

None of the above

Which of the following neurologic insults is the least likely to cause central (non-infectious) fever in the ICU?A.

Intracranial neoplasm

B.

Intraventricular hemorrhage

C.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus

D.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

E.

Traumatic brain injury

A 57-year-old male with a history of epilepsy and medication noncompliance is admitted to a small community hospital after a brief tonic-clonic seizure. A non-contrast head CT on admission is normal. On the second hospital day, the patient begins to complain of severe substernal chest pressure, and an urgent bedside EKG shows evidence of an acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI). The nearest percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capable center is approximately 150 min away by the fastest transport method available. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in this patient’s care?A.

Arrange for transport to the closest PCI center with anticipated balloon time within 30 min of arrival

B.

Prepare to administer fibrinolytic therapy

C.

Consult cardiothoracic surgery for possible coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

D.

Place the patient on a continuous nitroglycerine infusion and administer aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin

E.

Await serum cardiac biomarkers and repeat EKG in 1 h

A 62-year-old male with unknown past medical history who recently immigrated from El Salvador is currently in the stroke unit after suffering from an acute left middle cerebral artery infarction. The patient is aphasic; his wife states that he been in his usual state of health lately, and denies any recent weakness, dizziness, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, or fevers. On reviewing this patient’s belongings, the nurse discovers a bottle of isoniazid, as well as paperwork demonstrating a positive quantiferon gold test performed at a local clinic approximately 3 weeks ago. He does not appear to be on any other medications. A bedside portable chest x-ray is performed, which preliminarily appears normal. Which of the following should be performed next?A.

Move the patient to a negative pressure isolation room, continue isoniazid

B.

Isolate the patient, continue isoniazid, add rifampin

C.

Isolate the patient, continue isoniazid, add rifampin and pyrazinamide

D.

Isolate the patient, continue isoniazid, add rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol

E.

None of the above

A 56-year-old, 70 kg female patient in oliguric renal failure would be expected to have a daily urine output of:A.

No more than 50 mL

B.

No more than 400 mL

C.

No more than 800 mL

D.

Less than 70 mL/h

E.

Less than 35 mL/h

A 37-year-old female with a history of epilepsy is admitted to the ICU with status epilepticus. She required several doses of lorazepam in the emergency department in addition to fosphenytoin, intubation, and a continuous propofol infusion. There was concern for aspiration in the prehospital setting. Approximately 3 days after being admitted to the hospital, her respiratory status has worsened; she is increasingly hypoxic, and her chest x-ray demonstrates diffuse bilateral interstitial infiltrates. The patient is afebrile with minimal secretions. Her most recent arterial blood gas is as follows: pH 7.21, PaO₂ 107 mmHg, PCO₂ 55 mmHg, 100% FiO₂, and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 8 cm H₂O. According to the Berlin criteria, how would you categorize this patient’s acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?A.

Acute lung injury (ALI)

B.

Mild ARDS

C.

Moderate ARDS

D.

Severe ARDS

E.

None of the above

An 80-year-old male presents to the emergency department with multiple episodes of bright red blood per rectum. He is on aspirin and clopidogrel for a history of coronary artery disease and a previous transient ischemic attack. He underwent aortic graft surgery for repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm 2 years ago. A complete blood count and coagulation profile are all within normal limits. His vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 102/58 mmHg, heart rate 98 beats/min, respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, oxygen saturation 98% on room air, and temperature 98.3 °F. Which of the following is the next best step in the care of this patient?A.

Transfuse platelets, fresh frozen plasma, and recombinant factor VIIa

B.

Consult gastroenterology for emergent upper endoscopy

C.

Consult gastroenterology for emergent colonoscopy

D.

CT angiogram of the abdomen and pelvis

E.

Expectant management with fluids and blood transfusions

A thrombus in which of the following veins would not be considered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?A.

Popliteal vein

B.

Soleal vein

C.

Femoral vein

D.

Gastrocnemius vein

E.

Greater saphenous vein

After partial resection of the pituitary stalk, secretion of which of the following hormones will be most affected?A.

Oxytocin

B.

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone

C.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone

D.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone

E.

All will be equally affected

A 58-year-old female with a history of hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, metastatic ovarian cancer, and bilateral deep venous thrombosis status post recent inferior vena cava filter placement presents to the emergency department with right flank pain. She states the pain began approximately 1 h ago when bending down to pick something off the floor, and that it is constant and severe in nature. She denies dysuria or hematuria. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 108/62 mmHg, heart rate 121 beats/min, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min, oxygen saturation 99% on room air, and temperature 99.6 °F. A CT scan of the abdomen is obtained (see Image 1). Which of the following is the next best step in this patient’s management?A.

