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Pituitary apoplexy following endoscopic sinus surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2009

G Fyrmpas ,
J Constantinidis ,
N Foroglou  and
P Selviaridis
G Fyrmpas*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
J Constantinidis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
N Foroglou
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
P Selviaridis
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Georgios Fyrmpas, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Kiriakidi 1, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece. Fax: 00302310994916 E-mail: drfirbas@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

To highlight the possibility of pituitary apoplexy after functional endoscopic sinus surgery for elimination of sinonasal infection, an important preparatory step for safe trans-sphenoidal access to the pituitary fossa.

Case report:

A 67-year-old man with a known pituitary macroadenoma developed headache, diplopia and reduced vision after endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy and ethmoidectomy for rhinosinusitis with polyps. Magnetic resonance imaging showed pituitary haemorrhage. The patient underwent emergency endoscopic trans-sphenoidal resection of the tumour, with significant symptomatic improvement. Despite mild right eyelid ptosis and persistent diabetes insipidus, the patient resumed normal activities in a few weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pituitary apoplexy after a nasal operation.

Conclusion:

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare and potentially life-threatening event in high risk patients with pituitary adenomas; it may occur spontaneously or after surgical procedures. Early, combined surgical intervention by rhinologists and neurosurgeons is recommended. The endoscopic trans-sphenoidal approach is a safe and effective technique for the acute management of pituitary apoplexy.

Keywords

Pituitary GlandParanasal SinusesEndoscopyComplications
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 6 , June 2010 , pp. 677 - 679
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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