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Woelfel CW, Mariani CL, Nolan MW, Keenihan EK, Topulos SP, Early PJ, Muñana KR, Musulin SE, Olby NJ. Presumed pituitary apoplexy in 26 dogs: Clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1119-1128. [PMID: 37084035 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary apoplexy refers to hemorrhage or infarction within the pituitary gland resulting in acute neurological abnormalities. This condition is poorly described in dogs. OBJECTIVES To document presenting complaints, examination findings, endocrinopathies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatments, and outcomes of dogs with pituitary apoplexy. ANIMALS Twenty-six client-owned dogs with acute onset of neurological dysfunction. METHODS Retrospective case series. Dogs were diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy if MRI or histopathology documented an intrasellar or suprasellar mass with evidence of hemorrhage or infarction in conjunction with acute neurological dysfunction. Clinical information was obtained from medical records and imaging reports. RESULTS Common presenting complaints included altered mentation (16/26, 62%) and gastrointestinal dysfunction (14/26, 54%). Gait or posture changes (22/26, 85%), mentation changes (18/26, 69%), cranial neuropathies (17/26, 65%), cervical or head hyperpathia (12/26, 46%), and hyperthermia (8/26, 31%) were the most frequent exam findings. Ten dogs (38%) lacked evidence of an endocrinopathy before presentation. Common MRI findings included T1-weighted hypo- to isointensity of the hemorrhagic lesion (21/25, 84%), peripheral enhancement of the pituitary mass lesion (15/25, 60%), brain herniation (14/25, 56%), and obstructive hydrocephalus (13/25, 52%). Fifteen dogs (58%) survived to hospital discharge. Seven of these dogs received medical management alone (median survival 143 days; range, 7-641 days) and 8 received medications and radiation therapy (median survival 973 days; range, 41-1719 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Dogs with pituitary apoplexy present with a variety of acute signs of neurological disease and inconsistent endocrine dysfunction. Dogs that survive to discharge can have a favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian W Woelfel
- Veterinary Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher L Mariani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Comparative Neuroimmunology and Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael W Nolan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin K Keenihan
- Veterinary Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophia P Topulos
- Veterinary Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter J Early
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karen R Muñana
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah E Musulin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Natasha J Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Gheorghe AM, Trandafir AI, Ionovici N, Carsote M, Nistor C, Popa FL, Stanciu M. Pituitary Apoplexy in Patients with Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNET). Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030680. [PMID: 36979658 PMCID: PMC10044830 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Various complications of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) are reported, and an intratumor hemorrhage or infarct underlying pituitary apoplexy (PA) represents an uncommon, yet potentially life-threatening, feature, and thus early recognition and prompt intervention are important. Our purpose is to overview PA from clinical presentation to management and outcome. This is a narrative review of the English-language, PubMed-based original articles from 2012 to 2022 concerning PA, with the exception of pregnancy- and COVID-19-associated PA, and non-spontaneous PA (prior specific therapy for PitNET). We identified 194 original papers including 1452 patients with PA (926 males, 525 females, and one transgender male; a male-to-female ratio of 1.76; mean age at PA diagnostic of 50.52 years, the youngest being 9, the oldest being 85). Clinical presentation included severe headache in the majority of cases (but some exceptions are registered, as well); neuro-ophthalmic panel with nausea and vomiting, meningism, and cerebral ischemia; respectively, decreased visual acuity to complete blindness in two cases; visual field defects: hemianopia, cranial nerve palsies manifesting as diplopia in the majority, followed by ptosis and ophthalmoplegia (most frequent cranial nerve affected was the oculomotor nerve, and, rarely, abducens and trochlear); proptosis (N = 2 cases). Risk factors are high blood pressure followed by diabetes mellitus as the main elements. Qualitative analysis also pointed out infections, trauma, hematologic conditions (thrombocytopenia, polycythemia), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and T3 thyrotoxicosis. Iatrogenic elements may be classified into three main categories: medication, diagnostic tests and techniques, and surgical procedures. The first group is dominated by anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs; additionally, at a low level of statistical evidence, we mention androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, chemotherapy, thyroxine therapy, oral contraceptives, and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. The second category includes a dexamethasone suppression test, clomiphene use, combined endocrine stimulation tests, and a regadenoson myocardial perfusion scan. The third category involves major surgery, laparoscopic surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral valvuloplasty, endonasal surgery, and lumbar fusion surgery in a prone position. PA in PitNETs still represents a challenging condition requiring a multidisciplinary team from first presentation to short- and long-term management. Controversies involve the specific panel of risk factors and adequate protocols with concern to neurosurgical decisions and their timing versus conservative approach. The present decade-based analysis, to our knowledge the largest so far on published cases, confirms a lack of unanimous approach and criteria of intervention, a large panel of circumstantial events, and potential triggers with different levels of statistical significance, in addition to a heterogeneous clinical picture (if any, as seen in subacute PA) and a spectrum of evolution that varies from spontaneous remission and control of PitNET-associated hormonal excess to exitus. Awareness is mandatory. A total of 25 cohorts have been published so far with more than 10 PA cases/studies, whereas the largest cohorts enrolled around 100 patients. Further studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Gheorghe
