Hari Sedai1, Suraj Shrestha2, Elisha Poddar2, Pratima Sharma2, Dipendra Dahal3, Prajwal Khatiwada4, Amit Pradhanang4. 1. Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. Electronic address: harisedai01@gmail.com. 2. Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. 3. Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal. 4. Department of Neurosurgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pituitary apoplexy is a very rare cause of sudden and severe headache with a neuro-ophthalmic deficit during pregnancy due to hemorrhage or infarction in the pituitary gland. Delayed identification can be life-threatening to both mother and baby. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old nulliparous female without any prior comorbidities in her 21 weeks of gestation presented with complaints of severe headache, vomiting, decreased vision, and altered sensorium for five days. On a low index of suspicion of pituitary apoplexy, she was managed in the line of impending eclampsia at a local center. On presentation to our center; the neurological deficit had progressed. CT head showed massive pituitary apoplexy with sellar and suprasellar extension. She underwent emergency right pterional craniotomy and resection of the tumor with hematoma evacuation but lost her life on her 2nd postoperative day. DISCUSSION: In the context of pregnancy, the diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy can get tricky and overlap with other common conditions such as preeclampsia or eclampsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive investigation to confirm the diagnosis. 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 and surgical approach depends on the neuro-ophthalmic signs, MRI findings, and gestational week. CONCLUSION: Pituitary apoplexy should be a differential diagnosis of acute severe headache in pregnancy which when suspected should be investigated promptly. Early identification and multi-disciplinary team management are imperative for better outcomes.
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pituitary apoplexy is a very rare cause of sudden and severe headache with a neuro-ophthalmic deficit during pregnancy due to hemorrhage or infarction in the pituitary gland. Delayed identification can be life-threatening to both mother and baby. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old nulliparous female without any prior comorbidities in her 21 weeks of gestation presented with complaints of severe headache, vomiting, decreased vision, and altered sensorium for five days. On a low index of suspicion of pituitary apoplexy, she was managed in the line of impending eclampsia at a local center. On presentation to our center; the neurological deficit had progressed. CT head showed massive pituitary apoplexy with sellar and suprasellar extension. She underwent emergency right pterional craniotomy and resection of the tumor with hematoma evacuation but lost her life on her 2nd postoperative day. DISCUSSION: In the context of pregnancy, the diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy can get tricky and overlap with other common conditions such as preeclampsia or eclampsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive investigation to confirm the diagnosis. 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 and surgical approach depends on the neuro-ophthalmic signs, MRI findings, and gestational week. CONCLUSION: Pituitary apoplexy should be a differential diagnosis of acute severe headache in pregnancy which when suspected should be investigated promptly. Early identification and multi-disciplinary team management are imperative for better outcomes.
Authors: Mirta Knoepfelmacher; Debora L S Danilovic; Rubia H R Rosa Nasser; Berenice B Mendonça Journal: Fertil Steril Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 7.329
Authors: D C Bills; F B Meyer; E R Laws; D H Davis; M J Ebersold; B W Scheithauer; D M Ilstrup; C F Abboud Journal: Neurosurgery Date: 1993-10 Impact factor: 4.654