Hypopituitarism in normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

Hypothalamic hypopituitarism has been associated with the intermittent intracranial hypertension of "normal-pressure" hydrocephalus. Six patients with this condition were studied endocrinologically; five showed evidence of hypothalamohypophyseal insufficiency, and, though only one needed treatment, all needed continued assessment of their endocrine state during follow-up. Thus, hypothalamohypophyseal dysfunction is more common than might be expected. Tests of anterior pituitary function should be preformed before surgical intervention, as such dysfunction may adversely affect survival and the response to ventricular shunting.