Pituitary apoplexy

Treatment for acute infarction may require surgery to relieve pressure on the pituitary and improve vision symptoms. Severe cases need emergency surgery.

Immediate treatment with adrenal replacement hormones (glucocorticoids) is essential. Other hormones will be replaced, including:

• Sex hormones (estrogen/testosterone)
• Thyroid hormone

Evidence is also growing for the need to replace growth hormone.

Acute pituitary infarction can be life-threatening. The outlook is good for people who have chronic deficiency that is diagnosed and treated.

Complications of untreated pituitary infarction can include:

• Adrenal crisis
• Vision loss

If other missing hormones are not replaced, you may develop problems related to hypothyroidism and hypogonadism.

Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of chronic pituitary insufficiency.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of acute pituitary infarction, including:

• Eye weakness
• Headache
• Low blood pressure (which can cause fainting)
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Be especially concerned if you develop these symptoms and you have already been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor.

Images

Endocrine glands

Review Date: 11/23/2009
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)