Pituitary apoplexy - Associated with remission of acromegaly

Abstract

Pituitary apoplexy is defined as an acute, life-threatening infarction of the pituitary gland. We report a case who presented with diabetic ketoasidosis. After resolution of the acute event, diplopia and partial loss of vision led to diagnosis of a huge sellar mass. His physical examination caused us to suspect acromegaly. Transsphenoidal operation was performed. Histopathologic examination of operation material was compatible only with necrosis. Two months after the acute event, his glucose concentrations were in normal ranges without antidiabetic treatment. Insulinlike growth factor-1 was normal, and after oral glucose load, growth hormone levels were suppressed. Hypogonado tropic hypogonadism persisted after the operation with no evidence of any other pituitary hormone deficiencies. Therefore we think that our patient is another example of infarctive apoplexy of a pituitary tumor leading to remission without affecting the pituitary function to a great