Ahn David, Narlapati Hema, Leimbach Robert D
Department of Internal Medicine, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, USA.
Department of Endocrinology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, USA.
Cureus. 2024 Aug 7;16(8):e66414. doi: 10.7759/cureus.66414. eCollection 2024 Aug.
Pituitary macroadenomas, especially those complicated by internal hemorrhage (pituitary apoplexy), can lead to severe endocrine dysfunction and visual disturbances. This is particularly challenging to diagnose in the postpartum period due to physiological changes associated with childbirth and breastfeeding. This case report aims to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic complexities of managing severe hyponatremia and visual changes in a woman with a pituitary macroadenoma in the postpartum period.A 34-year-old female, five months postpartum, presented with a one-month history of intermittent nausea, headaches, and blurry vision, which worsened over the past week. Initial laboratory results revealed severe hyponatremia with a sodium level of 112 mEq/L. Imaging studies, including MRI, confirmed a 1.9 x 1.8 x 1.7 cm pituitary macroadenoma with internal hemorrhage exerting mass effect on the optic chiasm. The patient was managed with hypertonic saline for hyponatremia and empiric glucocorticoid supplementation for suspected adrenal insufficiency. A multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinology, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology was employed to address her complex medical needs. This case underscores the importance of considering pituitary pathology in women presenting with severe hyponatremia and visual changes postpartum. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal management and prevention of long-term complications. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are crucial in ensuring a favorable outcome.
垂体大腺瘤,尤其是那些并发内部出血(垂体卒中)的垂体大腺瘤,可导致严重的内分泌功能障碍和视觉障碍。由于分娩和母乳喂养相关的生理变化,这在产后时期的诊断尤其具有挑战性。本病例报告旨在突出产后垂体大腺瘤女性患者严重低钠血症和视觉变化管理中的诊断和治疗复杂性。一名34岁女性,产后五个月,有一个月的间歇性恶心、头痛和视力模糊病史,在过去一周内病情加重。初始实验室检查结果显示严重低钠血症,血钠水平为112 mEq/L。包括MRI在内的影像学检查证实有一个1.9×1.8×1.7 cm的垂体大腺瘤,内部出血对视交叉产生占位效应。患者因低钠血症接受高渗盐水治疗,并因疑似肾上腺功能不全接受经验性糖皮质激素补充治疗。采用了内分泌科、神经外科和眼科的多学科方法来满足她复杂的医疗需求。本病例强调了产后出现严重低钠血症和视觉变化的女性患者考虑垂体病变的重要性。多学科方法对于最佳管理和预防长期并发症至关重要。早期识别和适当干预对于确保良好结局至关重要。