Administer vancomycin and cefepime, and draw two sets of blood cultures

B.

Urgent vascular surgery consult

C.

Immediately place the patient on her left side

D.

Rapid sequence intubation with mechanical ventilation

E.

Perform bedside diagnostic peritoneal lavage

Time Course of Symptomatic Recovery After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma Apoplexy in the Modern Era

BACKGROUND

Pituitary tumor apoplexy can result from either hemorrhagic or infarctive expansion of pituitary adenomas, and the related mass effect can result in compression of critical neurovascular structures. The time course of recovery of visual field deficits, headaches, ophthalmoparesis, and pituitary dysfunction after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has not been well established.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor apoplexy from April 2008 to November 2014.

RESULTS

Of 578 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery, pituitary tumor apoplexy was identified in 44 patients (7.6%). Two patients had prior surgery, leaving 42 patients for final analysis. These included infarction-related apoplexy in 7 (14.4%) patients, and hemorrhagic apoplexy in 35 (85.6%) patients. Hemorrhagic adenomas had a larger axial tumor diameter than patients with infarctive adenomas (4.4 ± 4.1 cm vs. 1.8 ± 0.8 cm; P < 0.01), but were otherwise equivalent. At an average last follow-up of 2.52 years (range, 0.1-6.7 years), resolution of ophthalmoparesis as a result of pituitary tumor apoplexy demonstrated the longest recovery course (range, 2.4 ± 2.2 months) compared with visual field deficits (range, 8.0 ± 9.9 days), headaches (range, 1.9 ± 3.0 days), or pituitary dysfunction (range, 2.0 ± 1.8 weeks; P < 0.01). All patients who presented with headaches (n = 37) and/or visual disturbances (n = 22) had complete resolution of symptoms at last follow-up, whereas 83.3% of patients who presented with ophthalmoplegia experienced resolution. Endocrinologic dysfunction remained relatively consistent after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery can provide durable resolution of symptoms for patients presenting with pituitary tumor apoplexy. Recovery from headaches, visual, and pituitary dysfunction may be more rapid compared with ophthalmoparesis.

Third, Fourth, and Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsies in Pituitary Apoplexy

BACKGROUND

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) often presents with acute headache and neuro-ophthalmic manifestations, including ocular motility dysfunction (OMD) from cranial nerve palsies (CNPs). Our goal was to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of OMD in a large, single-center series of patients with PA.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with PA seen in our pituitary center between January 1995 and December 2012. Presenting neuro-ophthalmic, endocrine, and radiologic data, as well as neuro-ophthalmology follow-up data, were collected.

RESULTS

We identified 235 patients with PA, 59 of whom (25%) had OMD. Twenty-seven of those 59 patients underwent neuro-ophthalmic evaluation. Preoperatively, 23 of these 27 patients had unilateral OMD, 18 (78%) with a single CNP and 5 (22%) with multiple CNPs. Bilateral OMD was present in 4 of the 27 patients. Postoperatively, 24 of the 27 patients with OMD had follow-up (median duration, 7 months; interquartile range [IQR], 3-17 months). At the last postoperative follow-up, 7 of these 24 patients (29%) had OMD (5 unilateral, 2 bilateral). OMD resolved in 3 of the 24 patients (12%) within 1 month, in 13 of 21 patients (62%) within 6 months (3 lost to follow-up), and in 17 of 19 patients (89%) within 1 year (2 lost to follow-up). Surgery was performed at ≤14 days after presentation in 16 of 18 (89%) resolved cases and in 4 of 6 (67%) unresolved cases. Patients with OMD were more likely than those without OMD to have larger tumors (2.6 vs. 2.0 cm; P < 0.001), panhypopituitarism (31% vs. 14%; P = 0.005), and necrosis (58% vs. 37%; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

OMD from CNPs is common in PA, occurring in one-quarter of patients, and is frequently associated with certain radiologic, endocrinologic, and pathological features. The prognosis is excellent, with 90% of cases of OMD resolving by 1 year after early pituitary surgery.

Ischemic pituitary adenoma apoplexy-Clinical appearance and prognosis after surgical intervention

BACKGROUND

Several retrospective investigations have recommended more passive surgical indications for intratumoral hemorrhage of pituitary adenomas due to probable spontaneous resolution. However, no definitive analyses have compared pituitary adenomas with hemorrhagic apoplexy and intratumoral hemorrhage without evident apoplectic symptoms or pituitary adenoma infarction.

