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Pituitary infarction

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pituitary apoplexy

Definition    Return to top

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    Return to top

Pituitary infarction is most commonly caused by bleeding due to a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary. When this bleeding occurs in a woman during or immediately after childbirth, it is called Sheehan syndrome.

Risk factors for pituitary infarction include:

However, in most cases, the cause is not clear.

Symptoms    Return to top

Pituitary infarction usually has a short period of symptoms (acute), but it can be life-threatening.

Symptoms usually include:

Less commonly, pituitary dysfunction may appear more slowly. In Sheehan syndrome, for example, the first symptom may be a failure to produce milk caused by a lack of the hormone prolactin.

Over time, problems with other pituitary hormones may develop, causing symptoms of the following conditions:

When the posterior pituitary is involved (rare), symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Signs of acute pituitary infarction may include:

Signs of chronic pituitary insufficiency include:

Tests may include:

Blood tests will be done to check levels of:

Treatment    Return to top

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:

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

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

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

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications of untreated pituitary infarction can include:

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

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:

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

References    Return to top

Melmed S, Kleinberg D. Anterior pituitary. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 8.

Update Date: 3/18/2008

Updated by: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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