scholarly journals Visual disturbance as primary symptom of pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 244-249
Author(s):  
Norazlida Ibrahim ◽  
Raja Norliza Binti Raja Omar ◽  
Mae-Lynn Catherine Bastion
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Pituitary Apoplexy ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Visual Field Loss ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Visual Disturbance ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Pituitary Lesion ◽  
In Pregnancy

Pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy is a potentially fatal condition caused by acute ischaemic infarction or haemorrhage of pre-existing pituitary adenoma or within a physiologically enlarged pituitary gland. It has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from a mild headache to sudden collapsed. Here, we report a life-threatening case of pituitary apoplexy in a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma occurring during pregnancy that presented with bilateral blurring of vision. Visual field showed bitemporal superior quadrantanopia. Urgent non-contrast brain MRI revealed an acute expansion of a hemorrhagic pituitary lesion complicated with local compression to the optic chiasm. The patient underwent an uneventful right supraorbital craniotomy and excision of the tumour under general anaesthesia with no foetal loss. The repeated visual field at 2 weeks after surgery showed recovering visual field defect. Hence, early neurosurgical intervention is advisable to prevent mortality and morbidity due to permanent visual field loss.

scholarly journals Giant Pituitary Adenoma Presenting with Foster-Kennedy Syndrome in a 21-Year Old Ethiopian Patient: A Rarely Reported Phenomenon: A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Biniyam Ayele ◽  
Abenet Mengesha ◽  
Abdi Wotiye ◽  
Yodit Alemayehu
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Visual Field ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Visual Disturbance ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Sellar Region ◽  
Giant Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Foster Kennedy Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Disorders of the pituitary gland and the sellar region present a wide spectrum of clinical problems. A variety of lesions in this area tend to present with similar problems; namely, headache, hormonal disorders, and loss of vision. Benign adenomas of the pituitary gland are by far the most common disorders of sellar region. Rarely, patients with pituitary adenoma may present with blindness in one eye and visual field cut (temporal hemianopia) in the contralateral eye. This rare clinical entity is called Foster-Kennedy Syndrome (FKS).CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 21-year-old male patient, presented with progressive visual disturbance of the left eye, associated with global headache. The headache was refractory to over-counter medications. In addition, he had history of sleep disturbance and loss of appetite. Neurological examination was pertinent for left side visual loss with optic atrophy and right eye temporal visual field cut with disc edema. Brain MRI showed 4 cm X 3.5 cm sized lobulated intra and supra sellar mass with heterogeneous contrast enhancement and minimal surrounding edema. Serum prolactin level was 6,705 ng/mL. Otherwise, the other pituitary hormones were in normal range.CONCLUSION: This case highlighted that pituitary adenoma may present with the full picture of Foster Kennedy syndrome. Therefore, we recommend considering pituitary adenoma as a possible differential diagnosis of intracranial lesions presenting as Foster Kennedy syndrome, as early detection and management could potentially salvage patients’ vision and quality of life.

Acute Headache in Pregnancy

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Angela O’Neal
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Pituitary Apoplexy ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Visual Disturbance ◽  
Electrolyte Imbalance ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Acute Headache ◽  
Optic Nerve Involvement ◽  
In Pregnancy

The case illustrates the characteristics of pituitary apoplexy. This anatomy of the pituitary, which predisposes to the condition, is described. The most common clinical feature is headache. Visual disturbance related to optic chiasm or optic nerve involvement is also common. Pituitary apoplexy is a neuroendocrine emergency. The most important hormone involved is adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH. However, there are often multiple hormonal deficiencies: growth hormone, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadotropic deficiency. A high prolactin level may reflect a prolactinoma or be due to hypothalamic inhibition. Diabetes insipidus (DI) is also common. The most urgent issue in treating pituitary apoplexy is prompt assessment of fluid and electrolyte imbalance and the replacement of corticosteroids.

