Chen-Cheng Chao1, Chun-Ju Lin2. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. Electronic address: doctoraga@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical emergency which results from hemorrhage or infarction in the pituitary gland. PATIENT: We present a 14-year-old girl with pituitary apoplexy and review the literature. RESULTS: Our patient experienced blurred vision, nausea, and headache. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200 and 20/20. Confrontation test visual field testing revealed bitemporal hemianopsia. Brain imaging demonstrated a suprasellar mass. The microscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach only found 5-10 mL brownish fluid-like material. Pathology confirmed no malignancy. Pituitary apoplexy was diagnosed. Her nausea and headache gradually improved. Six months after operation, her best-corrected visual acuity had improved to 20/30 and 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: Although pituitary apoplexy is rare in pediatric patients, prompt evaluation including detailed ophthalmic examination, biochemical evaluation, endocrine workup, and image study are very important.
BACKGROUND:Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical emergency which results from hemorrhage or infarction in the pituitary gland. PATIENT: We present a 14-year-old girl with pituitary apoplexy and review the literature. RESULTS: Our patient experienced blurred vision, nausea, and headache. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200 and 20/20. Confrontation test visual field testing revealed bitemporal hemianopsia. Brain imaging demonstrated a suprasellar mass. The microscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach only found 5-10 mL brownish fluid-like material. Pathology confirmed no malignancy. Pituitary apoplexy was diagnosed. Her nausea and headache gradually improved. Six months after operation, her best-corrected visual acuity had improved to 20/30 and 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: Although pituitary apoplexy is rare in pediatric patients, prompt evaluation including detailed ophthalmic examination, biochemical evaluation, endocrine workup, and image study are very important.
Authors: Elizabeth Culpin; Matthew Crank; Mark Igra; Daniel J A Connolly; Paul Dimitri; Showkat Mirza; Saurabh Sinha Journal: Pituitary Date: 2018-10 Impact factor: 4.107