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Acute Sterile Meningitis as a Primary Manifestation of Pituitary Apoplexy

Authors :
Gayane Tumyan, MD
Yogamaya Mantha, MD
Rahul Gill, MD
Mark Feldman, MD
Source :
AACE Clinical Case Reports, Vol 7, Iss 2, Pp 117-120 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Elsevier, 2021.

Abstract

Objective: We report a case of pituitary apoplexy (PA) with negative radiographic findings for PA and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis consistent with neutrophilic meningitis. PA is a rare endocrinopathy requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Presentation with acute neutrophilic meningitis is uncommon. Methods: The diagnostic modalities included pituitary function tests (adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin), brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CSF analysis. Results: A 67-year-old man presented with worsening headache, nausea, and retching. He was somnolent with an overall normal neurologic examination other than a peripheral vision defect in the left eye. MRI showed a pituitary mass bulging into the suprasellar cistern with optic chiasm elevation, consistent with pituitary macroadenoma. Laboratory evaluation revealed decreased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, random cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. He had worsening encephalopathy with left eye ptosis and decreased vision, prompting a repeat computed tomography and MRI, showing no interval change in the pituitary adenoma or evidence of bleeding. CSF analysis revealed a leukocyte count of 1106/mm3 (89% neutrophils), a total protein level of 138 mg/dL, red blood cell count of 2040/mm3 without xanthochromia, and glucose level of 130 mg/dL. The CSF culture result was negative. Transsphenoidal resection revealed a necrotic pituitary adenoma with apoplexy. Conclusions: Including PA in the differential diagnosis of acute headache is important, particularly in patients with visual disturbances. PA can present with sterile meningitis, mimicking acute bacterial meningitis. While neuroimaging can help detect PA, the diagnosis of PA remains largely clinical.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23760605
Volume :
7
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
AACE Clinical Case Reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.71f55739d853440f98af15ccce67d13f
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aace.2020.11.024