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Gamito MAPDO, Amaral NYB, Rodrigues CF, Ribeiro JM, Guerra S. Pituitary Apoplexy in Pregnancy: What do We Know? REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2023; 45:273-280. [PMID: 37339647 PMCID: PMC10442903 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary apoplexy refers to a rare clinical syndrome consisting of signs and symptoms that occur due to rapid expansion of the contents of the sella turcica. It can occur spontaneously or associated with pituitary tumors. It can have a broad clinical spectrum, but usually presents with severe headache, visual impairment and hypopituitarism. Sudden onset of symptoms associated to imagiologic confirmation makes the diagnosis. Surgical treatment is advised when there is important compression of the optic tract. We present a case report and a review of the literature on pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. The cases were reviewed to obtain information on maternal characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, therapeutic modalities and maternal and fetal outcomes. Our review found 36 cases of pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. Most of the cases occurred in the second trimester of pregnancy and headache was the most frequent symptom at presentation. Surgical therapy was required in more than half of the patients. In what respect maternal and fetal outcomes, there were 3 cases of preterm delivery and one case of maternal death. Our clinical case and literature review reinforces the importance of an early diagnosis to avoid potential adverse consequences.
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Jia XY, Guo XP, Yao Y, Deng K, Lian W, Xing B. Surgical management of pituitary adenoma during pregnancy. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2694-2707. [PMID: 37214566 PMCID: PMC10198099 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i12.2694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although conservative treatment is typically recommended for pregnant patients with pituitary adenoma (PA), surgical treatment is occasionally necessary for those with acute symptoms. Currently, surgical interventions utilized among these patients is poorly studied.
AIM To evaluate the surgical indications, timing, perioperative precautions and postoperative complications of PAs during pregnancy and to provide comprehensive guidance.
METHODS Six patients with PAs who underwent surgical treatment during pregnancy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1990 and June 2021 were recruited for this study. Another 35 pregnant patients who were profiled in the literature were included in our analysis.
RESULTS The 41 enrolled patients had acute symptoms including visual field defects, severe headaches or vision loss that required emergency pituitary surgeries. PA apoplexies were found in 23 patients. The majority of patients (55.9%) underwent surgery in the second trimester of pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team was involved in patient care from the preoperative period through the postpartum period. With the exception of 1 patient who underwent an induced abortion and 1 fetus that died due to a nuchal cord, 39 patients delivered successfully. Among them, 37 fetuses were healthy until the most recent follow-up.
CONCLUSION PA surgery during pregnancy is effective and safe during the second and third trimesters. Pregnant patients requiring emergency PA surgery require multidisciplinary evaluation and healthcare management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Jia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Kan Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wei Lian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Bing Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of Ministry of Health, China Pituitary Adenoma Specialist Council, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
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Pop LG, Ilian A, Georgescu T, Bacalbasa N, Balescu I, Toader OD. Pituitary adenoma apoplexy in pregnancy: Case report and literature review. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:218. [PMID: 35126721 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational pituitary apoplexy is an extremely rare condition. It is characterised by an unexpected headache, vomiting, nausea, and visual disturbances. Pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy and postpartum is a challenging diagnosis with symptoms overlapping multiple conditions. There is a limited number of articles presenting cases or case series of gestational pituitary apoplexy. This is a potentially life-threatening emergency which requires a high index of suspicion for its diagnosis. This article presents a case of postpartum pituitary apoplexy and outlines the current stage of clinical, imagistic diagnosis and management options. A 26-year-old primipara was submitted to a Caesarean section, with no perioperative incidents. Forty-eight hours later she reported the apparition of frontal and temporal throbbing headaches, nausea, photophobia, and she was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor measuring 33x10.5x15.5 mm. Although initially conservative treatment was proposed, the clinical outcome was not favourable, thus the patient was submitted to endoscopic transsphenoidal resection. The histopathological studies demonstrated the presence of a pituitary macroadenoma. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient is free of disease. Although it represents an extremely rare condition, gestational pituitary apoplexy should be suspected whenever headache and neurological disorders such as nausea and photophobia are reported during the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Gheorghe Pop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute of Mother and Child Care, 400012 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurora Ilian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300014 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Georgescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute of Mother and Child Care, 400012 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Bacalbasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Visceral Surgery, 'Dan Setlacec' Center of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Liver Transplantation, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Balescu
- Department of Surgery, 'Ponderas' Academic Hospital, 021188 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Daniela Toader