Suprasellar meningioma presenting with glaucomatous type cupping

2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212093767
Author(s):  
Francesco Pellegrini ◽  
Michele Marullo ◽  
Antonio Zappacosta ◽  
Tatiana Liberali ◽  
Alessandra Cuna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Visual Field Defect ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Visual Field Loss ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Normal Tension Glaucoma ◽  
Compressive Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Nasal Defect ◽  
Field Defect ◽  
Cup To Disc Ratio

Purpose: To describe a case of a suprasellar meningioma compressing the chiasm from below and producing a unilateral fascicular (nasal) visual field defect that mimicked glaucomatous cupping. Case report: A 78-year-old man presented with painless, progressive, unilateral arcuate visual field defect. He was diagnosed with “normal tension glaucoma” based on an asymmetric cup to disc ratio. Despite treatment with anti-glaucoma drops, the visual field defect progressed. Neurophthalmic evaluation was consistent with a compressive optic neuropathy OD. Brain MRI showed a suprasellar meningioma compressing on the junction of the optic nerve and chiasm from below. Conclusion: Although junctional visual field loss (e.g. junctional scotoma and junctional scotoma of Traquair) are well-known presentations of compressive lesions at the optic chiasm, we describe a monocular, ipsilateral compressive superior nasal defect and asymmetric cupping as the presenting sign of a junctional compressive lesion mimicking glaucomatous cupping.

scholarly journals A case of pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee R Hayes ◽  
Anthony J O'Sullivan ◽  
Mark A Davies
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Apoplexy ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Visual Disturbance ◽  
List Type ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Evidence Of Impact ◽  
Learning Points ◽  
Visual Abnormalities ◽  
In Pregnancy

Summary Pituitary apoplexy is a rare event in pregnancy. A 41-year-old woman with a known pituitary microadenoma presented with visual disturbance and headache during the second trimester of pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated pituitary apoplexy with chiasmal compression. After treatment with corticosteroid therapy, she underwent transsphenoidal excision of the pituitary adenoma. Visual abnormalities were completely restored and pituitary function preserved. There was no evidence of impact on the foetus. The literature on the subject is reviewed with emphasis on the management of the apoplectic patient with mild and stable neuro-ophthalmological signs. Learning points There are no clear guidelines on the management of pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach can minimise morbidity and mortality. Pituitary apoplexy has an unpredictable clinical course and determining which clinical situations warrant early surgery needs to take into consideration the presence and severity of neurological signs and their stability. The management of conscious apoplectic patients with absent or mild and stable neuro-ophthalmological signs is controversial.

scholarly journals SUN-277 Pituitary Hyperplasia Due to Severe Primary Hypothyroidism: An Uncommon Manifestation of a Common Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilasha Singh ◽  
Massiell German ◽  
Anu Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Visual Field Defects ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Pituitary Hyperplasia

Abstract Background Pituitary hyperplasia (PH) is a non-neoplastic increase in one or more cell subtype of the adenohypophysis. It is physiologically seen in pregnancy from resultant lactotroph hyperplasia and pathologically in organ dysfunctions that lead to loss of negative feedback on hypothalamus like primary hypothyroidism and primary adrenal insufficiency. Although primary hypothyroidism is common, PH is an under-recognized consequence of long-standing hypothyroidism. Case Description A 26-year-old female with class 3 obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and primary hypothyroidism on replacement presented for evaluation of secondary amenorrhea. Two months prior to presentation, she underwent a brain MRI for new-onset headache which revealed diffusely enhancing homogenous pituitary tissue measuring 2.3 cm with upward lifting of the optic chiasm. Serum prolactin was elevated at 86.2 ng/ml (2.8-26 ng/ml). This was presumed to be secondary to a prolactinoma and cabergoline was started by the referring provider. Subsequent workup revealed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at 494.11 mU/L (0.30- 4.00 mU/L) and a low free thyroxine (FT4) of 0.2 ng/dl (0.8-1.7 ng/dl). Other pituitary hormones were within normal limits. The visual field examination was normal. It was noted she had a persistently elevated TSH over the past five years. On further questioning, the patient ran out of levothyroxine replacement 6 months ago and had been generally non-adherent to therapy for years due to nausea. Improved medication adherence resulted in the normalization of prolactin and reduction in TSH level. Repeat MRI 2 months later revealed a reduction in her pituitary hyperplasia to 2.1 cm. Discussion In severe primary hypothyroidism, there is loss of negative feedback to the hypothalamus due to low circulating FT4 and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations. As a result, there is stimulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) which promotes thyrotroph hyperplasia. A strong correlation exists between TSH concentration and the degree of pituitary hyperplasia. The typical MRI finding is a diffusely enhancing homogenous pituitary mass. Despite optic chiasm contact, physiologic pituitary hyperplasia rarely causes visual field defects. High concentrations of TRH stimulates prolactin release with resultant mild hyperprolactinemia. Although PH is reversible with therapy, rare cases with subsequent development of panhypopituitarism while on therapy have been reported in the setting of longstanding hypothyroidism. Very rarely, chronically untreated primary hypothyroidism can stimulate the growth of a thyrotroph adenoma. Long-term biochemical and radiological monitoring is therefore recommended until resolution. This case highlights the physiologic responses manifested in severe primary hypothyroidism and the fact that these changes improve with adequate replacement.

