Panhypopituitarism after traumatic head injury.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We describe a case report of panhypopituitarism after traumatic head injury. A previously healthy young man suffered a closed head injury and multiple spinal fractures after a motorcycle accident. METHODS: His treatment in the intensive care unit was prolonged because of numerous problems with raised intracranial pressure, hemodynamics, and electrolyte balance. RESULTS: Eventually, hypocortisolism and other pituitary hormone deficiencies were diagnosed. Magnetic resonance images showed incoherent pituitary stalk and re-review of the first computed tomography scans of the day of the accident confirmed hemorrhage in the infundibulum. CONCLUSION: This case and review of the literature suggests that hormone deficiencies are not uncommon after head injuries.