Pituitary apoplexy following cholecystectomy

Abstract

A case of pituitary apoplexy, which presented with hyperaesthesia in the distribution of the ophthalmic division of the left trigeminal nerve and a left sixth nerve palsy following cholecystectomy, is reported. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intrasellar mass which extended laterally into the left cavernous sinus and showed evidence of old and recent haemorrhage within the tumour. This case demonstrates that patients who present with unusual neurological symptoms involving the cranial nerves after general anaesthesia, should undergo neurological and radiological investigations.