Pituitary apoplexy Flashcards
1
Q
Symptoms of apoplexy
A
- Headache, nausea, vomiting
- Visual - blurring, CN III, VI palsies
- Decreased consciousness
2
Q
First step after clinically suspecting apoplexy, if patient stable GCS
A
Draw blood for anterior pituitary hormone profile
3
Q
Immediate management of apoplexy
A
IV hydrocortisone 100mg bolus, followed by 50-100mg ever 6 hours
4
Q
Indications for urgent neurosurgical intervention
A
- Visual loss / Progressive field defects
- Ophthalmoplegia
- Decreased consciousness
5
Q
Components of the pituitary apoplexy score
A
- GCS
- Visual acuity
- Visual field defect
- Ocular paresis
6
Q
Pituitary apoplexy - which gender and age at high risk?
A
Middle aged males 5th decade
7
Q
Risk factors for bleeding in a pituitary adenoma
A
- DM
- HT
- Dynamic pituitary hormone testing
- Anticoagulants
- Bromocriptine
- Estrogens
- Radiotherapy
