![](/images/graphics-bg.png)
Pituitary Apoplexy Presenting as Ophthalmoplegia and Altered Level of Consciousness without Headache
Joint Authors
Salehi, Nooshin
Firek, Anthony
Munir, Iqbal
Source
Issue
Vol. 2018, Issue 2018 (31 Dec. 2018), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2018-05-09
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome caused by acute ischemic infarction or hemorrhage of the pituitary gland.
The typical clinical presentation of PA includes acute onset of severe headache, visual disturbance, cranial nerve palsy, and altered level of consciousness.
Case Report.
A 78-year-old man presented to the emergency department with one-day history of ptosis and diplopia and an acute-onset episode of altered level of consciousness which was resolving.
He denied having headache, nausea, or vomiting.
Physical examination revealed third-cranial nerve palsy and fourth-cranial nerve palsy both on the right side.
Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head was unremarkable.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a pituitary mass with hemorrhage (apoplexy) and extension to the right cavernous sinus.
The patient developed another episode of altered level of consciousness in the hospital.
Transsphenoidal resection of the tumor was done which resulted in complete recovery of the ophthalmoplegia and mental status.
Conclusion.
Pituitary apoplexy can present with ophthalmoplegia and altered level of consciousness without having headache, nausea, or vomiting.
A CT scan of the head could be negative for hemorrhage.
A high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and timely management of pituitary apoplexy.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Salehi, Nooshin& Firek, Anthony& Munir, Iqbal. 2018. Pituitary Apoplexy Presenting as Ophthalmoplegia and Altered Level of Consciousness without Headache. Case Reports in Endocrinology،Vol. 2018, no. 2018, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1143016
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Salehi, Nooshin…[et al.]. Pituitary Apoplexy Presenting as Ophthalmoplegia and Altered Level of Consciousness without Headache. Case Reports in Endocrinology No. 2018 (2018), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1143016
American Medical Association (AMA)
Salehi, Nooshin& Firek, Anthony& Munir, Iqbal. Pituitary Apoplexy Presenting as Ophthalmoplegia and Altered Level of Consciousness without Headache. Case Reports in Endocrinology. 2018. Vol. 2018, no. 2018, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1143016
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1143016