Apoplexy in a previously undiagnosed pituitary macroadenoma in the setting of recent COVID-19 infection
Su-Yi Liew, Rachel Seese, A.B. Shames, Kalpita Majumdar
Abstract
Pituitary apoplexy is an endocrine emergency, which commonly presents as hypopituitarism. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can be both life and vision saving. There are a growing number of published case reports postulating a link between COVID-19 and pituitary apoplexy. We report the case of a 75-year-old man who presented with a headache and was later diagnosed with hypopituitarism secondary to pituitary apoplexy. This occurred 1 month following a mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection with no other risk factors commonly associated with pituitary apoplexy. This case, therefore, supplements an emerging evidence base supporting a link between COVID-19 and pituitary apoplexy.
Topics & Concepts
Pituitary apoplexyHypopituitarismCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)MedicineEndocrine system2019-20 coronavirus outbreakPituitary glandSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Pituitary adenomaPituitary diseasePediatricsIntensive care medicineInternal medicinePathologyDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)AdenomaHormoneOutbreakPituitary Gland Disorders and TreatmentsLong-Term Effects of COVID-19Adrenal Hormones and Disorders