Pituitary apoplexy induced by Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for treating prostate cancer-report of first Asian case

Abstract

Abstract We present the first Asian case of a 77-year-old man who developed pituitary apoplexy (PA) soon after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) (leuprorelin) injection to treat prostate cancer. Headache, ophthalmoplegia, visual field deficit, nausea, and vomiting are the typical characteristics of pituitary apoplexy. Though the occurrence rate is rare, the consequence of this condition can vary from mild symptoms such as headache to life-threatening scenarios like conscious change. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality to detect PA and sublabial trans-sphenoid pituitary tumor removal can resolve most of PA symptoms and is so far the best solution in consensus. We also review 11 previous reported cases receiving GnRHa for androgen deprivation therapy of prostate cancer, and hope to alert clinicians to use GnRHa with caution.