Recurrent episodes of acute psychosis like illness: A very delayed presentation of Sheehan syndrome

Abstract

Sheehan syndrome, also known as postpartum pituitary gland necrosis, is a very serious complication of postpartum hemorrhage. Although it is a rare disorder in western countries, it is not much uncommon in developing countries like India. We describe 46-year-old female from a rural area of eastern part of India who presented with recurrent episodes of acute psychosis like illness over the last few years. When she came to our medical emergency unit, she was found to have hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hypotension. Further evaluation revealed history of postpartum hemorrhage during her last childbirth 17 years back which was followed by amenorrhea, lactation failure, and associated psychiatric illness. Magnetic resonance imaging pituitary showed empty sella and there were decreased levels of all the anterior pituitary hormones. All these parameters led to the final diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome which was diagnosed after a significant delay.

Keywords

• hypoglycemia
• hyponatremia
• postpartum hemorrhage
• sheehan syndrome