Classical pituitary apoplexy is a medical emergency and rapid replacement with hydrocortisone may be life saving. It is a clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of a headache, vomiting, visual impairment and decreased consciousness caused by haemorrhage and/or infarction of the pituitary gland. Pituitary apoplexy is associated with the sudden onset of a headache accompanied or not by neurological symptoms involving the second, third, fourth and sixth cranial nerves.
The purpose of this guidelines is to encourage the widespread adoption of harmonized good practice in the diagnosis and management. Recommendations for diagnosis: Clinical assessment: A diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy should be considered in all patients presenting with acute severe headache with or without neuro-ophthalmic signs. Patients known to have a pituitary tumour must be observed for signs and symptoms…