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute of Mother and Child Care, 400012 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Oguz SH, Soylemezoglu F, Dagdelen S, Erbas T. A case of atypical macroprolactinoma presenting with pituitary apoplexy during pregnancy and review of the literature. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:109-116. [PMID: 31389277 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1650339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary apoplexy (PA) during pregnancy is a rare acute clinical situation which could have life-threatening consequences. Here we reported a case of 26-year-old nulliparous woman presenting with PA at the second trimester of her pregnancy. We also have reviewed reported cases of PA during pregnancy and conducted a detailed discussion on presenting symptoms, underlying pituitary pathology, management of apoplexy during pregnancy and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Hanife Oguz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Figen Soylemezoglu
- Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Dagdelen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tomris Erbas
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract
Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary tumors and pathological hyperprolactinemia. Therefore, women harboring prolactinomas frequently present infertility due to the gonadal axis impairment. The gold-standard treatment is dopamine agonist (DA) which can reverse hyperprolactinemia and hypogonadism, and promote tumor shrinkage in the majority of cases. Therefore, reports of pregnancy in such cohort become more common. In this scenario, bromocriptine is still the DA of choice due to its shorter half-life and larger experience as compared to cabergoline. In DA resistant cases, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is indicated. However, potential risks of DA-induced pregnancies include fetal exposition and symptomatic tumor growth. Dopamine agonist should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is confirmed in microprolactinomas and intrasellar macroprolactinomas (MAC). Concerning expansive/invasive MAC, DA maintenance should be considered. Periodically clinical evaluation should be performed during pregnancy, being sellar imaging indicated if tumor symptomatic growth is suspected. In such cases, if DA treatment fails, neurosurgery is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Glezer
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, no 155, 8° andar, bloco 3 (Endocrinologia), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Marcello D Bronstein
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, no 155, 8° andar, bloco 3 (Endocrinologia), São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
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Jemel M, Kandara H, Riahi M, Gharbi R, Nagi S, Kamoun I. Gestational pituitary apoplexy: Case series and review of the literature. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2019; 48:873-881. [PMID: 31059861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening emergency due to abrupt ischemic infarction or hemorrhage of the pituitary tumor. In many instances, pituitary apoplexy is the initial presentation in patients who were not previously diagnosed to have pituitary adenomas. Variety of precipitating factors have been linked to the occurrence of pituitary apoplexy, which include pregnancy. However, pituitary apoplexy related to pregnancy is limited to isolated case reports and very small case series. The main symptom is headache of sudden onset associated with visual disturbances, signs of meningeal irritation, and/or endocrine dysfunction. In the context of pregnancy the diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy can be challenging and confused with other complex conditions such as pre-eclampsia. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive sequence to confirm the diagnosis by revealing a pituitary tumor with hemorrhagic and/or necrotic components. Corticotropic deficiency with adrenal insufficiency is a potentially life-threatening disorder for both mother and the fetus if left untreated. The choice between conservative management with dopamine agonists and glucocorticoid, this "wait and see approach" and trans-sphenoidal resection depend on the severity of neuro-ophtalmic signs and the gestational week. In this article, we present three cases of pituitary apoplexy related to pregnancy. Pituitary apoplexy occurred in the third trimester in the three cases. It was the first presentation of an unknown pituitary adenoma in two cases, and complicated a preexisting macroprolactinoma in the other case. All three cases of our patients had sudden onset of severe headache and deterioration of the visual field in two cases. The pituitary MRI performed in our patients was the essential tool confirming the diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy. In all the patients was prompt replacement of deficient hormones especially glucocorticoids with close surveillance. The trans-sphenoidal resection was indicated in two pregnant women; as the first choice treatment in one case presenting with papillary edema, and as the second line after the deterioration of the visual field in one case. In the lack of guidelines of management pituitary apoplexy in case of pregnancy, we review the existing literature with pertinent clinical presentation, radiological findings, management and maternal/fetal outcomes of this rare pathology. The aim is to provide a rational framework for therapeutic management of pituitary apoplexy during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Jemel
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology Department of Endocrinology, Manar University Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Hajer Kandara
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology Department of Endocrinology, Manar University Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Mariem Riahi
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology Department of Endocrinology, Manar University Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Radhouane Gharbi
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology Department of Endocrinology, Manar University Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Sonia Nagi
- National Institute Of Neurology Department of Neuroradiology, Manar University Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Ines Kamoun
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology Department of Endocrinology, Manar University Tunis, Tunisia.
