Pituitary tumor apoplexy associated with extrapontine myelinolysis during pregnancy: A case report.

Rationale Pituitary tumor apoplexy (PTA) is a rare clinical syndrome which requires urgent diagnosis and treatment due to its life-threatening consequences. Management of undiagnosed pituitary tumor before pregnancy is a problem during pregnancy. Patient concerns We reported a case with PTA which was not diagnosed before pregnancy presenting with vomiting associated with hyponatremia during the third trimester. After supplying the sodium the patient presented with dysarthria and hemiplegia. Diagnoses MRI examination showed PTA accompanied with extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM). Interventions The patient was given hydrocortisone according to the symptoms gradually to taper off dose, at the same times oral levothyroxine therapy (25μg/day) was given. Outcomes The patient delivered a healthy baby via cesarean section at hospital at 38 + 1 week of gestation. We performed MRI examination regularly and the tumor regressed significantly 8 months postpartum. Lessons We reported a case as PTA associated with EPM. Headache during pregnancy is often nonspecific, so careful medical history inquiry is very important.