Cerebral vasospasm after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: Case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a rare complication of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

CASE REPORT

The authors describe a symptomatic cerebral ischemia due to an internal carotid, left middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery vasospasm in a patient undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary macro adenoma. The patient was successfully treated by an endovascular balloon angioplasty.

CONCLUSION

This issue should be taken into account, even when rare, in every patient who has surgery for a pituitary tumor, particularly when it concerns a large macro adenoma with suprasellar extension. Special precautions must be taken to avoid this rare complication.