Pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy

Rapid growth of pituitary tumours in pregnancy is well documented, although pituitary apoplexy is a rare event in pregnancy. Pituitary apoplexy is a potentially life-threatening event if not recognised early.  Hayes et al. describe a woman who presented with pituitary apoplexy in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Their case demonstrates that a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, obstetricians and neurosurgeons can minimise morbidity and mortality in the pregnant apoplectic patient and that early decompressive surgery is safe in the second trimester and can preserve pituitary function.

Read the full Case Report at Hayes et al. (2014) Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports; DOI:10.1530/EDM-14-0043