Panhypopituitarism after traumatic head injury.

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.