Pituitary apoplexy. An unusual cause of thunderclap headaches

A thunderclap headache (TCH) is defined as an excruciating headache which occurs abruptly like "thunder," reaches its maximum point in less than a minute, and should be considered a medical emergency. Below, we present the clinical case of a 49-year-old Colombian patient who developed a thunderclap headache as the initial sign of pituitary apoplexy. He progressed satisfactorily, with no evidence of sequelae, highlighting the early diagnosis of a potentially fatal entity. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2336).

La cefalea tipo trueno (CT) es considerada un dolor de cabeza intolerable, el cual se produce de forma abrupta como un "trueno", alcanza su punto máximo en menos de un minuto después de su aparición, y debe considerarse una emergencia médica. A continuación presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente colombiano, de 49 años quien presenta cefalea tipo trueno como manifestación inicial de apoplejía hipofisaria, con adecuada evolución y sin evidencia secuelar, resaltando el diagnóstico temprano en una entidad potencialmente mortal. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2336).

Síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible inducido por maniobra de Valsalva: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Valsalva maneuver induced-reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: Case report and literature review

RESUMEN El síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible es una entidad clínico-radiológica caracterizada por la presentación de cefalea severa de inicio hiperagudo tipo "trueno", con o sin signos y síntomas neurológicos adicionales en relación a una vasoconstricción arterial cerebral segmentaria que resuelve espontáneamente a los 3 meses. Por la superposición de las manifestaciones clínicas con otras entidades nosológicas, y por los múltiples factores etiológicos asociados, el diagnóstico se convierte en un reto; es imperativo realizarlo de forma temprana para la instauración de un tratamiento adecuado y la prevención de complicaciones. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente en quien se documentó como etiología la realización repetitiva de la maniobra de Valsalva sin otro factor concomitante, se exponen las intervenciones realizadas y se hace una revisión narrativa del tema con énfasis en el diagnóstico diferencial.

SUMMARY Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a clinical-radiological entity characterized by severe and hyperacute onset-thunderclap headache, with or without additional neurological signs and symptoms in relation to a segmental cerebral arterial vasoconstriction that resolves spontaneously at around 3 months. Its clinical manifestations are similar to other diseases, and additionally there are multiple associated etiological factors; early diagnosis becomes a challenge, but is essential to establish proper treatment and prevent complications. We present the case of a female patient in whom the repetitive performance of the Valsalva maneuver without another concomitant factor was documented as etiology, the interventions performed are presented and a narrative review of the topic is made with emphasis on differential diagnosis.

Reversible vasoconstriction syndrome Study and management proposal / Síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible Propuesta de estudio y manejo

Abstract Reversible vasoconstriction syndrome is a group of clinical-radiological alterations that are characterized by severe sudden-onset headaches and reversible multifocal narrowing of the cerebral arteries. Most patients do not present with focal neurological deficit, although it can be seen in a small group, associated with cerebral edema, stroke or seizures. It is considered to be a benign process that causes disability and death in a minority of patients. The term 'reversible vasoconstriction syndrome' has been proposed to unify a variety of clinical syndromes which are similar, but have different etiologies, and have originated various eponyms. The apparently low frequency of reversible vasoconstriction syndrome and the way it presents make it a diagnostic challenge in the emergency room, and it may go unnoticed without an adequate medical history. A case probably related to the use of isometeptene is presented. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1213)

Resumen El síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible es un grupo de alteraciones clínico-radiológicas que se caracterizan por cefaleas intensas de inicio brusco y estrechamiento multifocal reversible de las arterias cerebrales. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentan déficit neurológico focal, aunque puede verse en un grupo reducido asociándose con edema cerebral, ataque cerebrovascular o convulsiones. Es considerado un proceso benigno, en pocos casos originan discapacidad y muerte en una minoría de pacientes. El término de síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible se ha propuesto para unificar a una variedad de síndromes clínicos similares, pero de etiología diferentes y han originados diversos epónimos. La aparente baja frecuencia del síndrome de vasoconstricción reversible y su forma de presentación hace que se convierta en un reto diagnóstico en los servicios de urgencias y puede pasar desapercibido si no se tiene una historia clínica adecuada. Presentamos un caso probablemente relacionado al uso de isometepteno. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1213)

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome with Concurrent Anterior Cerebral Artery Dissection

The pathophysiology of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is not known but coexisting vascular lesion, such as carotid artery and vertebral artery dissection, has been reported. However, RCVS concurrent with anterior cerebral artery dissection has never been reported. We describe a 28-year old patient presenting with anterior cerebral artery dissection with RCVS associated with coughing. This case could support the causality between RCVS and arterial dissection.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Complicated with Cerebral Infarct after Inhaling Ethylene Oxide Gas

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by thunderclap headache and multiple reversible intracranial vasoconstrictions. Here we report a case of RCVS after exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) gas, which is a widely used sterilant. A 34-year-old woman presented with aphasia, right-arm weakness, and severe headache after inhaling EO gas. Brain imaging revealed multiple infarcts and multiple intracranial stenoses. The stenotic lesions completely regressed on follow-up CT angiography. This is the first report of RCVS after exposure to EO gas.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome – A Systematic Approach.

