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A coronal post
gadolinium T1W scan (Fig.3) showed elegantly the presence of a pituitary tumour
with suprasellar extension and the draping of the optic chiasma over the gland.
The thin rim of enhancing tissue represents the normal pituitary tissue while
the hyperintense haematoma can be seen within the almost isointense tumour.
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| Pituitary Apoplexy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Pituitary apoplexy is a rare
endocrine emergency resulting from hemorrhagic infarction of a pre--existing
pituitary tumour. The infarction is thought to be due to rapid growth of tumour
outstripping its blood supply. The clinical manifestations of this syndrome are
related to rapid expansion of the tumour secondary to hemorrhage with
compression of the pituitary gland and the perisellar structures, leading to
headache, vomiting, hypopituitarism, visual field defects, and cranial nerve
palsies. This may mimic subarachnoid bleed. Pituitary apoplexy is different from Sheehan's syndrome which is the result of ischaemic infarction of a normal size pituitary gland, leading to hypopituitarism secondary to postpartum hemorrhage and hypotension. |
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| About the Author | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dr K C Choy is currently
attached to the Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka as Consultant Radiologist.
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