Predisposing factors for pituitary apoplexy

Abstract

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare threatening condition, still often misdiagnosed. In line with this the treating physician should be aware of pituitary apoplexy as a potential diagnoses whenever a patient seeks care with acute-onset headache associated with visual loss, ophthalmoparesis and altered mental status. In line with this there are several known predisposing factors that may lead to pituitary apoplexy as well, and eventually their early identification will be a clue to diagnosis or will help tailor patient management. Herein, our aim is to focus on these factors associated with pituitary apoplexy grouped into six major categories: associated medical conditions, surgery, head trauma and endocrinological testings.