Open AccessTriphasic response of pituitary stalk injury following TBI: a relevant yet uncommonly recognised endocrine phenomenon
Author(s) -
Ansha Goel,
Freba Farhat,
Chad Zik,
Michelle Jeffery
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr-2018-226725
Subject(s) - diabetes insipidus , medicine , pituitary stalk , traumatic brain injury , endocrine system , head injury , antidiuretic , pituitary gland , diabetes mellitus , vasopressin , surgery , hormone , endocrinology , psychiatry
The triphasic response of pituitary stalk injury has previously been described in a minority of patients following intracranial surgery, however, this phenomenon can also occur after traumatic brain injury. We present the case of a 20-year-old male who experienced the triphasic response of pituitary stalk injury (central diabetes insipidus, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone and central diabetes insipidus again) after striking his head on a concrete curb. His history and presentation highlight the importance of recognising the distinctive symptoms of each individual stage of pituitary stalk injury, and using the appropriate diagnostic tools and therapies to guide further management.