METHODS

This study retrospectively identified 43 patients with symptomatic pituitary apoplexy among 1067 patients with pituitary adenomas initially treated by surgery at a single institute between April 2005 and May 2015, with 27 cases of hemorrhagic (2.53%) and 16 cases of ischemic apoplexy (1.50%). The inclusion criteria involved evident and sudden onset of symptoms and simultaneous histological confirmation as hemorrhagic or ischemic pituitary apoplexy. Diagnostic differentiation with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed to examine the agreement between MR imaging and histological findings, and the clinical appearance and mid-term prognosis were compared for ischemic pituitary apoplexy and hemorrhagic apoplexy.

RESULTS

Diagnostic matching with MR imaging could be performed in 41 of 43 patients (25 with hemorrhagic and 16 with ischemic apoplexy). Agreement with the histological finding was found in 32 of 41 patients overall (78%), 23 of 25 patients with hemorrhagic apoplexy (92%), and 9 of 16 patients with ischemic apoplexy (56%). The main reason for diagnostic discrepancy was thought to be the difficulty in identifying ischemic lesion. All patients in the ischemic group suffered progression of symptoms from initial onset including various cranial nerve palsies, aseptic meningitis, and decreased level of consciousness, whereas the hemorrhagic group suffered progression in 4 of 27 patients. Ischemic group showed a statistically stronger tendency to disease progression than the hemorrhagic group (P<0.001). Endocrinological examinations showed 4 patients required no hormone supplement therapies but the other 11 patients had persistent hypopituitarism and required hormone supplementation in the ischemic group, whereas 2 of 25 patients required hormone supplementation in the hemorrhagic group. Endocrinological recovery showed a significant difference between the ischemic group and hemorrhagic group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic pituitary adenoma apoplexy has a more severe clinical course than hemorrhagic apoplexy. Development of preoperative diagnostic technology to differentiate ischemic from hemorrhagic apoplexy is required to improve the low rate of agreement between the histological and MR imaging findings in patients with ischemic apoplexy.

Pituitary apoplexy: considerations on a single center experience and review of the literature

PURPOSE

To present a single-center experience on pituitary tumor apoplexy and a review of literature focusing on predisposing and precipitating factors.

METHODS

Clinical presentation of our series of cases. Contemporary published literature is also reviewed.

RESULTS

The definition of this syndrome has not been consistent although now the majority of authors agree to definite it as an acute condition caused by hemorrhage or infarction of a pre-existing pituitary adenoma. Different predisposing and precipitating factors have been described in literature; among these antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs, seem to play relevant roles. The clinical cases observed in our clinic confirm these data and suggest a probable association between elderly patients taking anticoagulant therapy and pituitary apoplexy adenoma.

CONCLUSION

Pituitary tumor apoplexy remains a challenging disease in relation to difficulties in correct diagnosis and thus in appropriate treatment. Antithrombotic/anticoagulant therapy may have an important role as precipitating factor. When a pituitary disorder is known, great care should be taken in the prescription of anticoagulant therapy.

Acute Hemorrhagic Apoplectic Pituitary Adenoma: Endoscopic Management, Surgical Outcomes, and Complications

OBJECTIVE

To assess safety and effectiveness of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for acute hemorrhagic apoplectic pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

Eighty nine patients with hemorrhagic apoplectic pituitary tumor undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery were included into a retrospective chart of this study. Charts were reviewed for patient age, sex, presentation, lesion size, surgical procedure, extent of resection, clinical outcome, and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Seventy eight (87.7%) patients achieved total resection, 9 (10.1%) had subtotal resection, and 2 (2.2%) patients had partial resection; no patient experienced insufficient resection. After surgery, 65 (90.3%) of 72 patients who had visual acuity deterioration preoperatively normalized and improved significantly; the rate for remission of visual field was 87.7%. All other acute symptoms, such as severe headache, nausea, vomiting, alteration of mental status, and loss of consciousness, vanished postoperatively. Twenty eight (90.4%) of 31 patients with active secreting adenoma had hormonal remission based on endocrinological evaluation. Three (3.4%) patients incurred CSF leakage which was managed with lumbar drainage. Nine (10.1%) patients incurred transient DI postoperatively, and 2 (2.2%) of them developed permanent DI. Seven (7.9%) patients developed hypopituitarism which was treated with replacement therapy of hormone. One (1.1%) experienced craniotomy for intracranial hemorrhage and died from severe surgical complications postoperatively. There were no patients of meningitis or carotid artery injury.

CONCLUSION

Early detection and emergent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery provided a safe and effective surgical option for hemorrhagic apoplectic pituitary tumor with a low morbidity and mortality.