Three Cases o Pituitary Apoplexy

Kim, Sang Geun; Kim, Myeong Saup; Choi, Ki Hwan; Yeo, Hyung Tae; Lee, Jung Kil

Abstract

Three cases of pituitary apoplexy in patients with pituitary tumors are described. This uncommon condition is characterized by the sudden onset of headache, nausea, vomiting, visual impairement, diplopia, disturbance of consciousness and autonomic or hormonal dysfunction. The diagnosis is strengthened by a radiologically abnormal pituitary fossa & clinical symptoms and confirmed by the operative findings of hemorrhage necrotic tissue. Recently, CT enables the early diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy. Since CT can detect blood, it can document acute or chronic hemorrhage in pituitary adenoma. In addition, CT can discriminate between densities other than blood and can therefore be used to diagnosis those cases of pituitary apoplexy in which infarction & necrosis predominate. Finding of acute bleeding within tumor in enlarged sellar on plain CT establishes the diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy. Following three cases of pituitary apoplexy had special findings which was fluid level with faint rim enhancement of high density of dependent portion. Conculsively We agree that CT can help the early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention of pituitary apoplexy.