Pituitary infarction

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Endocrine glands

Pituitary apoplexy

Treatment for acute infarction may require surgery to decompress the area of the pituitary and improve visual symptoms. Severe cases constitute a surgical emergency. Immediate treatment with adrenal replacement hormones (glucocorticoids) is essential.

Replacement of other missing hormones is also required, including sex hormones (estrogen/testosterone) and thyroid hormone. Evidence is growing for the need for growth hormone replacement.

Acute pituitary infarction is a potentially life-threatening event. Prognosis for chronic deficiency (which is detected and treated) is good.

Complications of untreated pituitary infarction can include visual loss and adrenal crisis. If other deficient hormones are not replaced, problems related to hypothyroidism and hypogonadism may develop.

Call your health care provider if you have any signs or symptoms of chronic pituitary insufficiency.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of acute pituitary infarction, including headache, eye weakness, low blood pressure (which can cause fainting), nausea, and vomiting.

Patients with a diagnosed pituitary tumor should have a heightened level of suspicion if these symptoms arise.

Review Date: 08/11/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.