Pituitary infarction
Key points
- Pituitary infarction is the death of an area of tissue in the pituitary gland, a small gland joined to the hypothalamus (part of the brain).
- Pituitary infarction is most commonly caused by bleeding into a benign tumor of the pituitary, which kills an area of tissue in the pituitary gland.
- Symptoms are usually acute and include severe headache, ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of the eye muscles causing double vision), and symptoms of acute adrenal insufficiency (Low Blood pressure, nausea, and Vomiting).
- Signs of acute infarction may include ophthalmoplegia, visual field defects, and hypotension (Low Blood pressure).
Alternative names
Pituitary apoplexy
Definition
Pituitary infarction is the death of an area of tissue in the pituitary gland, a small gland joined to the hypothalamus (part of the brain). The pituitary produces many of the hormones that control essential body processes.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Pituitary infarction is most commonly caused by bleeding into a benign tumor of the pituitary, which kills an area of tissue in the pituitary gland. When this bleeding occurs in a woman during or immediately after childbirth, it is called Sheehan's syndrome.
Risk factors for pituitary infarction include Diabetes, bleeding disorders, head trauma, pituitary radiation, and use of a breathing machine. However, in most cases, the cause is not clear.
Pituitary infarction is usually acute (short period of symptoms) and can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually acute and include severe headache, ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of the eye muscles causing double vision), and symptoms of acute adrenal insufficiency (Low Blood pressure, nausea, and Vomiting).
Less commonly, pituitary dysfunction may appear more slowly. In Sheehan's syndrome, for example, the initial symptom may be a failure to produce milk caused by a lack of the hormone prolactin.
Over time, insufficiency in other pituitary hormones may develop, causing symptoms of the following conditions:
- Hypogonadism
o Amenorrhea in women
o Sexual dysfunction and loss of muscle mass in men - Hypothyroidism
o Dry skin
o Mental slowing
o Weight gain
o Cold intolerance
o Hoarseness - Hypoadrenalism (if not already present or treated)
o Low Blood pressure
o nausea
o Inability to deal with physical stress - Growth hormone deficiency
o Fatigue
o Lack of energy
o Loss of bone and muscle
o Increased abdominal fat
o Dyslipidemia (problems with fat metabolism)
When the posterior pituitary is involved (rare), there may be uncontrolled urination.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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