Pituitary apoplexy within a prolactin-secreting macroadenoma in a child: A rare clinical entity with radiological correlation

Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon but potentially fatal syndrome of the pituitary gland, caused by ischemia, hemorrhage, or necrosis that can occur with or without a pre-existing pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET), as reported during pregnancy and in lymphocytic hypophysitis. We present in this paper a case of an 11-year-old girl with pituitary apoplexy. Our patient experienced sudden deterioration in her left eye vision and a headache. The ophthalmological examination reported a divergent strabismus. Brain imaging demonstrated an intra-suprasellar mass with hemorrhagic areas. This paper aims to summarize the key clinical symptoms and typical imaging findings of pituitary apoplexy, with the goal of facilitating early recognition and prompt initiation of appropriate therapy to preserve visual function.