Chiasmal Syndromes

2011 ◽  
pp. 43-47
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Thurtell ◽  
Robert L. Tomsak ◽  
Robert B. Daroff
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Pituitary Apoplexy ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Visual Field Defects ◽  
Field Defects ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenomas

Dysfunction of the optic chiasm typically produces bitemporal visual field defects. Chiasmal dysfunction most frequently results from compression by extrinsic lesions, such as pituitary macroadenomas and suprasellar meningiomas. We describe the clinical signs of chiasmal dysfunction in this chapter. We also discuss the evaluation and management of pituitary apoplexy.

scholarly journals SAT-273 Case of Mistaken Identity?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Pla
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Complete Resolution ◽  
Pituitary Apoplexy ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Visual Disturbance ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenoma ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Work Up

Abstract Introduction Pituitary adenomas occur in 10-15% of patients and the majority are benign. Prolactinomas are the most common form of secretory pituitary adenoma. Pituitary apoplexy, a medical emergency with resulting visual loss and hormonal hyposecretion, requires rapid surgical intervention. We present a case of pituitary macroadenoma that underwent pituitary resection for acute visual disturbance which was later discovered to be caused by undiagnosed demyelinating disease. Clinical Case Patient is a 32-year-old male who presented initially with complain of fatigue and decreased libido. Work up revealed elevated prolactin level and low testosterone. MRI showed a 2x3cm pituitary macroadenoma. At moment of diagnosis, patient was otherwise asymptomatic. He was started on bromocriptine. During follow up visits, patient reported visual disturbance. First MRI in our clinic showed no suprasellar extension, no impingement of optic chiasm and nonspecific white matter disease. At that time, visual field testing showed left temporal defect in superior quadrant. Follow up MRI 1 year later continued to show a stable macroadenoma without impingement of the optic chiasm, but patient reported progressive left vision disturbance and new right vision loss. He was evaluated in the emergency room where he was treated for pituitary apoplexy with steroids and surgery. Vision improved the next day. Despite uncomplicated post-operative course, patient developed proximal muscle weakness and exam notable for diffuse motor deficit in bilateral lower extremities with hyperreflexia. Endocrinology workup was negative for hypercortisolism and ophthalmology diagnosed him with optic neuropathy. Neurology evaluation led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Patient was started on natalizumab with complete resolution of all visual and muscle symptoms. Clinical lesson Our patient presented with complaints of fatigue, decreased libido and work up that showed a macroprolactinoma without MRI evidence of optic chiasm impingement. During treatment, he developed acute visual deficits that were attributed to pituitary apoplexy. This visual disturbance improved after surgery and use of high dose IV steroids, with the latter likely treating what had been an MS flare. In hindsight, ophthalmologic evaluation before surgery had shown new color blindness, a sign of optic neuropathy. Despite temporary relief, patient progressed to develop new muscle weakness and recurrent visual disturbance which led to the diagnosis of MS. Since being diagnosed and treated for MS, he has had complete resolution of his symptoms. This case stresses the importance of considering other etiologies for visual defects in patients with pituitary adenomas.

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