Pituitary apoplexy with intraventricular hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Pituitary tumor apoplexy is a clinical syndrome characterized by abrupt onset of a severe headache, nausea, vertigo, meningismus, and/or decreased level of consciousness. Case report: we report a case of a 56-year old man presented to medical attention with sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diplopia and blurring of vision. Computer tomography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the head proved a large sellar tumor with extension to the sphenoid sinus, suprasellar region and both cavernous sinuses, predominantly on the right side with intratumoral hemorrhagic zones and the hemorrhagic accumulation in the posterior horns of the lateral ventricles. The treatment of choice was transsphenoidal approach and the patient was discharged in a good condition, completely oriented, without other neurological signs. Conclusions: Pituitary apoplexy remains a potentially life-threatening disease. Its presentation may vary from relatively benign symptoms to major neurological deficits and even death. Its early recognition and treatment are vital.

Keywords

• pituitary apoplexy
• intraventricular hemorrhage
• infarction
• hemorrhage