Abstract
Purpose: To present a single-center experience on pituitary tumor apoplexy and a review of literature focusing on predisposing and precipitating factors. Methods: Clinical presentation of our series of cases. Contemporary published literature is also reviewed. Results: The definition of this syndrome has not been consistent although now the majority of authors agree to definite it as an acute condition caused by hemorrhage or infarction of a pre-existing pituitary adenoma. Different predisposing and precipitating factors have been described in literature; among these antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs, seem to play relevant roles. The clinical cases observed in our clinic confirm these data and suggest a probable association between elderly patients taking anticoagulant therapy and pituitary apoplexy adenoma. Conclusion: Pituitary tumor apoplexy remains a challenging disease in relation to difficulties in correct diagnosis and thus in appropriate treatment. Antithrombotic/anticoagulant therapy may have an important role as precipitating factor. When a pituitary disorder is known, great care should be taken in the prescription of anticoagulant therapy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 739-746 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Endocrinological Investigation |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 1 2016 |
Keywords
- Anticoagulant therapy
- Apoplexy
- Pituitary
- Review
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Endocrinology