Ischaemic pituitary tumour apoplexy and concurrent meningitis: a diagnostic dilemma

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Nov 21:2017:bcr2017221614. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221614.

Abstract

Pituitary tumour apoplexy is a rare but potentially life threatening clinical syndrome that mostly results from haemorrhage in the pre-existent tumour. Pure ischaemic subtype of apoplexy is even rarer. The presentation can be hard to differentiate clinically from bacterial meningitis. Moreover, the presence of one does not necessarily exclude the other and early diagnosis of both conditions is imperative for timely management. We report a case of ischaemic pituitary tumour apoplexy that may have precipitated in the setting of bacterial meningitis.

Keywords: headache (including migraines); infection (neurology); neuroimaging; neurooncology; pituitary disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Apoplexy / complications*
  • Pituitary Apoplexy / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Apoplexy / microbiology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / microbiology