Pituitary abscesses

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Abstract
Seven [human] cases of pituitary abscess are presented, and the relevant world literature is reviewed. An enlarged sella co-existing with bacterial meningitis, or bacterial meningitis coinciding with a known or suspected pituitary tumor should suggest the diagnosis of pituitary abscess. Visual field defects should evoke similar suspicion when present in a patient with meningitis. This reasoning preceded the 1st reported preoperative diagnosis of pituitary abscess. In the management of purulent meningitis, skull films are mandatory. If the sella turcica is abnormal, the correct presumptive diagnosis is pituitary abscess. If prompt improvement does not follow appropriate antibiotic therapy, the suspected abscess should be explored and drained via the transsphenoidal approach.

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