Pituitary apoplexy: considerations on a single center experience and review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose

To present a single-center experience on pituitary tumor apoplexy and a review of literature focusing on predisposing and precipitating factors.

Methods

Clinical presentation of our series of cases. Contemporary published literature is also reviewed.

Results

The definition of this syndrome has not been consistent although now the majority of authors agree to definite it as an acute condition caused by hemorrhage or infarction of a pre-existing pituitary adenoma. Different predisposing and precipitating factors have been described in literature; among these antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs, seem to play relevant roles. The clinical cases observed in our clinic confirm these data and suggest a probable association between elderly patients taking anticoagulant therapy and pituitary apoplexy adenoma.

Conclusion

Pituitary tumor apoplexy remains a challenging disease in relation to difficulties in correct diagnosis and thus in appropriate treatment. Antithrombotic/anticoagulant therapy may have an important role as precipitating factor. When a pituitary disorder is known, great care should be taken in the prescription of anticoagulant therapy.

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