Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The endocrine function was evaluated in 50 patients a minimum of 3.5 months after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function was assessed by studying the circadian rhythm of plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids and with the metyrapone test. In addition, screening methods were used to evaluate thyroid and gonadal functions. The results indicate that hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal disturbances may occur in patients surviving a subarachnoid hemorrhage. In patients who have survived a subarachnoid hemorrhage more than 3.5 months, however, frank hypopituitarism is rare.