Pituitary apoplexy accompanying temporal lobe epilepsy as a complication: case report

Abstract Background : Pituitary apoplexy is an acute clinical syndrome caused by infarction and/or hemorrhage of pituitary adenoma, which typically presents with severe headache, visual deterioration, and endocrine abnormalities. However, temporal lobe epileptic seizure has not been viewed as a symptom of pituitary apoplexy in the literature. Case presentation : To elucidate further such a rare complication of temporal lobe epilepsy-like seizure, we describe here the rare clinical manifestations of a 55-year-old previously healthy male with pituitary apoplexy harboring headache, combined palsies involving cranial nerves III to VI, endocrinologic disturbances, and temporal lobe epilepsy-like seizure. In addition, we discuss the temporal lobe epilepsy associated with pituitary adenoma based on the literature. Conclusion : Although further accumulation of clinical data is needed, we would like to emphasize the importance of recognition of temporal lobe epilepsy-like seizure due to pituitary apoplexy, and to suggest that early surgery should be considered as an option in patients displaying such a rare complication.