Pituitary Apoplexy

**Definition:** The sudden loss of blood supply to the PITUITARY GLAND, leading to tissue NECROSIS and loss of function (PANHYPOPITUITARISM). The most common cause is hemorrhage or INFARCTION of a PITUITARY ADENOMA. It can also result from acute hemorrhage into SELLA TURCICA due to HEAD TRAUMA; INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION; or other acute effects of central nervous system hemorrhage. Clinical signs include severe HEADACHE; HYPOTENSION; bilateral visual disturbances; UNCONSCIOUSNESS; and COMA.

**Tree numbers:** - C10.228.140.300.535.625 - C10.228.140.617.738.350 - C14.907.253.573.600 - C19.700.725

**Synonyms:** - Apoplexy, Pituitary