Pituitary apoplexy after joint arthroplasty.

Abstract

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by the sudden enlargement of a pituitary adenoma secondary to infarction and hemorrhage. The clinical syndrome is characterized by sudden onset of headache, ocular palsies, visual disturbances, and altered state of consciousness. We report 2 patients who had postoperative pituitary apoplexy after total hip and total knee arthroplasty. Asymptomatic pituitary adenomas are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Its existence is an unlikely suspect until the clinical symptoms develop after surgery. This is the first reported case following total hip arthroplasty.

• Authors: Vivek Goel, Ujjwal K Debnath, Jagmohan Singh, Howard L Brydon
• Journal: The Journal of arthroplasty (J Arthroplasty) Vol. 24 Issue 5 Pg. 826.e7-10 (Aug 2009) ISSN: 1532-8406 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18947970 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Arthroplasty, Replacement
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Osteoarthritis (surgery)
• Pituitary Apoplexy (diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
• Pituitary Neoplasms (complications, diagnosis, surgery)
• Postoperative Complications