- Department of Endocrinology, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ioana Trandafir
- Department of Endocrinology, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nina Ionovici
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4—Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy & Thoracic Surgery Department, “Carol Davila” Central Emergency University Military Hospital, 013058 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Florina Ligia Popa
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Mihaela Stanciu
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
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Bukhari K, Sharma V, Gupta S, Motazedi A. The snowman sign in a patient with pituitary tumor apoplexy. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2021; 11:416-417. [PMID: 34234919 PMCID: PMC8118409 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2021.1898086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary apoplexy is a life-threatening complication that may result from hemorrhage or infarction of a pituitary adenoma. Neuroimaging may reveal a snowman-like or 'figure of 8' configuration as a result of bilateral indentation of the tumor by the sellar diaphragm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khulood Bukhari
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vandhna Sharma
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sonia Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Abbas Motazedi
- Center of Diabetes, Thyroid, and Endocrinology, Washington, DC, USA
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Abstract
Objective We report a case of pituitary apoplexy (PA) with negative radiographic findings for PA and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis consistent with neutrophilic meningitis. PA is a rare endocrinopathy requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Presentation with acute neutrophilic meningitis is uncommon. Methods The diagnostic modalities included pituitary function tests (adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin), brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CSF analysis. Results A 67-year-old man presented with worsening headache, nausea, and retching. He was somnolent with an overall normal neurologic examination other than a peripheral vision defect in the left eye. MRI showed a pituitary mass bulging into the suprasellar cistern with optic chiasm elevation, consistent with pituitary macroadenoma. Laboratory evaluation revealed decreased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, random cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. He had worsening encephalopathy with left eye ptosis and decreased vision, prompting a repeat computed tomography and MRI, showing no interval change in the pituitary adenoma or evidence of bleeding. CSF analysis revealed a leukocyte count of 1106/mm3 (89% neutrophils), a total protein level of 138 mg/dL, red blood cell count of 2040/mm3 without xanthochromia, and glucose level of 130 mg/dL. The CSF culture result was negative. Transsphenoidal resection revealed a necrotic pituitary adenoma with apoplexy. Conclusions Including PA in the differential diagnosis of acute headache is important, particularly in patients with visual disturbances. PA can present with sterile meningitis, mimicking acute bacterial meningitis. While neuroimaging can help detect PA, the diagnosis of PA remains largely clinical.
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Chu C, Perilli GA, Judge C, Sheng S, Yacoub HA. Pituitary apoplexy mimicking meningoencephalitis: case report and scoping study. Hosp Pract (1995) 2020; 48:29-34. [PMID: 31976773 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2020.1717801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that may require urgent surgical intervention.Case Presentation: We report a case of a patient who was initially diagnosed with meningoencephalitis (ME) based on clinical presentation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, but was eventually diagnosed with PA. We present a summary of other cases reported in the literature of PA mimicking ME and analyze their clinical features and CSF findings.Results: Among all 22 PA cases reviewed, headache was the most commonly reported symptom. Hypopituitarism was seen in 94.4% of the cases; of these, panhypopituitarism was noted in 38.9%. The sensitivity of magnetic resonance image (MRI) for detecting PA was 94.7%, much higher than that of computed tomography (CT), which was only 31.6%. Neutrophil predominant pleocytosis was present in all cases with a neutrophil percentage ranging from 73% to 98%. CSF leukocyte count was less than 1000/ul in 86% of the cases. CSF erythrocytosis was seen in 92.9% of the cases with a count ranging from 15 to 2030/ul. Elevated CSF protein was present in all cases with a range of 69.8 to 239 mg/dl. CSF glucose level varied with a range between 12 and 136 mg/dl; the level was greater than 40 mg/dl in 73% of the cases.Conclusion: PA tends to be misdiagnosed as ME due to the similarities of semiology and CSF findings. PA should be considered in refractory acute headache cases, especially those with visual and endocrine abnormalities. Early recognition and treatment may lead to significant reduction in morbidity and mortality.Abbreviations: ACTH: adrenocorticotropic hormone; CSF: cerebrospinal fluid; CT: computed tomography; GRE: gradient echo; HRT: hormone replacement therapy;HSV: Herpes Simplex Virus; IV: intravenous; ME: meningoencephalitis; MRI: magnetic resonance image; PA: pituitary apoplexy; RBC: red blood cell; WBC: white blood cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Chu
- Departments of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Gretchen A Perilli
- Department of Endocrinology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Casey Judge
- Departments of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Sen Sheng
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little, Rock, Arkansas
