Alternative Names & Classifications:
Pituitary Tumor Apoplexy (CLINICAL)
Description
Pituitary apoplexy occurs when a pre-existing, often undiagnosed pituitary adenoma suddenly outgrows its blood supply, leading to acute infarction (tissue death) or hemorrhage into the tumor bed. The sudden bleeding causes the tumor mass to rapidly expand within the confined space of the sella turcica. This acute expansion destroys surrounding functional pituitary tissue and compresses nearby critical structures.