Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Pituitary apoplexy is a life-threatening entity developing as a result of ischemia or hemorrhage into pre-existing pituitary tumor. Clinical course is characteristic and commonly consists of severe headache accompanied by nausea, emesis, impaired consciousness, visual field impairment as well as eyeballs movement restriction. Symptoms are typically accompanied by secondary adrenal insufficiency. Corticosteroids are drugs of choice regarding coexisting adrenal insufficiency. In case of a lack of expected both general and neurological improvement during conservative treatment, a surgery might be necessary. Prognosis in case of a proper treatment is good.

Aim of the study was prospective evaluation of the results of conservative treatment of pituitary apoplexy.

Material and methods: The analysis of seven patients (three women and four men) with diagnosed pituitary apoplexy. Median age was 54 years old (range: 23 to 74 years). All patients had endocrinological, ophthalmological and radiological assessment performed before treatment as well as in the follow-up period.

Results: There were no fatal complications. Initial and distant hormonal assessment revealed impairment of the anterior lobe of pituitary. In no cases diabetes insipidus had been reported. During conservative treatment the visual field improved as well as withdrawal of pre-existing paresis of ocular nerves were obtained.

Conclusions: Conservative treatment is a safe method of pituitary apoplexy’s management.