Introduction: The prevalence of pituitary dysfunction is high following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and when occurs it may contribute to residual symptoms of aSAH such as decreased cognition and quality of life. Hypopituitarism following aSAH may have non-specific, subtle symptoms and potentially serious consequences if remained undiagnosed.
Methods: We reviewed the literature on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods and management of neuroendocrine changes after aSAH as well as on the impact of pituitary dysfunction on outcome of the patient.
Results: The prevalence rates of pituitary dysfunction after aSAH varies greatly across studies due to different diagnostic methods, though growth hormone deficiency is generally the most frequently reported followed by adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin and thyroid stimulating hormone deficiencies. Pituitary deficiency tends to improve over time after aSAH but new onset deficiencies in chronic phase may also occur. There are no clinical parameters to predict the presence of hypopituitarism after aSAH. Age of the patient and surgical procedures are risk factors associated with development of hypopituitarism but the effect of pituitary dysfunction on outcome of the patient is not clear. Replacement of hypocortisolemia and hypothyroidism is essential but treatment of other hormonal insufficiencies should be individualized.
Conclusions: Hypopituitarism following aSAH necessitates screening despite lack of gold standard evaluation tests and cut-off values in the follow up, because missed diagnosis may lead to untoward consequences.
Keywords: Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage; Diabetes insipidus; Hypopituitarism; Neuroendocrine dysfunction.