| | - Hussam A Yacoub
- Departments of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania
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Pituitary tumor apoplexy presenting as infective meningoencephalitis. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2019.100488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Myla M, Lewis J, Beach A, Sylejmani G, Burge MR. A Perplexing Case of Pituitary Apoplexy Masquerading as Recurrent Meningitis. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2018; 6:2324709618811370. [PMID: 30480002 PMCID: PMC6243406 DOI: 10.1177/2324709618811370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, we present an exceptional case of pituitary apoplexy in which a patient presented with meningeal symptoms of headache, stiff neck, and nausea rather than the classical findings of ophthalmoplegia and/or vision loss. The patient has had 2 similar presentations with cerebrospinal fluid showing neutrophilic pleocytosis, as well as a computed tomography scan showing a prominent pituitary gland. On current presentation, the patient's vital signs were stable and the physical examination was remarkable for nuchal rigidity. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed an expansile pituitary gland lesion measuring 2.0 × 1.7 × 1.5 cm with upward displacement of the overlying optic chiasm. Cerebrospinal fluid showed neutrophilic pleocytosis, low glucose, high protein content, and negative bacterial and fungal cultures. Surgical decompression subsequently revealed findings consistent with pituitary apoplexy. This is the first known case in which a patient had recurrent episodes of meningitis due to pituitary apoplexy in the absence of a clinical deterioration. Early identification of apoplexy masquerading as meningitis will allow early surgical intervention, if necessary, to prevent complications, recurrence, and morbidity. As such, the presence of sterile meningitis in patients with a known pituitary adenoma should be considered for prompt surgical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhura Myla
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jeremy Lewis
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alan Beach
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Gresa Sylejmani
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Mark R. Burge
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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An Unusual Presentation of Pituitary Gland Apoplexy With Noninfectious Meningitis. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2017; 39:23-26. [PMID: 29227295 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas make up 10% of intracranial tumors, but because of their location, they may go undetected for long periods. In this article, we report the case of a 68-year-old white man found deceased in his residence, who died of acute pituitary tumor apoplexy. He was known to have severe symptoms including acute headache, vision loss, and altered behavior. When found, his home was in extreme disarray, mimicking a possible assault. At autopsy, the decedent had multiple superficial abrasions about the upper and lower extremities, as well as a 2.5 × 3-cm pituitary adenoma compressing the carotid arteries and optic nerves. Initial coroner and police investigators were strongly considering homicide with robbery as a motive, given the disarray present at the scene. This case highlights the importance of postmortem examination of the pituitary gland in all cases where neurological symptoms are reported prior to death.
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Law-Ye B, Pyatigorskaya N, Leclercq D. Pituitary Apoplexy Mimicking Bacterial Meningitis with Intracranial Hypertension. World Neurosurg 2016; 97:748.e3-748.e5. [PMID: 27756666 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 29-year-old patient experienced a violent headache during bodybuilding exercises. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse meningitis and a 38-mm necrotic pituitary adenoma. Meningoencephalitis was suspected but was ruled out by lumbar puncture. Rapid deterioration of the patient's condition led to coma and oxygen desaturation secondary to intracranial hypertension. Intense treatment for intracranial hypertension included profound sedation with respiratory assistance, osmotherapy, hypothermia, and external ventricular drainage. After 4 weeks in the intensive care unit, the patient fully recovered and was discharged with hormonal supplementation. CONCLUSIONS The few reported cases of pituitary apoplexy mimicking bacterial meningoencephalitis may have resulted from blood leakage or necrosis into the subarachnoid space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Law-Ye
- Department of Neuroradiology, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Pierre and Marie Curie Faculty of Medicine, Paris, France.
| | - Nadya Pyatigorskaya
- Department of Neuroradiology, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Pierre and Marie Curie Faculty of Medicine, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Leclercq
- Department of Neuroradiology, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Pierre and Marie Curie Faculty of Medicine, Paris, France
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Jayasekera BAP, Hall J, Pearce S, Jenkins AJ. Ventriculitis from a pituitary prolactinoma: bacterial or chemical? Br J Neurosurg 2016; 31:262-263. [PMID: 27400138 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2016.1206187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 70-year-old man presenting with pituitary apoplexy from a macroprolactinoma and ventriculitis. It was not possible to distinguish a bacterial or chemical origin, on the basis of his clinical presentation, laboratory studies and imaging, highlighting the importance of prompt imaging and attainment of CSF cultures, in making the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Hall
- b Department of Neuroradiology , Royal Victoria Hospital , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Simon Pearce
- c Department of Endocrinology , Freeman Hospital , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Alistair J Jenkins
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Royal Victoria Hospital , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
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