Hypopituitarism in Men with History of Hypovolemic Shock

Abstract

Hypopituitarism is the partial or complete insufficiency of pituitary hormone secretion. It has a diverse etiology, and some causes are of vascular origin. Vascular causes of hypopituitarism are classified as hemorrhagic/ischemic or obstructive/compressive. We report the case of a patient with chronic hypopituitarism found 15 years after the occurrence of hypovolemic shock during surgery performed to remove nasal polyps. We believe that hypopituitarism in this case is very similar to that described by Sheehan, resulting from blood loss and coagulation disorders. Observation of pituitary function in patients with a history of hypovolemic shock may be necessary, as it is mandatory in patients with a history of postpartum bleeding.