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Grand'Maison S, Weber F, Bédard MJ, Mahone M, Godbout A. Pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy: A case series and literature review. Obstet Med 2015; 8:177-83. [PMID: 27512477 DOI: 10.1177/1753495x15598917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe headache during pregnancy is a challenging condition that may rarely imply endocrine disturbances. Rapid recognition of pituitary apoplexy is needed to improve pregnancy outcome. OBJECTIVE To review and compare maternal and fetal outcomes after pituitary apoplexy. METHODS Four cases of pituitary apoplexy during pregnancy in our centre are reported and literature review covering the past 54 years was performed. RESULTS In the four cases presented and the 33 reported in the literature, most women presented with severe headaches and systemic symptoms. Overall, 42% were treated surgically, 31% received bromocriptine or cabergoline and 61% were given hormone replacement. No major obstetrical complication was reported and all babies were healthy. CONCLUSION Pituitary apoplexy is a rare cause of sudden and severe headache during pregnancy. Rapid identification of this condition with potentially associated endocrine disturbances is important to ensure maternal and fetal well-being. A multidisciplinary team approach seems to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Grand'Maison
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Florence Weber
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Bédard
- Obstetrics Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michele Mahone
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Godbout
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
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Piantanida E, Gallo D, Lombardi V, Tanda ML, Lai A, Ghezzi F, Minotto R, Tabano A, Cerati M, Azzolini C, Balbi S, Baruzzi F, Sessa F, Bartalena L. Pituitary apoplexy during pregnancy: a rare, but dangerous headache. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:789-97. [PMID: 24916564 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0095-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary apoplexy is a rare endocrine emergency that occurs in a small number of patients with a pituitary tumor. It is a clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of headache, nausea, vomiting, visual impairment, and decreased consciousness, caused by hemorrhage and/or infarction of the pituitary gland. Pituitary apoplexy has very rarely been described during pregnancy, when it is potentially life-threatening to both the mother and the fetus, if unrecognized. Only a few cases have been published to date. The review of the existing literature underlines that pituitary apoplexy, although rare, should be borne in mind when a pregnant woman presents with severe headache and visual defects of sudden onset. After initial management, which includes intravenous glucocorticoid therapy, fluid and electrolyte replacement, the final selection of medical or surgical treatment should result from a multidisciplinary approach involving expert specialists, keeping into account both severity of clinical presentation and gestational week.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Piantanida
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Insubria, Endocrine Unit, Ospedale di Circolo, viale L. Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy,
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Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Resection for Pituitary Apoplexy during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy. Surg Res Pract 2014; 2014:397131. [PMID: 25374951 PMCID: PMC4208585 DOI: 10.1155/2014/397131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon phenomenon typically characterized by vascular insufficiency or acute hemorrhage into a pituitary adenoma. The overall incidence of pituitary apoplexy ranges between 1 and 25% of all pituitary adenomas. With the widespread use of MRI technology, the diagnosis of asymptomatic intratumoral hemorrhage is closer to 10%. The authors report a case of a 27-year-old female in her 36th week of pregnancy who presented with severe onset headache and acute left-sided vision loss. MRI of the brain revealed a large hemorrhagic mass occupying the sella turcica. The patient underwent an emergent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection for pituitary apoplexy. Postoperatively, the patient's neurologic deficit resolved. Minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of pituitary apoplexy can be safely utilized in third trimester pregnant women presenting with acute severe neurologic deficits.
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Couture N, Aris-Jilwan N, Serri O. Apoplexy of A Microprolactinoma During Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of Literature. Endocr Pract 2012; 18:e147-50. [PMID: 22982795 DOI: 10.4158/ep12106.cr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Couture
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Janssen NM, Dreyer K, van der Weiden RMF. Management of pituitary tumour apoplexy with bromocriptine in pregnancy. JRSM SHORT REPORTS 2012; 3:43. [PMID: 22768377 PMCID: PMC3386661 DOI: 10.1258/shorts.2012.011144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina M Janssen
- Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology , Kleiweg 500 3045 PM Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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