Aims: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare idiopathic clinical syndrome presenting as reversible multifocal segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries, typically affecting middle aged women. A 52 year old lady with radiological features of RCVS is presented. Presentation of Case: A 52 year old lady presented with recurrent thunderclap headache. Initial laboratory and radiological investigations were normal. Over the course of two weeks she developed stroke like symptoms with haemorrhagic transformation. Serial imaging revealed development and resolution of cerebral arterial stricture. Discussion: RCVS is often an under-diagnosed entity in patients with thunderclap headache. The initial MRI may be normal but the repeat MRI after two to three weeks may show features of stroke with associated vascular abnormalities. The follow up of these cases with radiological investigations may help in precise diagnosis. Conclusion: Differentiating RCVS from other causes of thunderclap headache can significantly alter the management options and further prognosis.

Apoplejía tumoral pituitaria / Pituitary tumor apoplexy

La apoplejía tumoral pituitaria es un síndrome infrecuente que resulta del infarto y/o hemorragia espontánea de un adenoma pituitario preexistente. Ya que el evento primario involucra el adenoma, este síndrome debe ser nombrado como apoplejía tumoral pituitaria y no como apoplejía pituitaria. El aumento súbito en la presión de los contenidos de la silla turca da como resultado una cefalea de inicio agudo (puede ser incluso una "cefalea en trueno") de intensidad severa, alteraciones visuales y compromiso en la función pituitaria. El diagnóstico se basa en una alta sospecha clínica, imagen por resonancia magnética y medición de hormonas hipofisiarias en sangre. El tratamiento se basa en medidas de soporte (líquidos intravenosos y corticoides) y en casos sin buena respuesta o con deterioro neurológico, descompresión de silla turca. A continuación presentamos el caso de un adenoma previamente no diagnosticado que debutó como apolejía tumoral pituitaria. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 249-253).

Pituitary tumor apoplexy is an infrequent condition resulting from infarction and/or spontaneous bleeding from a pre-existing pituitary adenoma. This entity requires the prior existence of an adenoma in order to be named as pituitary tumor apoplexy, otherwise, it should be named pituitary apoplexy. The sudden increase in pressure of the sella turcica's contents results in a clinical syndrome characterized by headache (which can be "thunderclap headache"), visual disturbances and hypopituitarism. Diagnosis is not always straight forward and requires high clinical suspicion in addition to magnetic resonance imaging and measurement of serum pituitary hormones. Treatment is mainly based on supportive measures (intravenous fluids and steroids) and surgical decompression in those cases with no response to medical treatment and progressive neurological impairment. We report the case of a patient with a previously unknown pituitary adenoma presenting as a tumor apoplexy. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 249-253).

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome secondary to catheter ablation / Síndrome de vasoconstrição reversível secundária à ablação por cateter

We report a case of a 41-year-old woman with chagasic cardiomyopa-thy who was submitted to ventricular septal catheter ablation. After the procedure she evolved with new-onset thunderclap headaches followed by migraine-type headaches. Cerebral angiography revealed bilateral segmental stenosis of the middle cerebral arteries.

Relatamos um caso de uma mulher de 41 anos de idade, portadora de cardiomiopatia chagásica, que foi submetida à ablação ventricu-lar septal por cateter. Após o procedimento, a paciente apresentou cefaleia em trovoada de início recente seguida de cefaleia do tipo migranosa. A angiografia cerebral revelou estenoses segmentares bilaterais em território de artéria cerebral média.

Bladder Pheochromocytoma Presented as Thunderclap Headache Triggered by Urination and Angina Pectoris / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor characterized by hypertension, headache, tachycardia, excessive diaphoresis, and angina pectoris. The thunderclap headache is so named because the pain strikes suddenly and severely. Although the symptoms of bladder pheochromocytoma are rather evident, the diagnosis of this rare neuroendocrine tumor can be missed. This study reports the case of a woman diagnosed with bladder pheochromocytoma who experienced thunderclap headache triggered by urination and angina pectoris as an initial manifestation. This case study suggests that thunderclap headache and angina pectoris occurring concurrently with sudden blood pressure elevation during or immediately after urination are important diagnostic clues of bladder pheochromocytoma.

Dynamic Arterial Change of Cerebral Vasoconstriction in Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

No abstract available.

A Case of Right Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction Presenting as Thunderclap Headache

Thunderclap headache refers to a sudden and severe headache that comes unexpectedly, reminding one of a clap of thunder. The initial description of this type of headache was in association with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. It is known to be a presenting feature of subarachnoid hemorrhage, unruptured intracranial aneurysm, cerebral venous thrombosis, cervical artery dissection, spontaneous intracranial hypotension, pituitary apoplexy, retroclival hematoma, and hypertensive reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. A formula for diagnostic assessment of thunderclap headache, such as brain computed tomographic scan and spinal tap, should be established. We experienced a case of cerebral infarction presented with thunderclap headache, diagnosed using diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We suggest that, even when these patients have shown non-specific findings on neurological examination, brain computed tomography, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, diffusion MRI should be considered for differential diagnosis of thunderclap headache in emergency medical services.

Bilateral Anterior Cerebral Artery Infarction Associated with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

No abstract available.

Causes of Thunderclap Headache and Diagnostic Assessment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Thunderclap headache is a sudden severe headache. It is an uncommon type of headache. Identifying it in time and accurate diagnosis are very important because this type of headache is often complicating serious cerebral diseases. This article reviews its causes and diagnostic assessments.